|
BY MAHADEV DESAI
The Gayatri Pariwar, Atlanta, celebrated Gayatri Jayanti and anniversary of Param Pujya Gurudev Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya, a dynamic scholar, visionary and inspirational spiritual leader, by organizing a ‘Mahadeep yagna’ at the Impact Conference Center,Global Mall, on Sunday, June 26.
The Yagna was performed by Shantilal Patel,Shivnarayan, and Tikeshwariji who had come to Atlanta, all the way from Shantikunj, Haridwar. The stage had ‘Gayatri Pariwar’ banner as a backdrop. Framed photos of the Gurudev and Mataji Bhagvatidevi Sharma with a picture of Gayatri Mata in the middle adorned the stage. The devotees, who were provided with thalis containing 'havana samgri’ were requested to sit in rows on the floor to participate in the ‘Yagna’ ceremony conducted by Shantilal Patel who recited Gayatri Mantra, Mahamrityunjaya Mantra and other shlokas and sang uplifting bhajans while his colleagues from Shantikunj played the tabla and harmonium.
The hall reverberated with enmasse singing and chanting along with Shantibhai. The guests had brought ‘padukas’ from Shantikunj for the Gurupujan and padukapujan ceremony performed before the yagna. Diyas were lighted and photos and pictures on stage were reverently garlanded. This was followed with Ganesh Pujan and various stages of the yagna. After ‘aarti’ devotees stood up and lighted lots of tiny diyas placed on two tables, which cast a magical glow in the hall. Shantilal stressed the importance of reciting Gayatri Mantra for mental and spiritual wellbeing. He also spoke about the benefits of pranayam and demonstrated the art of deep breathing. He briefly mentioned about the spiritual and humanitarian activities work being done by Shantikunj Ashram, and invited the devotees to visit the Ashram when in India.
Upendra Patel thanked Sanjay Patel of the Impact Conference Center, Global Mall, sponsors and the Gayatri Parivar volunteers who helped in organizing the yagna and also preparing sumptuous mahaprasad. He announced about the plans to build a Gayatri Center in Atlanta as soon as a suitable site was found. (applause) The Gayatri Pariwar, Atlanta,founded in 1991. He thanked Narendra Patel who has been a very dedicated and committed President for several years, and congratulated the incoming President Kailasben Patel, the first woman President of Gayatri Centers in the entire US.
|
