Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony of the Amphitheatre Hosting Param Krupalu Dev’s Majestic Idol

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On the auspicious day of Kartik Purnima V.S. 2074, November 4, 2017, Param Krupalu Dev’s 150th Birth Anniversary, Dharampur Ashram will witness a grand installation ceremony of the world’s tallest idol of Param Krupalu Dev; a 34 feet lotus-posed statue corresponding to His lifespan. Around the larger than life idol symbolising His great spiritual state, would be a magnificent pond, reminding one of Param Krupalu Dev’s detached lotus-like existence. The foundation stone of the beautiful amphitheatre where the divine, captivating idol will be installed was laid on the auspicious day of Friday, June 30, 2017.

The extraordinary celebrations commenced with a Snatra Puja. Thereafter various ceremonial rites were performed for laying the foundation stone. This was followed by Ashtaprakari pujan of the eight shilas (slabs) and the main Kurmashila. Pujya Gurudevshri sanctified the Nidhikalash by filling them with the ash of jewels. At the site of the foundation stone, Pujya Gurudevshri and the generous donor family venerated Shri Shantinath Bhagwan and Param Krupalu Dev. The process of purifying the earth was performed. The Nidhikalash were kept in the place of eight shilas after which Pujya Gurudevshri did the Vasakshep pujan. Amid the chanting of mantras, the sponsor family laid the shilas. The Nidhikalash was installed at the place of the main shila and Pujya Gurudevshri cemented the place. The sponsor family installed the main shila, prayed, and showered it with flowers. A kurma (tortoise) figure was placed on all the nine shilas which were then graced with garlands. Pujya Gurudevshri showered the shilas with akshat (rice).

The blessed donors for the entire expense of the sculpting and installation of the idol of Param Krupalu Dev, the amphitheatre, the vast plaza etc. are Trustee of Shrimad Rajchandra Jivadaya Trust, Premarpit Bipinbhai Doshi, his younger brother – President of Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur (Hong Kong), Kiritbhai Doshi and their families. Pujya Gurudevshri lovingly bestowed upon the benevolent brothers the title of ‘Vastupal-Tejpal’ as they generously put their fortune to good use. Pujya Gurudevshri blessed five souls with the lifelong vow of celibacy on this auspicious occasion. The ceremony culminated with arti and shantikalash. The glorious occasion came to a befitting end in the pious presence of Pujya Gurudevshri, amid devotional fervour of the devotees, and chants of ‘Aho! Yugpurush Krupalu Dev’ reverberating in the air.