| Murti
Pratishtha and Annakut: 29 October 2000: Kartik sud 2, Chicago, USA
Swamishri arrived for his morning pooja in the
large tent, led by the
Akshar Marching Band, Dallas. The assembly hall was
full with devotees who had gathered early for darshan of Swamishri's last morning
pooja of this satsang tour to America . At
10:00am Swamishri arrived, again led by the Akshar Marching Band, in the
assembly hall of the new haveli to perform the murti pratishtha ceremony of the
new murtis. Two hundred and twenty-five devotees participated in the mahapooja
ceremony preceding the murti pratishtha. A
mammoth annakut spanning 120 ft along the length of the assembly hall was offered
to the newly-inaugurated murtis.
Swamishri performed the murti pratishtha
and Annakut arti and then made his way to giant tent for the murti pratishtha
assembly. Following Pujya Viveksagar
Swami's enlightening speech and a vote of thanks to all who had contributed to
the success of the 10-day Haveli Mahotsav, Swamishri blessed the assembly, "Because
of your devotion God had blessed us with good weather during these celebrations….
Shriji Mahraj has said that one should never tire of engaging in devotional activities….Shastriji
Maharaj never tired - he served until 86 years of age. Even Yogiji Maharaj tirelessly
inspired the development of youth activities. "This
service is for the benefit of society and for our own salvation….God has
given us this human body, so we should use it to serve Him….All of you have
served in this project by donating your time, energy and resources wholeheartedly.
But this project does not end here. We still have to build the mandir and God
will give us the strength to do this service. "God
welcomes all. It is not like in offices where there is a notice 'No admission
without permission.' His doors are open to all - whatever one's caste, creed or
nationality. Whoever helps in God's work will attain Akshardham."
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