Srila Prabhupada Memorial Festival And Vyas Puja Of Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaj At ISKCON Ujjain
This year is very special for ISKCON devotees, being the 50th anniversary of ISKCON’s incorporation in 1966. At ISKCON Ujjain, a grand festival was celebrated on this occasion from 12th September – 18th September, 2016.
There were mainly four grand festivals:-
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ISKCON Ujjain Global Retreat 2016 :- 12th- 15th September,2016 with seminar on the topic ” Teachings of Lord Chaitanya”.
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Book launch of “Ocean of Mercy” written by Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaj on 16th September, 2016. This book contains the description of Srila Prabhupada’s intimate dealings with his disciples during the final year of his manifested pastimes.
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Srila Prabhupada Memorial festival
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71st Vyas Puja of Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaj .
It was one of the most grand celebrations in Ujjain celebrated ever. Almost 2000 devotees assembled from different parts of the world like USA, UK, Australia, Africa, etc .Maharaj just drowned all devotees in the ocean of nectarine teachings of Lord Chaitanya for 4 days, especially he explained the teachings to Rupa Goswami, Sanatana Goswami & discussions with Ramananda Raya.Every day ended with the most enlivening kirtan by Maharaj where all devotees danced in ecstasy.
On 16th Sept., morning, the “Ocean of mercy” book was launched in India. Devotees were very enthusiastic to receive the most-awaited book through the lotus-hand of Maharaj himself. On 16th evening, hundreds of devotees wen
t out for Nagar- Sankirtan in the Ujjain city for 2 hours.
On 17th Sept. morning, Srila Prabhupada Memorial festival was celebrated which reminded all the devotees about the unique contribution of Srila Prabhupada to the whole world. To the good fortune of devotees they got the association of HG Basughosh Prabhu(ACBSP), HG Mahaman Prabhu(ACBSP), HG Sankarshan Prabhu(ACBSP), HG Saci Mata Mataji(ACBSP) HH Bhakti Purushottama Swami Maharaj, HH Bhakti Gaurav Narayan Swami Maharaj and HH Bhakti Prema Swami Maharaj along with Maharaj on this occasion & they all spoke about Srila Prabhupada & expressed their gratitude to Srila Prabhupada.
On 17th evening, was the 71st Vyas Puja celebration of Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaj. It was celebrated in the most gorgeous way. It began with warming welcome of Maharaj by 2000+ devotees followed by Guru Puja, Pushpanjali, and Vyas Puja address by Maharaj . Then many devotees expressed their gratitude & love for Maharaj by reading out their offerings which was followed by cake cutting ceremony.
Most importantly, in his Vyas- Puja address, Maharaj reminded all the devotees about the position of Srila Prabhupada as the Founder-Acharya of ISKCON for all time to come. Also, he reminded the ISKCON is a big international family & we have to work in co-operation with all the devotees to spread Krishna consciousness all over the world. He reminded the devotees not to fall in trap of “Guru-group-ism” & have a broader view to consider all the spiritual masters, as glorious sons & grandsons of Srila Prabhupada.
On 18th morning, the initiation ceremony was held in which 70 devotees received initiation from Maharaj.
The arrangements for the festivals were wonderful including huge pandal, accomodation & delicious prasadam .
At the end, Maharaj thanked all the devotees for their participation in the festival & their contribution to organize everything to make the festival a MEMORABLE EVENT.
Srila Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaj Ki Jai,
Srila Prabhupada Ki jai.
(Written by HG Chittahari Krishna Das, ISKCON Ujjain)
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