August 16, 2006
Chicago, IL
BAPS
Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Chicago celebrated the 2nd patotsav
of the mandir on a grand scale with devotees and invited guests
from the entire mid-west region on Wednesday, August 16, 2006.
The occasion began early morning with prayers in front of
the sacred idol of Bhagwan Swaminarayan within the mandir.
After sadhus performed the ritual 'Panchamrut' abhishek, an
annakut was offered to the deities.
As
the day progressed, celebrations were carried out in the front
courtyard of the mandir where a Vishva Shanti Maha Yagna with
46 yagna kunds was organized. Devotees sat around yagna kunds
and prayed for world peace, inner harmony, prosperity in life,
and spiritual happiness as vedic mantras were chanted. The
yagna was conducted by Pujya Shrutiprakash Swami in the presence
of Pujya Bhaktipriya Swami (Pujya Kothari Swami). Thereafter,
in a special evening assembly memorable moments and events
from the mandir's opening in 2004 were re-visited.
Complimenting
Wednesday's celebrations, another assembly was held on Sunday,
August 20th. Several skits, dances, and video presentations
demonstrated the role of mandirs in society. Dignitaries present
included Illinois State Representative Randy Ramey and Consul
general of India Shri Arun Kumar.
Photo
gallery
