On Sunday 16 July 2023, hundreds of disciples gathered at the pilgrimage site in Richmond Park to celebrate the life and times of our beloved Gurudev Jeevanpran Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa and our Prem Murti Ved Ratna Acharya Swamishree Maharaj.
It was here that in August 1979, Jeevanpran Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa visited during His UK vicharan. Following His departure from this mortal world, disciples residing in the UK scattered His divine ashes here on 6th October that year. Just over 42 years later, on Saturday 4th December 2021, Gnan Mahodadhi Acharya Swamiji Maharaj, Sants and disciples visited the pilgrimage site in Richmond, to immerse the divine ashes of Ved Ratna Acharya Swamishree Maharaj into the River Thames.
A special commemoration assembly was held exactly three years after our beloved Ved Ratna Acharya Swamishree Maharaj departed from this mortal world. The assembly commenced with a heart-warming telephone call from Acharya Swamiji Maharaj who is currently touring North America. There couldn't have been a more memorable start to this special sabha than His live Ashirwad. The air was filled with sentiment and devotion as the devotees began to sing soulful Kirtan Bhakti.
This was followed by the divine Ashirwad of Ved Ratna Acharya Swamishree Maharaj; the last Ashirwad which he delivered in London on 2nd September 2019. In this Ashirwad, Swamishree Maharaj explained the importance of keeping absolute faith in the Karan Satsang and the power of the Lord’s darshan.
The sabha then transitioned into a period of meditation (dhyan), uniting their souls with the Murti of Lord Swaminarayan. Thereafter, disciples sang the heartfelt prarthna for Acharya Swamishree Maharaj followed by the kirtan 'Shreejibapa Murtima Amane Rakhajo'; both of which were sung at every prarthna Sabha on the days following Swamishree Maharaj's departure from this mortal world.
The sponsors of the event performed Panchamrut Abhishek (ceremonial bathing with the five nectars) to the divine Murtis of Gurudev Jeevanpran Swamibapa and Prem Murti Acharya Swamishree Maharaj. Disciples had the opportunity to perform Aarti and Abhishek to the Murti's, expressing their sincere devotion.
The experience was truly unique and special for all devotees. The memories shared, the divine blessings received, and the collective spiritual journey served as a reminder of the unwavering love and reverence held for our beloved Gurudev Jeevanpran Swamibapa and our Prem Murti Bapa.