Navratri Anushthan 2009

In keeping with the tradition followed for the past 27 years, Pujya Bhaishri undertook his 28^th Navratri Anushthan for the year 2009 at Sandipani Vidyaniketan. A grand shobha yatra of Shri Ram Charit Manas was carried out from Shri Hari Mandir in the morning on the first day. The pothiji was carried by Shri Bajranglalji Taparia, one of the most endearing followers of Pujya Bhaishri. Pujya Bhaishri, Shri Prem Bhushanji Maharaj – renowned Ramayan singer from Ayodhya and hundreds of other people joined the shobha yatra. Once the pothiji was placed in the mandap, Pujya Bhaishri sang the introducing stuti followed by the recitation of Shri Ram Charit Manas.

As is well known, the most important part of the Navratri Anushthan is the collective recital of the chopais from Shri Ram Charit Manas led by Pujya Bhaishri. Each devotee was provided the Ram Charit Manas to sing along. Each and every chopaiof Ramayan is graced with the blessings of Lord Rama and has the potential of spiritually uplifting the people who recite them. Millions of devotees experienced a religiously charged atmosphere through this collective recitation. Pujya Bhaishri says that this is the true invocation of Shakti on an auspicious occasion like Navratri.

An important feature of this recitation is that no devotee leaves the recitation and mandap from the beginning in the morning until the end of the session in the afternoon. The session ends with a dhun and an aarati of Shri Ram Charit Manas.

The afternoon sessions during the anushthan began at 3.30pm with the chanting of the Vedic mantras and singing of devotional bhajans by the Rishikumars.

The major part of the afternoon constituted of a Ram katha by Shri Prem Bhushanji Maharaj. Shri Prem Bhushanji Maharaj explained a lot of the events in the Ram Charit Manas in detail whilst elucidating on the chopais. He supplemented this with several bhajans in his melodious voice which held the listeners spellbound for several hours. He was ably assisted by his fellow instrumentalists in creating a divine and surcharged atmosphere. The devotees were filled with bliss during and at the end of the katha. The katha ended every evening with an aarati of Shri Ramji and Shri Ram Charit Manas.

After the katha, all the devotees assembled in Shri Hari Mandir for a magnificent aarati of the deities. This was followed by garbas on the foregrounds of the mandir by the Rishikumars, assembled people and Pujya Bhaishri. The five grand shikhars of the temple duly lit with decorative lights to celebrate the festive mood of Navratri formed a captivating set-up with the sprawling lawns and the gathered dignitaries, eliciting the divine qualities of the Primordial Mother.

Two ecstatic comedy shows by celebrated Indian comedians along with enchanting playing of sitar and tablas, and a grand show of cultural dances and raas were held late at night on 3 nights.

On Vijaya Dashmi, tenth day of the anushthan, several devotees and Pujya Bhaishri participate in the Sunderkand yagya where the whole Sunderkand was recited whilst performing the yagya. This was followed by lunch and thereafter a journey to Dwarka by Pujya Bhaishri, Shri Bajranglal Taparia – the host and his followers. Everyone joyfully participated in dhvaja rohan, flag hoisting, at Dwarka, aarati of Shri Dwarkadhish and had the mahaprasad.

Medical camps have become an integral part of all religious endeavours undertaken by Pujya Bhaishri. Camps organised during this anushthan included: a dental camp based on jalandhar yoga, eye camp incorporating cataract surgeries, acupressure, camp for treating skin diseases and a pulmonology camp to diagnose respiratory conditions. Every patient in the camp was provided a free five day course of medicines. All the laboratory tests were done free of cost too.

Food was provided to over 3000 devotees during lunch and dinner every day.

Many saints attended the anushthan to participate in the events and provide their blessings. These included: Swami Ajasranandji, Pujya Vimaldas Maharaj, Dandi Swami of Dwarkapeeth Swami Sadanand Saraswatiji Maharaj, Mahant Devprasadji Maharaj of Anandbava Seva Sanstha of Jamnagar, Mahant Shri Ganeshnand Maharaj of Santram temple and Swami Hariprakash Shastriji of Swaminarayan Gurukul of Porbandar.

Shrimati Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani who has become a close associate of Sandipani also attended the anushthan.