Massive Hindu Sacrifice to take place in Crawley, UK

PRLog (Press Release) - Aug 05, 2009 -
The Swaminarayan Manor situated in Crawley completes three years this August. To commemorate the occasion and to help build awareness of the Manor along with that of Hinduism and the Swaminarayan Movement, the International Swaminarayan Satsang Organisation (ISSO) that runs the Manor has big plans. Two massive marquees will be erected on the grounds of the Swaminarayan Manor for the event and the current Acharya of the Swaminarayan Sampraday, Acharya Shree Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj will grace the event along with other holy saints from India.

The festivities will kick off on the 17th of August with a traditional Pothi Yatra (procession) and will culminate with a Maha Abhishek and Ankoot on the 23rd of August with a Maha Vishnu Yagna that will be the highlight of the event. A Maha Abhishek will be conducted by Acharya Shree Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj. It entails bathing the images of god (Radha Krishna Dev and Hari Krishna Maharaj) in the prayer room with five of the purest elements - Milk, Honey, Curds, Ghee (clarified butter) and Sugar. There will be a holy book recitation by Bhagwat Acharya Yogendra Bhatt who has been specially invited for the event from Peej, India along with three classical musicians. Manoj Gami, Secretary of ISSO Europe says "We have planned three youth events during the week, the first will be on the evening of the 20th when we will have a South Indian Bharat Natyam dance exhibition. The second is a cultural programme on the evening of the 21st and lastly we have a Musical evening planned for the 22nd".

The Maha Vishnu Yagna (or sacrifice) has great significance among Hindus. In Indian history, King Dushrat of Ayodhya did not have any issues. He was advised to conduct this particular sacrifice and bore four children, the eldest of which was the legendary King Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Says Dipak Valand, Streatham temple president; "Conducting a Maha Vishnu Yagna is very rare. It is a huge event that requires months of planning. This is the first time for such an event to take place in Europe, within the Swaminarayan faith. In fact, I have no knowledge of this Yagna being conducted in the UK ever before. We are lucky to host such an event that is to be graced by our Acharya himself!” He goes on "We have undertaken a lot of marketing, including newspaper and televsison advertisements as we want as many people as possible to be part of this historical event."

For the benefit of those who cannot make it due to prior commitments, arrangements have been made for Brahmins (priests) to undertake the Yagna on their behalf. Further, lodging arrangements have also been made for those coming in from outside Crawley. Authorities expect about two hundred people to take part in the Yagna and over a thousand people to attend the festivities during the week from all over Europe. Complimentary Prasad (holy food) will be served to everyone during the festivities and the event will be broadcast live on the internet (on www.swaminarayan.info).

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