Ashadhi Bij, the day of Ratah-yatra bears a spiritual importance in India. This is the day on which Ratha yatra of Bhagawan Jaggannath took place at Jaggannath Puri, one of the great shrines. For Swaminarayan Sampraday and especially for Gurukul family this day is of one of the utmost importance as this the birthday of Sadguru Shastriji Maharaj Shree Dharmajivandasji Swami, the founder of Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul Rajkot and a true follower and propagator of Shree Swaminarayan Sampraday.
Gurukul celebrates this day with its unique way of Bhajan and spiritual events.
At Gurukul Rajkot and all its brahnches an incessant Dhoon was performed and a special assembly was held. Along with the Poojan of Pujyapad Shree Shastriji Maharaj, Saints narrated the virtuous life occurrences of Pujyapad Shree Shastriji Maharaj. Students also presented dialogs and presentations showing inspiring life span of Sadguru Shastriji Maharaj.
At Gurukul Rajkot and Gurukul Junagadh incessant Dhoon was performed for twelve hours. At Gurukul Ahmedabad along with individual Bhajan by students three hours incessant Dhoon was performed. At Gurukul Surat students performed 500 group Mahapooja and 01,00,000 Dandavt pranam along with Mala, Pradaxina, and Janmangal recitations. At SGVP a Ratha-yatra was arranged with the Murties of Bhagwan Shree Krishna, Balramji and Subhdraji as at Jaggannath Puri.
At Gurukul Taravada, the birth place of Sadguru Shastriji Maharaj a special celebration for was held in the presence of elder saints. Recitation of ‘Shree Hari Smruti’ was performed for two days and Katha on Vachanamrut was narreted by Sadguru Purani Shree Dharmavallabhdasji Swami. On July 16, a Rath-Yatra in form of palanquin (Palakhi) was arranged from Gurukul to the birth place of Sadguru Shastriji Maharaj where a temple is erected. Pujya Shree Hariprasaddasji Swami performed the Arati of Thakoraji in palanquin and also in temple. Assembly was held at very place. Sadguru Mahant Swami Shree Devkrishnadasji Swami blessed all devotees there. A new construction ‘Nilkanth Bhuvan’ was also inaugurated on this pious day with the holy hands of Pujya Swamiji. Sadguru Purani Shree Gyanswarupdasji Swami also gave the occasional speech.
At all other branches and centres of Gurukul family special bhajan was performed in the holy memory of Sadguru Shastriji Maharaj Shree Dharmajivandasji Swami.
Picture Gallery
