Wednesday 29 November 2023 | Kartik Vad 2, Samvat 2080
Wed 29 Nov 2023
Amrut Padarpan Mahotsav - Mahapooja
Amrut Padarpan Mahotsav - Preparations
Hundreds of devotees have been eagerly anticipating the Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa East Africa Padarpan Amrut Mahotsav taking place on 22nd to 26th December, and preparations have been in full swing at Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Nairobi. Devotees have worked hard in making sure the preparations are all set and up on time for the event. Everyone enthusiastically gave their Seva and Gnan Mahodadhi Acharya Swamiji Maharaj also paid a visit to the Mahotsav preparations and to give His divine darshan to the Sants and devotees that have been working so tirelessly to ready the Sabha Mandap, Chariots and many other aspects.
The Mahapooja ceremony is a special act of devotion and prayer, devised by the spiritual heir of Lord Shree Swaminarayan, Sadguru Shree Gopalanand Swamibapa. The Mahapooja ceremony was first performed and led by Shree Gopalanand Swamibapa immediately after the supreme Lord had withdrawn His human appearance. Through performing this devotion, Sadguru Shree Gopalanand Swamibapa alleviated the sorrow from the distressed Sants and disciples caused as a result of the Lord’s departure. Since then, this Mahapooja ceremony is performed during special festivals, scripture recitals, blessings and celebrations.
The Benefactors of the mahotsav gathered to recite the 108 names of the Lord - performing individual poojas with rice grain and kankoo.
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.