The auspicious day that the supreme Lord Shree Swaminarayan chose to give darshan upon the Earth as Shree Abji Bapashree was Prabhodhini Ekadashi (Kartik Sud Ekadashi, Samvat 1901). The 170th anniversary of this historic occasion was celebrated at Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kingsbury on Monday 3 November 2014.

Disciples gathered at the Mandir and performed the Swaminarayan Mahamantra dhoon (continuous chanting of the Lord’s name), before Shree Abji Bapashree presided in a decorated golden cradle and His pragatya aarti was performed. Disciples sang verses in praise of Bapashree whilst everyone was given the opportunity of performing poojan and aarti. The divine Ashirwad of Gurudev Jeevanpran Swamibapa was then heard, in which He explains in clear terms the identity and magnificence of Jeevanpran Bapashree.

This particular Ekadashi is especially significant in the Karan Satsang; six anniversaries fall on this day:

Prabodhini Ekadashi also marks the end of the auspicious chaturmas (4 month) period of additional vows. It is also known as Dev-utthi Ekadashi – the deities awaken after their 4 month siesta.