Badrinath in North, Rameshwaram in South, Dwarika in East and Jagannath Puri in West are the four pillars of spiritual traditions of Indian culture. All these shrines have unique traditions of various festivals. Out of which Ratha Yatra is one of the great festivals celebrated at Jagannath Puri on the pious day of Aashadh Sukla 2, well known as the day of Ratha Yatra. Beside Jagannth Puri, at plenty of places across the India this festival is celebrated with great zeal and devotion.
On this day, Bhagawan Shree Krishna as Jagannath, Sister Subhadraji and elder brother Balramji take visit of town in form of grand procession in typical chariots. Devotees pull the chariots and on the way people welcome and offer worship during the Rath Yatra.
Since last three year Gurukul Ahmedabad arranges for the Ratha Yatra in the west zone of Ahmedabad. In the cooperation with various religious centres, institutes and dignitaries this celebration of Ratha Yatra expands every year.
Moreover, for the Gurukul Parivar this day bears additional importance as the birth anniversary of Sadguru Shastriji Maharaj Shree Dharmajivandasji Swami falls on this pious day of Rath Yatra. To remember the compassion and benevolences of Pujya Shastriji Maharaj, The founder of Gurukul tradition of education, Gurukul institution sets exceptional events on this day.
With the blessings of Pujyapad Shree Jogi Swamiji and with the inspirations from Sadguru Shastri Shree Madhavpriyadasji Swami and Sadguru Purani shree Balkrishandasji Swami Ratha Yatra was arranged in the holy presence of Sadguru Purani Swami Shree Bhaktiprakashdasji Swami on July 13, 2010.
Bhagawan Jagannath, Subhadraji and Balramji were set in the chariot by saints and Pandit with swinging. Along with Pujya Purani Swami and Pujya Balkrishnadasji Swami, Shree Amitbhai Shah (Hon. Home Minister, Gujarat) and Shree Bhupendrasinh Chudasama (Ex. Minister) worshiped and performed Aarti and accomplished the ritual of ‘Phind’ by brooming the way of Rath Yatra.
Ritual of Phind
During the Rath Yatra all the way devotees welcomed and performed the Poojan with great joy.
Starting form Gurukul, Rath Yatra travelled Subhash Chok, Vishram Nagar, Sun-n-Step club, Sattadhar, Buyang Dev, Vivekanand Chok, Mem Nagar, Manav Mandir and returned back to Gurukul.
On the occasion of birth anniversary of Pujya Shastriji Maharaj and Rath Yatra an environmental event of Tree Plantation was launched in this year of Swarmin Gujarat. Over 12,000 saplings were distributed to the people willing to grow and care the shady and fruit plants. Saints also planted many saplings at various places.
One more attraction was of various floats with various themes like inspiring to get rid of addictions, protection of caw race for healthy body, society and economic system, green earth movement, various inspiring social, medical and spiritual services projected by Pujya Shastriji Maharaj.
Welcome back to Gurukul
On the termination of Rath Yatra at Gurukul, an assembly was set for the birth anniversary of Pujya Shastriji Maharaj. Saints and devotees performed the Poojan of Pujya Shastriji Maharaj. Representatives of all cooperative institutions, centres were honoured and blessed.
Pujya Purani Swami and Pujya Balkrishnadasji Swami addressed the assembly with the inspiring virtues and activities of Pujya Gurudev Shastriji Maharaj Shree Dharmajivandasji Swami.
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