April 2009 Annual Subscription Rs. 60 - Swaminarayan Sanstha

BAPS FESTIVAL
Fuldol Celebration
Sarangpur, 11 March 2009
Over 60,000 devotees from throughout
India and abroad gathered in
Sarangpur for the grand double celebration
of Bhagatji Maharaj’s 180th Birthday
and Pushpadolotsav in the presence of Pramukh
Swami Maharaj.
Held on the spacious grounds of the BAPS
Vidyamandir, Sarangpur, the evening celebration
assembly began with inspiring speeches by
senior sadhus and bhajans. Afterwards, publications
by Swaminarayan Aksharpith in Gujarati,
Telugu, Kannad and Tamil were inaugurated by
Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Amrutvani 13, a
selection of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s audio
blessings over the past year, was also released.
Thereafter, Swamishri blessed the assembly,
“Yogiji Maharaj used to talk about ‘bhida bhakti’.
You all understand the glory and divinity of
Akshar and Purushottam, Shastriji Maharaj and
Yogiji Maharaj, respect their work and so you
all tolerate such difficulties here.
“All have been tolerating hardships for
countless births. But that was for worldly happiness
and wealth, whereas the inconveniences
tolerated here are for the kalyan of one’s atma.
The purpose of this human body is to attain
kalyan. Gunatitanand Swami used to say, ‘This
body is for becoming akshar-rup and worshipping
Purushottam.’ So, these difficulties are tolerated
for attaining ultimate kalyan and the
divine bliss of God.
“Worldly desires, attachments and one’s
nature are all forms of maya. Prayers are
offered so that they do not hinder. To overcome
maya, the refuge of God is required. To cross
the ocean, a small boat is of no use, one needs
a large ship. Thus, God is the large ship that
helps one to cross the ocean of maya. We have
the association of greats like Gunatitanand
Swami, Shastriji Maharaj and Yogiji Maharaj
and so should attach to them. How does one
attach to them? By following their wishes and
commands one will experience inner bliss and
eternal peace. As one’s satsang is strengthened
attachment for the world diminishes.
“One tolerates hardships to gain worldly
24 Swaminarayan Bliss ◆ April 2009