Friday 1 December 2023 | Kartik Vad 4, Samvat 2080
Fri 1 Dec 2023
On Tuesday, June 30, 2015, His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree, with a mandal of twenty-one eminent sants, arrived at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois, for the annual North American Vicharan. This year will mark the fifteenth consecutive year Acharya Swamishree and sants grace the disciples residing North America with their divine presence. Acharya Swamishree and sants were escorted via private limousines from the airport to Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Temple in Streamwood, Illinois. Disciples welcomed Acharya Swamishree in a grand indoor chariot into the temple. The temple was adorned with beautiful decorations, including rangoli made from grains and nuts, unique balloon sculptures, and intricate string displays. Acharya Swamishree also cut a cake in honor of His recent manifestation day celebration and concluded the welcome ceremony with aarti and evening niyams. The disciples were really eager to welcome Acharya Swamishree and eminent sants for their North American Vicharan, which most notably includes the first-ever North America Convention this year.
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.