It was the devotion of Sura Khachar and His wife Shantibai that encouraged Lord Swaminarayan to perform Shakotsav at Loya for first time in the history of Sampraday and the tradition of divine festival in the form of Shakotsav was beginned from that vary day. To keep live this tradition started by Shree Hari himself, Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul, Rajkot and its branches organises this festival every year in grand manner.
On 11th January, 2004 Shakotsav was delightedly celebrated at Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul Vishawavidya Pratisthanam – Chharodi. The ceremony was started at 9.30 a.m. by chanting Vedic Mantras and Kirtans describing the glory and importance of the Loya Shakotsav by students of Chharodi Gurukul. Sdg. Purani Shreeharidasji Swami and Sdg. Purani Shree Bhaktiprakashdasji Swami have reiterated the glory in their special style. Afterwards Pujya Purani Shree Hariswarupdasji Swami had addressed the assembly by describing the importance of Shakotsav in his own thought provoking style.
On this occasion Sdg. Mahant Swami Shree Devkrishnadasji Swami had distiributed awards to the students those who have passed in Spiritual (Dharmik) examination conducted by Gurukul Ahmedabad; Sanskrit Examination during the course of Dhanurmas conducted by Sanskrit Vidyalaya & English Examination conducted by English Medium Hostel – Chharodi in first three divisions.
In the course of the event one recently joined devotee from Bapunagar in the activities of Gurukul Mr. Ashok Bhavani had described the devastating and frustrating effects of consuming tobacco and other intoxicated items.
Sdg. Shastri Swami Shree Madhavpriyadasji Swami had blessed the devotees through his intellectual way by describing the glory of Shaokotsav at the same time. Pujya Sadguru Mahant Shree Devkrishnadasji Swami had blessed the devotees by giving advice to increase the proportion of Bhakti (Devotion) towards the supreme Lord Shree Hari by imbibing the virtues of such kind of festivals into our real life. At last Pujya Sadguru Purani Shree Balkrishnadasji Swami had concluded the ceremony by giving his speech describing the glory of such festivals. During the assembly Pujyapad Jogi Swami had also blessed the devotees by giving divine glimpse for a few moment. Around six thousand devotees have participated during the occasion.
Main Donors:
Shree Bhakti Mahila Mandal, Memnagar- Contribution of different Spices used during the occasion.
Shree Sahajanad Banglows Mahila Mandal- Contribution of Buttermilk during the occasion.
Shree Sursangsinh Darbar – Contribution of Millet (Bajari)
Shree Laxmanbhai Devshibhai – Contribution of Jaggery (Gur)
Shree Ratilalbhai Vithalbhai – Contribution of Mukhvas (Mouth freshner after lunch)
Chief Invitees:
Shree Laxmanbhai Devshibhai- Nairobi
Shree Bhimjibhai- Nairobi
Shree Sunilbhai Nayak – America
Shree Dhirubhai and Shree Chaturbhai Babaria – America
Shree Sureshbhai Jani – America
Shree Ambabapa, Jamnagar- America
Shree Sumanbhai and Gajjar Scan family, Ahmedabad
Shree Babubhai Sheladia
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