Monday 25 September 2023 | Bhadarva Sud 10/11, Samvat 2079
Mon 25 Sep 2023
Janmashtami was celebrated at Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kingsbury on Thursday 7th September.
Janmashtami is significant in the Swaminarayan Faith as it marks the manifestation day of Sadguru Shree Ramamand Swami – the Lord’s own Guru. Shree Ramanand Swami was sent by the Lord to create the platform of the Satsang and to announce the forthcoming arrival of the supreme Lord Shree Swaminarayan. The day’s importance is amplified as it was also the day in Samvat 1976 when Jeevanpran Abji Bapashree established the Satsang Mahasabha to protect the faith and its assets.
Shree Hari Krishna Maharaj was seated on a golden cradle (paranyu) and gently swung to the accompaniment of jubilant singing of kirtans to form the Janmashtami Ochhav. This was followed with a pragatya Aarti and Thaal was offered to the Lord. Video darshan explaining the significance of Janmashtami was observed by all.
Hundreds of visitors streamed through the Mandir doors throughout the day as the Mandir remained open all day for those wishing for the Lord’s darshan on this auspicious occasion.
Acharya Shree Jitendriyapriyadasji Swamiji Maharaj is the current spiritual leader of Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan. He is the heir to Acharya Shree Purushottampriyadasji Swamishree Maharaj, and sixth in the lineage of ascetic Acharyas, which descends directly from Lord Shree Swaminarayan.