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Shree Hari Jayanti
Swaminarayan Jayanti also known as Shree Hari Jayanti is the birth anniversary of the Bhagvan Shree Swaminarayan. Swaminarayan Jayanti 2010 date is March 24. Shree Hari Jayanti is an important festival for the followers of Lord Swaminarayan.
In the year Vikram Samvat 1837 on chaitra sud 9 (Navami), in which the Supreme God, Bhagwan Swaminarayan took a form in a small village of Chhappaiya, Northern India, near Ayodhya, in the home of Dharmadev and Bhaktimata at the auspicious time of 10.10pm.Every Swaminarayan temple lights up on this day and there are special celebrations and festivals held. The climax is when the grand 'Aarti' is done exactly at 10:10 pm of the child form of Swaminarayan in all temples dedicated to Him and the birth of Lord is celebrated.
At the age of 21, he founded the Swaminarayan Sampradaya (or denomination) to promote his teachings. He initiated 3,000 sadhus (monks) and is recognised and worshipped as God by his followers. To continue his work of promoting personal morality and moulding spiritual character, he promised to remain ever-present with his followers through an unbroken succession of enlightened gurus. During his stay on earth, Bhagvan Swaminarayan enlightened millions of souls and his immortal teachings continue to inspire millions around the world. Apart from spreading the message of Sanatana Dharma, he was also indulged in eradicating numerous social vices and correcting numerous unhealthy practices which were practiced in the name of Hinduism. |
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On this day a nirjala (waterless) fast is observed by the devotees and offering a large variety of food to sacred images of Swaminarayan in temples.. The day is spent listening to the stories of the lord, reading scriptures and singing devotional songs. The temples dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan experience a heavy influx of devotees. Special rituals and programs are held at the temples. Speeches, devotional songs and folk dramas form the major part of the celebrations. The festivities are accompanied by preaching by the religious leaders.
Ram Navami
On this auspicious day Lord Rama was also born Ayodhya at 12:00 noon.Thus the festival of Ram Navami is celebrated as the birthday of the Hindu God Rama, who is believed to be one of the incarnations of Lord Hari. According to the Hindu calendar, it falls on the ninth day of the Chaitra month, which is the spring season. It is considered auspicious to undertake a fast on the day of Ram Navami, in the name of Rama.
Lord Rama is revered by Hindus all over as the embodiment of truth, of morality, the ideal son, the ideal husband and above all, the ideal king. On the day of Rama Navami the birth of Rama is remembered for his prosperous and righteous reign.
Devotees perform elaborate pujas and chant the name of Rama for whole day. Temples of Rama are specially decorated and satsangs and bhajan sessions are organized in most of the temples, through the day. Discourse on the Ramayana, are recited by a pundit or a professional story-teller on this day.
Since Rama is also one of the most sung-about deities in Indian classical music and literature, week-long (and sometimes, month-long) musical programs are also organized at some places. Sacred places associated with Rama, like Ayodhya, Ujjain and Rameshwaram, draw thousands of devotees on this festival of Ram Navami. In Rameshwaram, people take a ritual bath in the sea before worshipping at the Ramanathaswamy temple. Many places in North India host fairs in connection with the festival, culminating in spectacular fireworks on Rama Navami. |
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