Chaturmas is a holy period of four months in the Hindu calendar during which devotees undertake additional religious observances. During this time, parayans (scriptural discourses) are held at BAPS mandirs and centres around the world.
This year, learned sadhu Gnanvardhan Swami from India presided over the discourse at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Preston, UK. He offered spiritual wisdom on a variety of Hindu and Swaminarayan themes based on the Ramayan, the timeless manual of life and family values.
The discourse provided spiritual enrichment through theological insight and practical guidance to the hundreds who attended over 3 days. A special exhibit was also organised to consolidate the theme of the parayan based on Shri Ramchandra Bhagwan's life.
A key feature of these parayans was the involvement of the young and old in the mahapuja ceremony at the start of each day's parayan katha.