Saturday 9 December 2023 | Kartik Vad 12, Samvat 2080
Sat 9 Dec 2023
Sharad Poornima
Sharad poornima is the last poonam before the end of the Hindu calendar. The 'Sharad' in Sharad Purnima signifies the 'Sharad ritu' (season) of the year. The bright light on this full moon day marks the changing season, the end of monsoon. A sweet dish by the name of "Doodhpaak" is consumed which is made of boiled milk and rice flakes.
Devotees gathered to celebrate this bright moon night at Maninagar Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan, Shree Swaminarayan Siddhant Sajivan Mandal - Nairobi. A magnificent display of utensils was placed, upon which Lord Swaminarayan, Jeevanpran Shree Abjibapashree and Muktajeevan Swamibapa were seated to bless the devotees that graced this occasion. The utensils are placed because the moon shines the brightest on this night and the moonlight reflects off the utensils making it even more brighter.
After Sandhya Arti niyams, devotees gathered around The Lord for a samuh raas. Mahaprasad was served thereafter.
.
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.