– Dignitaries remember how Pramukh Swami Maharaj Exemplified and Fostered the Hindu Tradition of Devotion to Guru
His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj along with other leading swamis and dignitaries celebrated Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s devotion to the guru before an assembly of tens of thousands during the fifth evening programme of the Pramukh Swami Maharaj Centenary Celebrations in Ahmedabad on Monday 19 December. Reflecting on the role and importance of devotion to the guru in Hinduism, dignitaries from various fields remembered how Pramukh Swami Maharaj exemplified and inspired these ideals in millions worldwide.
The program commenced at 5:15 PM with devotional songs paying homage to Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s devotion to the guru. Then, BAPS scholar Adarshjivandas Swami narrated incidents in Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life explaining how people experienced him to be an ideal guru. He said, “Every corner of this festival reflects Pramukh Swami’s divine life. When we observe Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s 30-foot sculpted image we gain a glimpse of his simple life filled with the purity of God. Many people of varied ages, races, and religions were inspired to transform their lives just by looking at a simple photo of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Such divinity and peace flowed from just his photo that they stated they would never tire of looking at him. So, it is no surprise that upon people’s first interaction with Pramukh Swami Maharaj they would be overwhelmed with feelings of love, divine peace, and purity. People were attracted to Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s ears, his voice, his smile, his laugh, his walk, and every aspect of his life. This attraction to Pramukh Swami Maharaj was the attraction of God; the peace experienced was the peace of God; because Pramukh Swami Maharaj was one with God.”
Then, BAPS swamis sang the kirtan ‘Guru Parameshwar Re’ celebrating the highest ideals of the guru-disciple relationship, which were epitomized in Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life.
Speaking about Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s ideal discipleship, BAPS scholar Atmatruptdas Swami said, “The Mundaka Upanishads says that the highest knowledge of uplifting humanity is Brahmavidya, and one must seek refuge in a God-realised guru to attain it. To transform one’s life, to realise God, to realise the eternal soul, and to attain ultimate liberation, refuge in such a guru is essential. The grace of such a guru grants one spiritual enlightenment and liberation.
“Every scriptural insight on earning the grace of the guru was personified in Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life. For Pramukh Swami Maharaj, devotion to God and the guru were not separate, they were one. Pramukh Swami Maharaj once said, ‘Following the guru’s instructions is a way to attain God, and having darshan of the fully enlightened guru is equivalent to having darshan of God.’ Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s depth of devotion towards his gurus was unfathomable. He always credited all his accomplishments to his gurus and lived every second of his life according to their wishes.”
Describing the glory of the guru, Senior BAPS Swami, Swayamprakash Swami (Doctor Swami) said, “In one of his sermons, Bhagwan Swaminarayan has said that the sacred image of God is like a wish-fulfilling gem. But in another discourse, Bhagwan Swaminarayan said that the enlightened guru is like the highest wish-fulfilling gem. Gunatitanand Swami said in one of his discourses that if all the trees on Mount Girnar were the fabled wish-fulfilling trees, one should still sacrifice them all to remain in the company of the enlightened guru. Gunatitanand Swami has said that the spiritual work of 100,000 years can be accomplished in one second in the company of such an enlightened guru. This is the truth.”
The following invited dignitaries shared their memories with Pramukh Swami Maharaj, along with the profound impact his divine life and works had on them:
Padmashri Savji Dholakia, Founder and Chairman of Hari Krishna Exports said, “Although one may feel one cannot see God, I can say with certainty that the creation of this festival is not possible without the presence of God. Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s love has brought all the volunteers here and infused them with love and devotion to God. For the last 35 years I have prayed to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and in that time not a single wish has remained unfulfilled. Bhagwan Swaminarayan has protected me in every way for all these years. This is the power of God and his Saint.”
Arun Gujarathi, Former Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly said, “Pramukh Swami Maharaj was godly. His words were divine, his character was godly. He wasn’t a saint for one particular religion; he was for all, irrespective of religion, community, or country. While one world religion cannot be established, it is certainly possible to have the entire world united by religion. And Pramukh Swami Maharaj was the one saint who did that and brought peace to the world. He did this not through magic, but through temples. His mandirs were global centres of peace. Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s thoughts and works will live forever, and by following them we attain inner peace. This peace in one’s heart will spread to the family, the country, and finally across the world.”
Dr. Y.S. Rajan, Former Chairman, NIT, Manipur said, “I marvel at how fortunate I am that Pramukh Swami Maharaj had taken me into his love, care, and protection from 2001. It was the uncompelled compassion of a great soul, like a mother cat taking care of her helpless kitten. Though Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s affectionate love is a universal love for all, for ordinary persons like us, special gestures from him make our lives free from difficulties.
“How can I describe his glory? He has been sent by God to rejuvenate Hinduism and spirituality all over India and the whole world. Since we ordinary souls require symbols, he has brought into the world many Swaminarayan Akshardhams. His spiritual force is in action now through his swamis and devotees. That is why BAPS is going to places where one could never have imagined.
“I envisage that by the end of the century about 100 countries will have a Swaminarayan mandir or Akshardham. Wherever there lives a Swaminarayan devotee, there is created one Akshardham. I appeal to all of you young ones, boys and girls and middle-aged, to read the Vachanamrut daily. I have derived invaluable insights from the Vachanamrut on gaining spiritual strength.”
Gopal Arya, Central Office Secretary, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, said, “While visiting this festival I was struck with the idea that whenever society declines a great person is born to uplift society. That person was Pramukh Swami Maharaj. I am confident that the moral values taught at this festival will bring a positive change for society now and in the future.”
Alok Kumar, International Working President, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, said, “Upon circumambulating the image of Pramukh Swami Maharaj in this complex, I saw the timeline of his life and realized that day or night, Pramukh Swami made constant efforts to serve his devotees. BAPS is not an organization that only concentrates on its own spiritual endeavor and ignores society in difficult times. However, it has been at the forefront whenever there is any natural calamity or difficult times. Pramukh Swami has served his devotees with compassion. The one lesson that I take is that Pramukh Swami is not just present in this complex but through his spirit and his works, he is eternally present in this world.”
Dr. Pankaj Chande, Founder Vice Chancellor, Kavikulguru Kalidas Sanskrit University said, “While I was engrossed in the grandeur of this complex, I realized how much affection these 80,000 volunteers have for Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Witnessing them serving here without expecting any reward, I realise his divinity. I believe that the Bal Nagari in this complex should be referred as ‘Sanskar Nagri’ as moral values are imparted here along with entertainment. The ‘Satsang Diksha’ scripture is an exclusive contribution of Mahant Swami Maharaj because it has become a foundational pillar of BAPS and is proof of the widespread impact of BAPS in the world. I sincerely bow down before Mahant Swami because this entire grand complex is his precious gift to everyone.”
Arun Tiwari, Platinum Jubilee Mentor, CSIR Indian Institute of Chemical Technology said, “When everything you see is unbelievable, then people say that it is a dream. After 24 hours of visiting this festival, I still cannot believe whether this is a dream or reality. Looking at a sculpture of Pramukh Swami writing a letter, I remember that all his letters had one thing in common, they were always filled with love. Remember, the Swami sitting here is a treasure. So not let go of this treasure in search of worldly objects. I am confident that if Dr. Kalam were here, he would say that as you protect a young plant with a fence, similarly your guru is your protection in this world. Seeing the confident children here, I can state that this is the place that will be the birthplace of the new India.”
Keshav Varma, IAS (Retd.), Chairman, High-Level Committee on Urban Planning, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs said, “As an urban planner, I know that the transformation of 600 acres of land into such a magnificent cultural center, with such spirituality and beauty, should take years. The fact that 80,000 volunteers of varied backgrounds have come together and created this in six months is astounding to me. It is a symbol of inclusiveness, equity, and unity that our entire country must engrave into their hearts. It is clear that Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s divine impulse is present here.”
Mahant Swami Maharaj said, “Today is guru bhakti day. Pramukh Swami used to say that I have been born only to please my guru. We too should decide to live only according to our guru’s wishes and not our own wishes. Whichever direction he points should become the direction of our life. His wishes should become my wishes. God speaks through the guru. The guru is divine and our goal should be to always consider all his actions as divine and pure. Whatever happens in life, remember that you have to become one with your guru. Understanding this and teaching others to understand the same is the greatest service.”
Dignitaries gracing the stage today included:
Arun Gujarathi, Former Speaker of, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly
Arun Tiwari, Platinum Jubilee Mentor, CSIR Indian Institute of Chemical Technology
Justice B.C. Patel, Former Chief Justice, High Court of Delhi
Govind Dholakia, Founder, Shree Ramkrishna Exports
Lalji Patel, Chairman, Dharmanandan Diamonds
LavjiDaliya, Founder, Avadh Group
PadmashriSavji Dholakia, Founder and Chairman, Hari Krishna Exports
Dr.Y.S. Rajan, Former Chairman, NIT, Manipur
Alok Kumar, Working President, Vishva Hindu Parishad
Dr. Pankaj Chande, Founder Vice Chancellor, Kavikulguru Kalidas Sanskrit University
Keshav Varma, IAS (Retd.), Chairman, High-Level Committee on Urban Planning, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
Gopal Arya, Central Office Secretary, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh
Dinesh Narola, Director, Shree Ramkrishna Exports
Outline for Tomorrow at Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar
Tuesday 20 December 2022
Academic Conference: 9.00am to 4.00pm
Theme: Ancient Indian Texts on Temple Architecture and Their Contribution to Modern Practices – Day 2
Main Speakers:
C.R. Raju, President of the Indian Institute of Architects
Dr.Parul Pandya Dhar, Professor of Art History, University of Delhi
Professional Conference: 9.00am to 3.00pm
Theme: The Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI)
Main speakers:
Mr. Rajnikant Ajmera, Ajmera group of Companies
Mr. Rahul Patel, Tax Consultant
Evening Assembly: 5.00pm to 7.30pm
Theme: International Human Solidarity Day: Celebrating Inter-faith Harmony
