Pramukh swami nagar

Unless you’ve been hibernating, you’ve probably heard (and seen) about the ongoing month-long Pramukh Swami Maharaj Centenary Festival and are tuned in to the buzz around the wonderland that is the 600-acre Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar. The Nagar hosts several events through the day and has some mind-boggling attractions — it’s the kind of place where you could spend an entire day. But if you are short on time and have only a few hours on hand or are the kind who likes to plan things before they head out, here’s a guide that may help. Maha-Murti The 30-feet high statue of Pramukh Swami Maharaj towers over the sprawling Nagar and can be spotted from a considerable distance. Located at the centre of the Nagar, the statue stands surrounded by the ‘Goodness 24 Hour’, a unique clock built around Pramukh Swami promise of being available for his people 24x7. Each hour is depicted alongside an incident and photograph from the life of Pramukh Swami that took place at that hourat some time in his life - be it him stopping at a devotee’s house to uphold his promise despite being unwell or urging another devotee to take care of his lonely, aging neighbour. Time to see: Around 30 minutes Delhi Akshardham Temple For those who’ve only heard about the Akshardham Temple in Delhi but haven’t had a chance to visit it, stepping into the replica at the Nagar is recommended. The replicated temple has the idols of Pramukh Swami and a few other Hindu gods and goddesses. A highlight of this replica...

• It is important to remember the Gate Number through which you entered. In case of being separated from your group, pre-decide a meeting spot near that gate. • Parents must keep a card with their names and contact numbers inside the pockets of their children. Thus, the parents can be informed immediately in case a child gets separated. • Kindly take care of your valuables, wallets and purses. • Information Desks are present at six different places inside the Nagar. If you find or lose any valuables or a child, please contact the Information Desks.

Home Minister of India Shri Amitbhai Shah visited the Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar, where he was welcomed by Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami with a garland. Thereafter, Brahmavihari Swami told the home minister about the plans for developing the festival site. Then, Shri Amitbhai performed the Vedic pujan rituals of a kalash and placed it in the ground near the main festival gate.

India ‘National Sant Sammelan’ of Over 250 Mahants and Acharyas at Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar in Ahmedabad The esteemed delegates arrived at Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar in the morning, where they were ceremoniously welcomed at the main ‘Sant Dwar’ entrance gate by hundreds of BAPS swamis before being led on a colourful procession through the Nagar. Bhagwan Swaminarayan rejuvenated the monastic heritage during his presence on earth over 240 years ago. He brought about a peaceful transformation in society by inspiring thousands of people to live a spiritually moral life through the more than 3,000 sadhus (Hindu monks) that he had ordained. Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s fifth spiritual successor, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, brought further glory to this sacred sadhu heritage throughout the world. To pay tribute to Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s broad vision, saintliness and genuine respect for sadhus of all sampradayas, a National Sant Convention was held as part of the centennial celebrations of Pramukh Swami Maharaj in which more than 250 leading swamis, mahants and acharyas from all over India gathered. The esteemed delegates arrived at Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar in the morning, where they were ceremoniously welcomed at the main ‘Sant Dwar’ entrance gate by hundreds of BAPS swamis before being led on a colourful procession through the Nagar. The convention then commenced in the conference hall amid the chanting of Vedic verses. Excerpts of Speeches from the National Sant Conve...

A rare soul who always lived for others and at the same time remained totally absorbed in God. A peaceful, humble, simple and spiritual personality – this is Pramukh Swami Maharaj. This great guru, the fifth spiritual successor in Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s succession of Gunatit gurus, was born in a farmer’s family on 7 December 1921, in the village of Chansad, located near Vadodara. His childhood name was Shantilal. And true to his name, peace was the introduction to his personality. From his childhood, his inclination was to perform spiritual austerities in the Himalayas. However, during his adolescent years, he was attracted to the pure life of Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj, Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s third spiritual successor. After completing his initial studies at the age of 18, he renounced the world and was initiated by Shastriji Maharaj in 1940, and renamed Narayanswarupdas Swami. His striking humility, noble services, saintliness and selfless desire to help all, won him the love of everyone. In 1950, when he was only 28 years old, Shastriji Maharaj appointed him as the president of BAPS. From then on, he affectionately became known as ‘Pramukh Swami’. Shastriji Maharaj passed away in 1951, declaring Yogiji Maharaj as his spiritual successor. Thereafter, Pramukh Swami served under the guidance and blessings of Yogiji Maharaj. In 1971, he became the spiritual successor of Brahmaswarup Yogiji Maharaj and his life has continued to be an inspiration to countless people, guid...