Mumbai: On 26 September 2024, the 91st birthday of Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual head of BAPS Swaminarayan Sansthan and world revered saint, was celebrated with great devotion and pomp at Nesco, Goregaon, Mumbai. The spiritual program began in the evening and the venue was packed with devotees and well-wishers.
Devotees gathered from all over the world to bow their heads at the feet of Mahant Swami Maharaj. More than 400 saints and great men of BAPS Swaminarayan organization from different states of the world became a part of this fair and thousands of devotees took advantage of this divine festival.
This spiritual program began with reverent remembrance and prayer to the Lord. Thereafter, speeches were given by the senior saints of BAPS Swaminarayan Sansthan praising the life journey and service works of respected Mahant Swami Maharaj.
In his address, Pujya Gnananarayan Swami highlighted the extraordinary and wonderful works of Lord Swaminarayan and how His divine presence is manifested on earth from eternity through His true and exalted saints. He said that the birthday of Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj is a sacred occasion to experience the presence of God.
Pujya Narayanamuni Swami highlighted the incredible devotion of BAPS's former spiritual master, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, while Pujya Bhagavatsetu Swami described the constant devotion and sadhana in Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj.
Pujya Viveksagar Swami elaborated on the divine shower of love showered on the devotees by Pradhan Swami Maharaj and Pujya Adarshjeevan Swami highlighted Mahant Swami Maharaj's immense love and affection towards the entire humanity.
On this occasion, Pujya Brahmavihari Swamiji and Pujya Atmarpit Swamiji gave details of the immense service work and spirit of service of Pradhan Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj respectively. Also, Sadguruvarya Pujya Ishvarcharan Swamiji and Pujya Anandaswaroop Swamiji gave their discourses on the humility of Pradhan Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj.
In the program, Pujya Bhaktipriya Swami said that Pradhan Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj dedicated their entire lives for human welfare.
Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, who was the chief guest on this occasion, shared his personal experiences with revered Mahant Swami Maharaj. He said, “Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj is a world famous saint and his organization BAPS is doing unique work in the social welfare and spiritual field.
I consider myself very fortunate to be present here on this occasion. BAPS Swaminarayan Sansthan has an important contribution in spreading our culture across the world in a positive and creative manner. Our temple in Abu Dhabi is a clear example of this idea. I am confident that BAPS Swaminarayan Sansthan will play an important role in spreading peace and prosperity globally.
The dignitaries present on the stage included Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Minister of Tourism, Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Government of Maharashtra and Shri Krishna Patel, CMD, Nesco Limited.
At the end of the program, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj gave his blessings to all the devotees. He said, “Our ultimate duty is to understand the real glory of Lord Swaminarayan and worship Him and follow His commandments.”
With the blessings of the most revered Mahant Swami Maharaj, the atmosphere was filled with divinity, the hearts of the devotees became elated, which was welcomed with thunderous applause by the crowd present.
After the senior saints of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha offered floral tributes at the feet of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, mass aarti was performed with thousands of lamps, creating a very enchanting, devotional and divine atmosphere. The program ended with collective prayer. The ceremony was a blessed source of devotion, service and inspiring blessings of the saints, which provided a special spiritual experience to all.