Lord Shree Swaminarayan, also known as Sahajanand Swami, manifested on April 3rd, 1781 (Chaitra Sud 9, Samvat 1837), in the small village of Chhapaiya, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. He was raised by pious parents Darmadev and Bhaktimata. Lord Shree Swaminarayan's manifestation day is celebrated annually in the Swaminarayan Sampraday around the world and is commonly referred to as "Swaminarayan Jayanti," or "Hari Jayanti."
During this year's celebration at the Secaucus Temple, disciples were graced with the presence of divine sants with their recent arrival from Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Mandir in Maninagar, Ahmedabad. The temple was decorated with flowers, birthday cards from young disciples, and colorful decorations.
The celebrations began with a 2 hour dhoon as devotees recited prayers and devotional hymns in honor of Lord Shree Swaminarayan. Upon conclusion of the dhoon, sants escorted Lord Shree Swaminarayan to the temple hall as guests followed behind with offerings for the Lord. Sants and disciples then cut a cake to offer to Lord Shree Swaminarayan in celebration of His 242nd manifestation day. Young devotees also participated in the cultural and spiritual activities by singing a kirtan and performing a dance. Following the performances, sants and disciples addressed the congregation making remarks on the importance of Shree Swaminarayan Jayanti. The celebration's events proceeded with an utsav in which devotees continued singing the lord's praises together.
Secaucus Temple devotees and guests were also excited to welcome Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez and her team to the temple. Prosecutor Suarez addressed the congregation and thanked the community for inviting her and allowing her to join in on our celebrations. As a show of gratitude, Prosecutor Suarez provided younger disciples with goodie bags.
Shree Swaminarayan Jayanti celebrations concluded as sants and disciples performed aarti of the Lord. All guests in attendance were provided freshly prepared farrari prasad. Secaucus Temple would like to thank every one who was able to attend the event and welcome them back with open arms in the future.
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.
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