Bhaishri recites Bhagavat Katha to ‘charge’ Crawley temple grounds

The small town of Crawley in the South-East of England was once again blessed with a divine katha. Shrimad Bhagavat Gyan Yagna recited by Bhaishri was hosted by the ‘Gurjar Hindu Union’ for 8 days starting from 21st August 2009, to raise awareness of the ‘Sanatan Mandir and Community Centre’ (SMCC) project.

The SMCC, currently under construction was the site of this katha, and it was probably the first time a construction site was converted into a katha venue. Bhaishri agreed to come once again to Crawley to inspire the local community and UK Hindus at large to put all their energy into completing this mammoth project.

The event began with a grand Shobha Yatra where devotees, including many colourfully dressed children, danced, drummed and sang Hari-naam Sankirtan while holding the Shrimad Bhagavat Pothi (scripture), and welcoming Bhaishri to the katha hall.

After the lighting of the mangal deep accompanied by sacred chanting, Bhaishri was welcomed by the katha hosts and yajman family, Shri Dullabhbhai Lakhani Parivar of Leicester.

Bhaishri began the Bhagavat katha with mangalacharan prayers and introduced the scripture by explaining its mahatmya, importance.

Over the next 7 days, Bhaishri used stories, examples and sankirtan to highlight the various lilas of Lord Vishnu, His avatars and His devotees. All ‘utsavs’ were celebrated with grandeur, including Krishna Janma, Govardhan Annakut and Rukmini Vivaha.

Unlike most previous kathas in the UK, Bhaishri spent considerable time singing Hari-Naam sankirtan and all the attending devotees sang and danced continuously. “I have come hear to ‘charge’ this land with the divine name of Shri Hari before the murti’s arrive and the pran paritishtha takes place,” said Bhaishri.

The katha was hugely successful and raised the outstanding funds needed to complete the SMCC project. Once complete, the SMCC will be the first of its kind in South East England and will provide a range of activities serving not only the needs of the Indian community but also sharing its rich history, culture and facilities with the wider Crawley community.