The means to destroy one’s arrogance is learned on the third day of the Mahotsav followed by a wonderful tribute to Jeevanpran Swamibapa's Musical mastery in an evening of devotion, joy & song in the evening.

The third day of the Mahotsav commenced when Acharya Swamishree Maharaj arrived at Smruti Mandir to the eagerly awaiting crowds who were keen for His divine darshan. When Acharya Swamishree Maharaj emerged from the Mandir, He embarked on a golden chariot, which was hand-drawn into the Sabha Mandap.

Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band Maninangar had the sole honour of leading Acharya Swamishree Maharaj this morning – His chariot was drawn towards the Sinhasan as the recital of the Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Granth scripture was concluding. After the Band saluted Acharya Swamishree Maharaj and departed, the congregation enjoyed His divine ashirwad.

Today’s ashirwad was focussed on the ruin in all aspects of life that can be caused by one’s arrogance, and what must be done to overcome this worst of internal enemies. To read highlights of Acharya Swamishree Maharaj ashirwad, follow @SGadiManinagar or click here http://twitter.com/SGadiManinagar

After ashirwad concluded, the renowned musician and recipient of one of India’s highest honours, Padma Vibhushan Pandit Jasraj, arrived for the darshan of Lord Shree Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa and Acharya Swamishree Maharaj. He was honoured with a paag and memento of the Mahotsav. The Padma Vibhushan is the second-highest civilian award of the Republic of India, given for "exceptional and distinguished service". Since its establishment in 1954, the award has been bestowed to less than 300 individuals to date. In recognition of his remarkable contribution, and diligent devotion to the art and discipline of sangeet, Acharya Swamishree Maharaj bequeathed Padma Vibhushan Pandit Jasraj with the title of “Sur Tapasvi” on behalf of Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan.

A compilation of devotional songs describing the glory and magnificence of the supreme Lord Shree Swaminarayan, Jeevanpran Shree Abji Bapashree and Gurudev Swamibapa, called “Krupalu Bapashree”, was inaugurated by Acharya Swamishree Maharaj.

Scriptures Released Today

#	Scripture	Author
1	Muktanand Kirtanavali	Sadguru Shree Muktanand Swami – regarded as the ‘mother’ of the Faith - wrote numerous splendid devotional poems that narrate the divine deeds and glory of Lord Shree Swaminarayan, and this scripture is a collation of these.
2	Sanskar Deepika Parts 6 and 7 (English)	Acharya Swamishree Purushottampriyadasji Maharaj

Wonderful tribute to Jeevanpran Swamibapa’s musical mastery in an evening of devotion, joy & song

The third evening of the Mahotsav saw a beautiful night of Bhakti Sangeet – a concert of devotional songs performed by renowned artists, Jeevanpran Swamibapa’s devout sants and a chorus formed of disciples from across Kutch and Gujarat.

The concert took place on an immense stage, accommodating the 65 performers, adjacent to the main sabha mandap. The crowd of at least fifteen thousand filled both the open air arena as well the sabha mandap, where a live broadcast was being shown – such was the appetite for having the darshan of this event. Many others watched live online, taking to social media to express their enjoyment and delight at seeing the performances. Acharya Swamishree Maharaj arrived to a warm but rapturous applause of the audience that were eagerly awaiting His darshan.

Many kirtans from the earlier released CD “Krupalu Bapashree” were performed by the very artists who recorded them, including “Eva Krupalu Bapshree” and “Hasine Bolavi Maru Chitt Chori Lidhu”. A full recording of the concert is available here: Concert of Devotional Songs

The program commenced with the recitation of our Mahamantra , “Om Shree Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa Bhagwate Namah”. The concert was opened by Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sanstha’s very own Sadguru Shree Munibhushandasji Swami singing, “Tu Sada Heet-kaari”, followed by the group performing an eclectic mix of kirtans to please Lord Shree Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa and Acharya Swamishree Maharaj.

Kirtans included Aaj Ahi Aavya, Shreejibapa Swamibapa Aaye Laga Hein, Marmali Murti Mavni Re, Keva Shree Hariji Malkaay, Swamibapa Sukhkari, Eva Krupalu Bapashree, Kaise Dhyaan Dharu Batalaade – all competently conducted by Shree Amitbhai Thakkar and Shree Kirtibhai Varsani.

The concert concluded with the crescendo of a medley performed by a range of artists and Sant Shiromani Shree Uttamsharandasji Swami – by which time the vibrant crowd were clapping along in unison. It was an electric atmosphere, fitting for the first evening concert of the Mahotsav.

The event itself finished with a mass, heartfelt, rendition of India’s national anthem, “Jana Gana Mana”.