An inspirational musical production titled Divya Darshan was performed by the women’s forum of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, Leicester on Saturday 12 November 2011 in celebration of the new Mandir.

Approximately 1,700 ladies enjoyed the enthralling performance, including Lady Gretton, Lord-Lieutenant and the Representative of Her Majesty the Queen for the County and City of Leicester, and also the assistant City Mayor, Councillor Manjula Sood.

Divya Darshan depicted the faith and glory of female devotees of the past and illustrated how women have played an essential part in creating the beautiful new mandir in Leicester. Through expertly choreographed dance and drama performances, and with the vivacity of vibrant colours and music, the guests were able to vividly appreciate the invaluable work of women in shaping our past and present.

The production drew from inspirational figures and themes found in revered Hindu texts such as the Ramayan and Mahabharat, and from the time of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. It included the stories of:

• Shabri, whose untiring devotion to Shri Rama was rewarded by a personal visit after a lifelong ardent wait

• Draupadi, whose unflinching faith in Shri Krishna protected and guided her through the most testing of times

• Jivuba, whose profound devotion and piety caused a murti of Bhagwan Swaminarayan to come to life

The evening proved an outstanding success in providing a useful insight into the achievements and contribution of Hindu women past and present.