Sharad Purnima coincides with the annual harvest festival observed on the last ‘Full Moon’ (Poonam) before the end of the Hindu calendar. This full moon comes during Sharad ritu (season) of the year, hence the name Sharad Poonam or Sharad Purnima.
This year, hundreds of devotees gathered on the evening of 9th October 2022 to rejoce this day with wit and delight. The evening began with Divine Ashirwad followed by Sandhya Aarti being performed to Lord Swaminarayan Bapa Swamibapa.
A young disciple explained the true meaning of Sharad Poonam in a blend of English and Gujarati to capture all of the congregation and educate all about the auspicious occasion. She explained that during Samuh Raas, The Lord is seated upon an Asan decorated with silver and utensils because “The bright moon is reflected from the silver and creates a peaceful setting in all directions. Passion, anger, lust, greed and other internal enemies are reflected back”.
Hence, bowls, spoons, plates and glasses made of stainless steel were assembled in a beautiful exhibit in the hall where disciples congregated to begin the Samuh Raas programme. A band of our very own musicians singing kirtans provided vibrant entertainment whilst devotees were engrossed with devotion to the kirtans.
On this occasion, doodh pawa (sweetened milk with flattened rice) is distributed as Prasad following the conclusion of the evening.
Acharya Shree Jitendriyapriyadasji Swamiji Maharaj is the current spiritual leader of Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan. He is the heir to Acharya Shree Purushottampriyadasji Swamishree Maharaj, and sixth in the lineage of ascetic Acharyas, which descends directly from Lord Shree Swaminarayan.
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Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Bolton
161 Deane Road
Bolton, Greater Manchester
BL3 5AH
Tel: +44 1204 533 558
Tel: +44 7529 981422 / Bolton@SwaminarayanGadi.com
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