Pujya Gurudevshri Graces North America In the radiant autumn of October, Pujya Gurudevshri graced the United States of America and Canada, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of thousands of seekers. A momentous occasion unfolded during the dharmayatra as Pujya Gurudevshri graced the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Robbinsville, during its pratishtha ceremony. He addressed a large audience in honour of the deeply respected Pujyashri Pramukh Swami Maharaj, eulogising the sterling virtues of the saint. Pujya Gurudevshri also shared an uplifting exchange with Pujyashri Mahant Swami Maharaj, the Spiritual Head of BAPS. The Master blessed the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. during His spiritual sojourn. With the sublime purpose of establishing an Ashram in America, Pujya Gurudevshri visited various Indian Ashrams and religious sites in the United States of America. The Vraj Hindu temple, cradled within the serene embrace of the Blue Mountains in Central Pennsylvania, was one of them. He also explored the Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone, North Carolina, burrowed amidst 380 acres of pristine forest in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Master also visited the Isha Institute of Inner-sciences in McMinnville, Tennessee, a mountain retreat dedicated to holistic well-being. Continuing His visit of spiritual sanctuaries, the esteemed Master graced Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, a borough pulsating with the vibrant energy of cultural finesse and artistic expression. During His time in Stroudsburg, the Master graced the Lakshmi Cow Sanctuary, a compassionate haven spanning 42 acres in Upper Mount Bethel Township, Pennsylvania, dedicated to rescuing cows from slaughterhouses and providing them with a nurturing sanctuary. Additionally, He visited the Sringeri Vidya Bharati Foundation, a non-profit religious and charitable organisation serving as an international extension of the ancient Sri Sharada Peetham in Sringeri, Karnataka State, India. The Master also visited three sites proposed for the America Ashram during the trip. Pujya Gurudevshri also graced the land of South Dakota, which offers diverse wonders. Delving into the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial, the awe-inspiring Badlands National Park and the historic charm of Deadwood City, the entourage witnessed a profound unity of nature and history imprinted within the fabric of the human spirit. In Montreal, Canada, Pujya Gurudevshri visited the Moment Factory, a renowned multimedia entertainment studio specializing in crafting immersive environments that blend video, lighting, architecture, animation, sound and special effects, creating extraordinary visitor experiences. The Master then arrived at New York, the last leg of His journey for this dharmayatra, and performed an elevating pratishtha. While the Master had undertaken this trip with multiple objectives in mind, the nourishment of devotees through discourses occurred naturally and in abundance, much to the delight of the seekers! He blessed aspirants of North America with nine discourses at New Jersey, Philadelphia, Montreal, amongst other places. During this trip, Atmarpit Nemiji undertook the ‘Effective Execution of Organisational Strategy’ Program at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, exemplifying a pursuit of knowledge and excellence, aligned with the essence of the Master’s teachings. Pujya Gurudevshri concluded His journey across North America, leaving an enduring legacy of spiritual teachings in the form of discourses, sacred blessings in the form of pratishtha and a timeless presence through padhramanis that made an everlasting impression on the devoted souls, a testament to the pro-found connection between the Master and His disciples.
