Rakesh Roshan Roy, Delhi
The festival to consecrate a comprehensive magnificent Temple of Bhagwan Shri Ram Ji will be held at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya, almost immediately after January 15, 2024. For this purpose, a grand devotional campaign of 300 days starting from March 21 2023 till January 15, 2024, to awaken cultural consciousness across the country was initiated through an assembly conducted in the premises of Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, New Delhi.
Organized with the collaborative aegis of Swami Shri Baba Ramdev Ji (Patanjali Yogpith, Haridwar), Swami Shri Govinddev Giri Ji (Ramjanmabhumi Tirthkshetra Nyas, Ayodhya), and Swami Shri Bhadreshdas Ji (BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute, New Delhi), the program also witnessed participation from various world-renowned saints, enlightened sages, spiritual leaders and scholars.
With an intent to invoke a resolution for the awakening of cultural consciousness in the entire nation with mutual affection, cordiality, harmony, unison, kindness, following dignitaries namely Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Shri Punyanand Giri Ji Maharaj, Pujya Swami Shri Parmatmanand Sarasvati Ji Maharaj, Pujya Swami Shri Gyananand Ji Maharaj, Pujya Swami Shri Balakanand Giri Ji Maharaj, Pujya Swami Shri Pranavanand Sarasvati Ji Maharaj, Mahamandaleshwar Swami Vishveshvaranand Giri Ji Maharaj, Pujya Jain Acharya Shri Lokesh Muni Ji Maharaj, Hon’ble Shri Champat Rai Ji (Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Ayodhya), Hon’ble Shri Nripendra Mishra Ji (Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Ayodhya), Hon’ble Shri Alok Kumar (Vishwa Hindu Parishad) and others graced the programme with their august presence.
Dignitaries gathered on the Akshardham stage collectively rekindled for moral, character, cultural and spiritual empowerment among different sects, regions, states and languages of the nation and took a pledge to offer a devotional chanting of ‘Shatkoti Hanuman Chalisa Path’ in the holy feet of God before establishment of Shri Ram Mandir to awaken the devotional spirit of Hanuman Ji. Since offering such a devotion is also a source to foster collective patriotism, welfare of the world and spirit of brotherhood. Therefore, this ritual will be continued till the established of upcoming Ram Mandir. In addition to this various spiritual discourses, book-essay writing, sermons on Sunderkand, conferences, spiritual discussions, contests and other such devotional activities will also take place the entire year.
On this auspicious occasion, the spiritual head of BAPS Akshardham Organization His Holiness Brahmaswarup Mahant Swami Maharaj offered his blessings and said, “The character of Bhagvan Ramchandra is an inspiration for the entire world. This devotional ceremony performed in view of establishment of the Temple at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Ayodhya, will spread spiritual values worldwide. Our guru Pramukh Swami Maharaj also dedicated his entire life to disseminate and spread Sanatan Dharma and its cultural values. Pramukh Swami Maharaj had actively contributed to the cause of Shri Ram Mandir starting from its Shila Pujan and planning of its establishment.”
It is notable that the in-charge of Akshardham temple, Pu. Munivatsal Swamiji contributed with his sharp management skill to organize this entire assembly program. This special program started at 4 PM. Children of BAPS Akshardham Balpravritti began the program with Vedic Shantimantra.
Thereafter, the respected saints and guests were heartily introduced and ceremoniously welcomed by offering shawls and garlands. Honorable Shri Champat Rai ji, (General Secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Ayodhya), briefly talked about the history of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi. He offered his deepest gratitude to the hundreds of millions of devotees who dedicated their lives to materializing the creation of a temple on Shri Ram Janmabhoomi. The respected saints and the chief guests worshiped Shri Ram Darbar and began the assembly by lighting the auspicious lamp. This momentous moment was hailed by everyone, and the atmosphere of the assembly was immersed in the divine aura of Bhagwan Shri Ram, Sita ji, Shri Laxman ji, and Shri Hanuman ji
Subsequently, Shri Govinddev Giri Ji Maharaj in his keynote address on the outline of Shatkoti Hanuman Chalisa Campaign said, “Various Temples dedicated to Shri Ramchandra Bhagvan across the country. However, the upcoming Temple at Ram Janmabhoomi Ayodhya holds a special place as it will awaken the spiritual consciousness of the devotees. Shri Hanumanji is the choicest devotee of Shri Ramchandra Bhagvan to be invoked, in order to rekindle such a spiritual consciousness. Remembering Hanuman Ji will inspire everyone to work hard towards their material and spiritual goals. Chanting Hanuman Chalisa will protect people all over the world from vices and evil thoughts. The main objective of Shatkoti Hanuman Chalisa Campaign is to venerate and remember Shri Ramchandra every moment before the consecration of Shri Ramjanmabhoomi Mandir. We have launched a website ‘rampratistha.com’ and a mobile application by the name of ‘Ram-Pratishtha’ where devotees can register themselves and can pledge the number of recitations of Hanuman Chalisa, they would like to devote in the holy feet of Shri Ramchandra Bhagvan. In this application, a transliterated Hanuman Chalisa will be available in around 12 scripts so that devotees can easily chant and offer their devotion.”
As the time passed, the auspicious Shatkoti Hanuman Chalisa Campaign was initated through devotional chanting of Hanuman Chalisa. In that moment, the atmosphere was filled with divinity and spirituality. Thereafter, Jain Acharya Shri Lokesh Muniji Maharaj said, “As a Jain spiritual leader, I seek to spread this auspicious message to my fellow Jain spiritual leaders that Shri Ramchandra Bhagvan holds an equally important spiritual place in Jain religion just as Bhagvan Adinath and Mahavir does. Hanuman Chalisa is equally divine as the auspicious Navkar Mantra. I will myself chant Hanuman Chalisa on Mahavir Jayanti that falls on April 4 this year.”
Thereafter Shri Aalok Kumar (Vishwa Hindu Parishad) said, “I was astounded upon hearing about Shatkoti Hanuman Chalisa Campaign. Furthermore, on hearing about the sacrifices and dedication of 10 crore families and donations by 65 crores people for consecration of the Temple at Ram Janmabhoomi, I am assured that this campaign will be carried out successfully and India will once again become a beacon of light for the world.”
Swami Shri Pranavanand Saraswati Ji Maharaj said, “upon hearing about Shatkoti Hanuman Chalisa Campaign, I remember my childhood days when the slogan “Every Child belongs to Lord Ram and his life belongs to Ram Janmabhoomi” was immensely popular. On this platform I pledge to spread the name and work of Lord Ram and Lord Hanuman among the Tribal and marginalized communities.”
Mahamahopadhyay Swami Shri Bhadreshdas Ji Maharaj in his special keynote address said, “when the idea of Shatkoti Hanuman Chalisa Campaign was conceived in Indonesia, Govinddev Giri Ji Maharaj was also present. We discussed that though, a Temple will be consecrated at Ram Janmabhoomi Ayodhya, there is a need to unite everyone to increase faith in Shri Ramchandra Bhagavan. Hanuman Chalisa provides a positive impact on people’s lives; it is a summary of the scriptures of Sanatan dharma. When we remember Hanuman Ji, our worries are washed away and pain disappears. We are privileged and elated that Swaminarayan Akshardham, New Delhi has been chosen as a platform to initiate this campaign. This campaign will not stop here. It will spread across the world and be exemplary of our unity. When we all are united, no force can break us. Shri Ramchandra Bhagavan is our cultural and spiritual role model. Ramayan is a historical digest of the cultural ethos of our nation. Hanuman Chalisa is a catalyst to achieve spiritual progress. H.H. Pramukh Swami Maharaj performed the veneration of first stone of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple and supported the cause. He is present with us in spirits and is blessing the cause for its progress. ”
Vishweshvaranand Giri Maharaj said, “Through this campaign, the spiritual consciousness of this nation will be rekindled. The conception of the Temple at Ram Janmabhoomi has been done with the objective to make it last for more than one thousand years.” Thereafter, Shri Gopalsharandevacharya Ji Maharaj said, “I express my gratitude towards all the spiritual leaders who have been a pioneer in spreading the culture of Sanatan Dharma across the world. The glory of Hanuman Ji is beyond any sect, he is revered by people of different faiths all over the world. People from various walks of life and age groups and societies chant the Hanuman mantra to transcend any difficulties in their lives. I suggest that Hanuman Chalisa should be sung during the inception of every journey or beginning of new work.”
Pujya Gyananand Swami Ji Maharaj said, “I offer my adulations and respects to those whose determination and dedication have laid the foundation stone of the Ram Mandir. May Bhagavan Shri Ram be consecrated in everyone’s heart. As Pujya Bhadresh Swamiji mentioned, I agree that through this campaign a spiritual consciousness shall be awakened in each soul. The Honorable Prime Minister has called for building smart cities; but, I believe that along with smart cities, we also need to build smart Individuals. The initiation of this campaign will play a significant role in achieving that. The strong foundations of the Ram Mandir are also strong foundations of the nation.”
Punyanand Giri Ji Maharaj, “During my childhood, even before I started my formal education, I memorized Durga Kavach as it was being recited in my home regularly. Similarly, when people will chant Hanuman Chalisa everyday in their homes. Children will learn to recite Hanuman Chalisa even before they get formal education. Through these initiatives, spiritual consciousness will be awakened throughout the families and hence, no one will complain that the youth is going away from the path of spirituality. I am inspired by this campaign and henceforth, from now onwards I will also ensure chanting of Hanuman Chalisa in my ashram.”
Thereafter Pujya Parmatmanand Saraswati Maharaj ji said that by making youth saints, we are spreading the word of Shri Ram and helping millions of people to progress on the path of salvation. By remembering Shri Hanumanji and Bhagwan Shri Ram, not only is our mind purified, but also our heart enlightened. To celebrate the Shatkoti Hanuman Chalisa campaign in a true sense, we must fill our hearts with their pious presence and live in accordance with their teachings.
Famous Yogacharya Pujya Shri Ramdev Ji Maharaj began his speech by praising the ascetic order of the Swaminarayan tradition. He said, “Through the Akshar-Purushottam organization, we learn what an ideal saint tradition is like and the essence of values like a sacrifice. I express my gratitude to Swami Shri Govinddev Giri ji for leading this campaign. By praising God, love for him increases, by praying to him, we do not feel proud. While worshiping him, we ourselves attain the God Realized state. Mahant Swami Maharaj ji has blessed that [by chanting the Hanuman Chalisa we shall become virtuous. The foundations of the Ram Mandir, which have been laid, shall last not only a thousand years but for lakhs of years. The land of India is the land of Rishi Munis. The ascetics built this country with their struggle and penance. This Shatkoti Hanuman Chalisa campaign is only a symbol, its echo will resound across the world for many years. Remembrance of God destroys the heat of difference. Pramukh Swami Maharaj has created unique saints, similarly, this campaign will spread new consciousness in the entire nation.”
A group photo was taken at the end of the assembly. Pujya Munivatsal Swamiji, the head of Akshardham Mandir, concluded the assembly by proposing a vote of thanks.
