Sandipani Rashtriya Sanskrit Mahotsav form the highlight of this year’s Shri Hari Mandir Patotsav

To mark the sixth anniversary of Shri Hari Mandir, Sandipani Vidyaniketan organised an exceptional programme – Sandipani Rashtriya Sanskrit Mahotsav – on a huge scale to celebrate this year’s Shri Hari Mandir Patotsav. The event was held from 26th January to 30th January 2012. The highlights of this programme were shown on you tube during these celebrations. We share with you some of the events held during this grand event in this article.

In this five day National Sanskrit festival, 500 Sanskrit scholars from across the country, including Christian and Muslim scholars and 1500 students from various schools, colleges and universities in Gujarat participated in these celebrations. In addition, Honourable Shri Satyavrat Shastriji, the Gnanpeeth award winner, and 10 other university chancellors registered their presence. All students and scholars stayed at Sandipani, discussed, contemplated and shared their knowledge on Sanskrit language and the scriptures.

The entire programme included lectures and seminars in Sanskrit, staged Sanskrit plays, youth festival organised by Shri Somnath Sanskrit University, sports competition, other Sanskrit competitions and the Saptrishi awards. The chancellor of Somnath Sanskrit University, Shri Pankajbhai Jani, and his team put in commendable efforts to make this event a success.

As per ritual every year, a divine Maharudra Yagya was held. Renowned Sanskrit scholar of Varanasi, Shri Krishnamurtiji, and his 11 companions guided the rituals of the Yagya. Hosts from different parts of India and other countries were blessed to be able to participate in this Yagya and pray to Lord Shiv.

The deities in Shri Hari Mandir were offered an array of delicacies along with performing special worship rituals as part of the Annakoot festival sponsored by Shri Dineshbhai and Shri Darshanaben Kapadia. The devotees present were blessed with this darshan which filled their hearts with devotion.

Sandipani Gaurav Awards are a part of the yearly Patotsav celebrations. The award function was conducted from 4pm to 7pm on 29^th January in the presence of Pujya Bhaishri. Pujya Bhaishri and other dignitaries kindled the auspicious lamp to mark the beginning of the ceremony. Shri Mohanbhai Patel, ex-sheriff of Mumbai, described the achievements of the Sandipani Awardees in his lucid style.

The Sandipani Bhramarishi Award was presented to the renowned Sanskrit scholar, Dr. Govindlal Shah. The representative of the Manav Parivaar of Ahmedabad, Shri Baladevdas Charitable Trust, was presented the Sandipani Devarshi Award for its commendable contribution in the field of social service. Finally, the Sandipani Rajarshi Award was conferred to Shri Nemjibhai Gangar of Dahisar, Mumbai.