Friday 3 February 2023 | Maha Sud 13, Samvat 2079
Fri 3 Feb 2023
Sunday 26th of August 2007 marked the seventh anniversary of the installation of the supreme Murtis of Shree Ghanshyam Maharaj, Jeevanpran Shree Abji Bapashree and Jeevanpran Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa at Shree Swaminarayan Temple London by His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree. In addition to it being the seventh patotsav ceremony, three other occasions were being celebrated today: The 25th anniversary of the current London temple; His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree’s 65th birthday; and of course, the ongoing Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Shatabadi (centenary) celebrations.
The day commenced with Acharya Swamishree performing the auspicious shodshopchaar poojan of Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa.
Thereafter, Acharya Swamishree presided over the traditional flag raising ceremony.
The sants then offered an array of lavish food items in the form of an annkut to the Lord, and everyone was given the opportunity to offer aarti, before Acharya Swamishree delivered His divine ashirwad.
A special dance had been composed in celebration of Acharya Swamishree’s 65th birthday, in which 65 participants were dotted all around the temple. After the dance, Acharya Swamishree cut the different cakes, which included 65 individual cakes and cakes in the shape of the numbers 25, 65 and 100, and offered it to Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa. Sadguru Shree Akhileshwardasji Swami then offered Acharya Swamishree cake on behalf of the entire congregation.
The day concluded with everyone taking prasad thaar.
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.