Acharya Swamishree’s Arrival
His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree accepted prayers from his beloved disciples in Chicago and arrived to Chicago from Oaklahoma on the morning of Friday, July 26th, 2013. He landed in the parking lot of Chicago Mandir straight from O’Hare airport by a helicopter at around 11am, where his disciples had been eagerly waiting for his Divine Darshan on that rainy morning.
A grand procession, where his devotees were singing and dancing joyously, brought Acharya Swamishree into the Temple. This was followed by swagat ceremony welcoming Beloved Bapa and his Santos. Acharya Swamishree then performed Arati and Niyams before concluding the morning proceedings.
Saturday Evening
Saturday evening began with Gurupoornima Celebration, Beloved Acharya Swamishree’s Birthday Celebration and Bhakti Sangeet. The evening celebrations commenced with Acharya Swamishree performing poojan vidhi to Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa’s divine murti. Then young disciples took part in celebrating His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree’s 71st manifestation day. The evening concluded with devotional singing by talented Saints and disciples.
Patotsav Day
Annual Patotsav Celebration of Shree Swaminarayan Temple Chicago was held on Sunday, July 28th, 2013. Shortly after Mangla Aarti, Acharya Swamishree commenced the Patotsav ceremony. During the patotsav ceremony Acharya Swamishree performed the auspicious shodshopchaar poojan of Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa.
A grand Ankoot, prepared and arranged by talented saints, was placed at the lotus feet of Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa. Acharya Swamishree, sant mandal and all disciples performed the Ankoot aarti. Acharya Swamishree then blessed all devotees with his Divine Ashirwad.
On the same day, at around 4pm, Acharya Swamishree departed from Chicago for Murti Pratishtha in Louiseville, Kentucky.