London Spiritual Centre Pratishtha Mahotsav

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Notwithstanding days of severe abdominal pain, the epitome of compassion Pujya Gurudevshri arrived in London on the eve of Christmas for the pious 4-day Pratishtha Mahotsav of the London Spiritual Centre infusing devotees with overwhelming delight.

On Christmas eve, the Master attended the midnight mass at the majestic St. Paul’s Cathedral. The 1400 years old iconic cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of London and is one of the most famous sights in the city. Pujya Gurudevshri took a tour of the cathedral and had a pleasant interaction with the Dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral, The Very Reverend Dr David Ison.

Arrangements for the blissful Pratishtha Mahotsav had begun months in advance. Such was the enthusiasm amongst seekers that registrations for the Mahotsav were full in just 48 hours! Seekers from 121 cities and towns across the world excitedly congregated at London for the mega event.

Alluding to Pujya Gurudevshri’s sovereignty in their lives devotees dressed as royal guards escorted the Master as He arrived at the venue. Pujya Gurudevshri venerated Param Krupalu Dev while young devotees welcomed Him with lively dances.

The vast gathering acquired spiritual insights through five empowering pravachans by Pujya Gurudevshri on Shrimad Rajchandra Vachanamrut Patrank – 656. The succinct yet potent patra written by Param Krupalu Dev to Pujyashri Ambalalbhai deepened his devotion and guided him to attain Self-realisation in only a few years after the letter was written. Pujya Gurudevshri expounded on the four means to attain inner peace – reducing worldly pursuits and possessions, firm focus to see one’s own faults, increasing devotion for the Enlightened One and the scriptures, and reflecting upon the teachings of the Enlightened One. A large audience worldwide viewed these transformational pravachans live on YouTube and Arihant channel.

During the Mahotsav several seekers came forward to embrace panchdiksha. Pujya Gurudevshri met with several dignitaries including President of One Jain, Mr Nemubhai Chandaria OBE and Chairman of National Council of Vanik Associations UK, Mr Manharbhai Mehta.

The evenings were lit with joyous celebrations. Youth groups from across the world came forward with heartening dedications carrying spiritual messages around the plot of popular British Quiz show ‘Who wants to be a Millionaire’. While the themes were diverse and included saints and personalities such as Meerabai, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Sherlock Holmes, etc. the underlying message was imbued with values. A stirring drama by the world youth encapsulating the essence of the sacred Patrank – 105 motivated the audience. Sadguru Capsules, a book of weekly profound contemplations from the Master, was also launched.

The core team of sevaks of the London Spiritual Centre Pratishtha Mahotsav and Contractors of the London Spiritual Centre were honoured. The Core Team Sevaks felicitated were President of Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur (UK), Mayurbhai Mehta; Secretary of SRMD (UK) and Jinsevarpit, Dharmesh Doshi; Trustee of SRMD (UK), Kajalben Sheth; Trustee of SRMD (UK), Ashwin Mehta; Leader of London Youth Group, Manthan Taswala and London Youth Group Member, Aadit Virani. The others felicitated included – Contractor, Director of Brookhouse Contractors, Jasbinder Singh; On Site Contractor, Director of Oriya Group, Kirit Pindoria; Director Architect, Dipesh Shah; Principal and Senior Architect, DS Squared, Leicester Centre Head and Director of Grand Weddings by Swarg, Dipesh Mehta and Architect, Sharnarpit Deven Mehta.

Seekers were ecstatic to spend the last few hours of December 31st and bring in the New Year with Pujya Gurudevshri. Led by Liz Walters, the Tamashii Taiko Drummers regaled the audience with their pulsating rendition. Performance group, Breath of Poets led the gathering inwards with their combination of mystical poetry and flute and percussion music. A moving skit on the life of Pujyashri Ambalalbhai – ‘Banvu Chhe Maare Taro Ambalal’ – tugged at the heartstrings of devotees. Seekers entered the New Year with throbbing chants of Param Krupalu Dev’s hallowed name. Waves of euphoria spread amongst aspirants when Pujya Gurudevshri came in their midst wishing them, shaking hands and endearingly dancing with them.

The idea of the London Spiritual Centre was borne out of the Sadguru’s vision of having a place for inner growth of aspirants. Built in 1888 and owned by the Church of England, the Falconer Hall on Falconer Road in Bushey was selected as the site for the London Spiritual Centre. Bestowing the venue with sacredness a purifying pujan of Shri Atmasiddhi Shastra was performed in the Sadguru’s presence in May 2017. After the final design was approved work began at the site. Apart from professional experts, sevaks tirelessly endeavoured to get the Centre ready for the Pratishtha Mahotsav.

The most awaited day of January 1 arrived bringing in its wake the gift of the memorable Shobhayatra and inauguration of the London Spiritual Centre. Seekers gathered on the magnificent morning for the shobhayatra as Pujya Gurudevshri arrived on a majestic iron elephant. The occasion was attended by Head of Shiva Trust, Satguru Sri Ramana Devi; The Lord Dolar Popat of Harrow; The Lord Jitesh Gadhia of Northwood and Mayor for Hertsmere, Councillor Brenda Batten.

The Master flagged off the spectacular shobhayatra. A brass band filled the air with lingering melody. Imposing horse drawn carriages and vintage cars formed a part of the shobhayatra that was led by the Jain flag at the forefront followed by the flag of Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur. Bestowing the crowd with joyousness enchanting idols of Bhagwan Mahavir and Param Krupalu Dev ensued. Pujya Gurudevshri reverently cradled an idol of Param Krupalu Dev. Param Krupalu Dev’s Charankamal and sacred texts Shrimad Rajchandra Vachanamrutji and Shri Atmasiddhi Shastra evoked adoration. Filled with piety seekers danced in exultation while females dressed in elegant finery decorated the roads with gahulis. Many locals witnessed the grand event and revered the Lord with flowers.

The celebratory entourage arrived at the London Spiritual Centre. Seekers witnessed with exuberant hearts as Pujya Gurudevshri lovingly unveiled signage of the London Spiritual Centre. He blessed each devotee entering the Centre with a tilak. With rapturous bhakti and loud cheers the idol of Bhagwan Mahavir was consecrated. The pratishtha of the splendid golden idol of Param Krupalu Dev was performed with fervour amidst connecting chants of His sacred name. The Sadguru embellished the idol of Param Krupalu Dev with a charming traditional red turban. Pujya Gurudevshri unveiled panels which had the verses of the pious Shri Atmasiddhi Shastra inscribed on them. Joy gripped everyone as Pujya Gurudevshri held hands with devotees and danced in elation. Various other sections like Pujya Gurudevshri’s room, Divine Shop, Kitchen and Dining Area were also inaugurated.

The morning of January 2 witnessed the UK Raj Parivar seekers absorbed in the first Sadguru Udghosh at the London Spiritual Centre. Another Udghosh on the following day inspired devotees to focus intensely on their spiritual goals. Pujya Gurudevshri’s benevolent padhramanis at seekers’ homes imbued them with delight. The Master affectionately spent time with members of London Study Group and London Youth Group. A book written by London Youth Group member Kishan Shah, ‘Diary of a Pilgrim’, was launched by Pujya Gurudevshri. The Master also met seekers from Manchester, Leicester, Croydon Satsang Group and Kenton Ladies Group.

The aspirants of UK were overflowing with gratitude towards Pujya Gurudevshri for blessing them with a Centre that will serve as a reservoir of wisdom and devotion.