 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 the 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.
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