Asthi Suman Visarjan Remembrance Sabha

Watch

Acharya Swamishree Maharaj Devotional Remembrance Sabha

On Saturday, August 6th, 2022, Acharya Shree Jitendriyapriyadasji Swamiji Maharaj performed the Asthi Suman Visarjan (immerse the divine ashes) of Ved Ratna Acharya Shree Purushottampriyadasji Swamishree Maharaj into the Hudson River. Not only is this a historic location, but Jeevanpran Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa blessed the Hudson River with a boat ride in His only visit to the United States in 1970 where Acharya Shree Purushottampriyadasji Swamishree Maharaj was also present. Gurudev Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa's heir, Acharya Shree Purushottampriyadasji Swamishree Maharaj's 63rd manifestation anniversary celebration was also held on the Hudson River in 2005.

Disciples gathered in the early morning of this historic day at Shree Swaminarayan Temple - Secaucus, New Jersey where breakfast was served after Mangla aarti. At around 8:30am, disciples were transported from the temple to Liberty State Park in school buses. Guests, disciples and Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band USA were eagerly waiting at the park's entrance for Acharya Swamiji Maharaj's arrival.

Upon Acharya Swamiji Maharaj's arrival to Liberty State Park, New Jersey, Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band USA saluted Acharya Swamiji Maharaj and escorted Acharya Swamiji Maharaj, sants and guests to the fallen victims memorial. Acharya Swamiji Maharaj laid a wreath in honor of the fallen victims as Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band USA saluted to them as well. The band then led the procession to the sabha location.

The sabha commenced with Sant Shiromani Shree Sarvapriyadasji Swami addressing the congregation, recounting episodes of Ved Ratna Acharya Swamishree Maharaj. Sants performed kirtan bhakti in honor of Ved Ratna Acharya Swamishree Maharaj. Acharya Swamiji Maharaj then performed poojan of Ved Ratna Acharya Swamishree Maharaj and adorned Him with a garland of roses, performed poojan of the Kalash and performed the panchamrut snan – ceremonial bathing with the five nectars – of Shree Ghanshyam Maharaj. After the poojan, Acharya Swamiji Maharaj blessed all the disciples with prasad of pendo. Acharya Swamiji Maharaj blessed guests. Guests included a representative from Governor Phil Murphy's office, representatives from the state park, state police and the boat captain.

A short procession was led from the sabha to the boat dock in which Acharya Swamiji Maharaj carried Ved Ratna Acharya Swamishree Maharaj's divine ashes. Once aboard the boat, Acharya Swamiji Maharaj, Sants and disciples were taken for a tour of lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. Acharya Swamiji Maharaj then performed the Asthi Suman Visarjan by scattering Ved Ratna Acharya Swamiji Maharaj's divine ashes into the Hudson River as Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band USA performed on the boat in remembrance. Hundreds of disciples witnessed this historic event from the Liberty State Park boardwalk.

Following the morning's Asthi Suman Visarjan event, there was a devotional remembrance in the evening for disciples to recount stories of Ved Ratna Acharya Swamishree Maharaj. Multiple disciples addressed the congregation and shared deep and personal stories of Ved Ratna Acharya Swamishree Maharaj and praised Him for all that He had done for us. In between the remembrances, everyone in attendance had the pleasure of watching a highlights video of Ved Ratna Acharya Swamishree Maharaj's major accomplishments and moments for Shree Swaminarayan Gadi in the North America through his 25 vicharans. This day truly brought back memories of Acharya Swamishree Maharaj to all.