New Delhi, October 22 (IANS). Continuing the Indian Sanatan Utsav tradition, a grand celebration of Annakoot Govardhan Puja was organized at Swaminarayan Akshardham in Delhi. Thousands of people gathered at the temple premises with reverence and devotion to join this festival. In this, 1,232 sattvik vegetarian dishes were offered to God in the form of a plate. Under the inspiration of His Holiness Mahantaswami Maharaj, Diwali and Annakoot celebrations are celebrated with the same devotion and harmony as all other Hindu festivals in more than 1,800 Swaminarayan temples and centers around the world. It started with Govardhan Mahapuja at Delhi Akshardham at 10 am, in which senior saints of the organization and thousands of devotees participated. Especially in the courtyard of the temple, a special replica of Govardhan mountain has been made where the saints performed the Vedic Mahapuja and divine Aarti of the Lord in the traditional manner. The echo of Vedic mantras and devotional music filled the entire atmosphere with divinity and devotion. Guruji Mahant Swami Maharaj blessed everyone and said that on this auspicious occasion everyone should be happy in body, mind and wealth. This new year, everyone should accept everyone’s good qualities and avoid criticism and disadvantages. A large number of devotees were seen in the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in Delhi since morning. Thousands of devotees visited the temple for Annakoot Darshan, in which 1,232 sattvik vegetarian dishes were offered in the form of a plate before the Lord. Thousands of dedicated volunteers were busy day and night serving the temple, which is a wonderful example of selfless devotion, dedication and love. This grand Annakoot Darshan remained open till late night for everyone in the temple. The feeling of ‘offering yours to you’ is clearly reflected in the heart of this festival. It is a symbol of the unwavering faith of the devotees that everything we have is due to the grace of God and only by dedicating it to Him can one attain true happiness and contentment. Celebrated on the day of Shukla Pratipada after Diwali, this festival provides an opportunity to express gratitude to God. In many states it is considered the beginning of the New Year. 5000 years ago, when there was torrential rain due to the wrath of Indra in Dwaparayuga, Lord Shri Krishna protected the people of Gokul by lifting the great Govardhan mountain on his little finger. On the seventh day, when everything became calm, Lord Shri Krishna put down Govardhan mountain and ordered everyone to worship it and celebrate Annakoot festival. Since then, this festival began to be held every year. –IANS ASH/ABM Share this story Tags
New Delhi: Great Annakoot festival in Akshardham, worship of God with 1,232 dishes.
