The Electrifying Ashram Sthapnadin Shibir 2017 To commemorate the 16th anniversary of Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram Dharampur, devotees from around the world gathered for a spiritually nourishing, heart touching, mind cleansing and devotionally rejuvenating Ashram Sthapnadin Shibir from Friday, 7th to Sunday, 9th April ‘17 in the radiant aura of Pujya Gurudevshri. Prior to the start of the shibir, on Thursday morning, 6th April ’17, several gathered at the Ashram’s sacrosanct Jinmandir to participate in the sacred rituals of the 18 Abhishek pujan in the pious presence of Pujya Gurudevshri. The shibir was graced with Pujya Gurudevshri’s lucid exposition on Panchkosh Vivran (Part – I) from the revered text – Shri Vivekchudamani by the great Indian philosopher Sri Adi Shankaracharya. Through five pravachans, Pujya Gurudevshri elucidated three of the five sheaths that envelop the pure soul. Through apt examples, He made it very clear that Self-realisation is not an attainment or something to be acquired from outside, but is an awakening to one’s own true blissful nature. The electrifying pravachans inspired seekers to intensify their thirst for Self-realisation and thus imbibe the teachings of the Master. The first evening of the shibir was adorned with a beautiful Jinbhakti led by the Raj Bhakts, who glorified the virtues of the great Tirthankars. Seekers were truly absorbed in the heartfelt bhakti. On the second evening, an Awards Ceremony was held to recognise the various individuals and organisations that offered selfless service and donations to the Mission. Sharnarpit Dharmessh Mehta received an award for his exemplary contribution in the making of the epic play ‘Yugpurush: Mahatma na Mahatma’ and his expertise offered in all its related spheres. Sarvarpit Alpa Gandhi also received an award for her selfless service offered in the Mission’s Public Relations department., The evening culminated with a unique bhakti, entitled ‘Raj Leela’ which was a rocking performance of Param Krupalu Dev Shrimad Rajchandraji’s compositions rendered by a youth band. Everyone was ecstatic in the youthful renditions, experiencing the essence of Param Krupalu Dev’s message in a new and enthralling way. The next morning of chaitra sud teras i.e. Mahavir Jayanti reverberated with devotion from all directions. As the Dhvajarohan ceremony took place at the Jinmandir on one side amidst vibrant chants of devotion, aspirants gathered for a fervently elating Snatra Puja at the Yajnasthal on the other. A few blessed seekers undertook a vow of Ajivan Brahmacharyavrat in the presence of Pujya Gurudevshri during the festivities. Every corner of the Ashram seemed to be offering reverence to Bhagwan Mahavir’s birth. The youth performed an enchanting Indra dance during the Snatra Puja, showcasing their love for Bhagwan Mahavir. As a tribute to Bhagwan Mahavir’s principle of non-violence, 401 animals were saved from slaughterhouses. After the final pravachan of the shibir, Pujya Gurudevshri lovingly bid farewell to all present. He then blessed the various contractors and labourers working under the Sadguru Prerna project with a cooling prasad outside the Yajnasthal. Through the Master’s discourses and elevating evening programmes, every heart edged closer to their ultimate goal with a new and recharged zeal.
