13 March 1999 : Saturday (Falgun vad 11) , Limbdi - Gondal
At 5.30 p.m. Swamishri left Limbdi and reached Gondal at 8.20 p.m.
14 March 1999 : Sunday (Falgun vad 11) , Gondal
Swamishri arrived at Vachhara village to perform the murti-pratishtha ceremony of a new mandir. The canvas murtis of Akshar and Purushottam, Hanuman and Ganpati and Guru Parampara were instituted with Vedic rites by Swamishri and Balmukund Swami. In the assembly that followed Swamishri said, "One cannot be redeemed by performing fasts or donations or any other meritorious deeds. That is achieved only by doing Satsang. There is an opportunity of Satsang in this village, so may everyone come to it. One should live an addiction-free life. The body needs air, water and food but not addictions ! It is the opinion of Bhagwan Swaminarayan that one should lead an addiction-free life and a moral life.
Many feel what is the need for mandir ? If we have mandirs then we will get good thoughts. So one should respect it, love it and derive benefit from it. You will get something good from it..." 4,000 people had attended the inauguration ceremony..
Swamishri returned back to Gondal at 12.20 p.m.
In the evening, an annual function of Kishore-Yuvak Mandal was held. Pujya Viveksagar Swami talked about Swamishri's virtuous youths. Several other speeches, bhajans and a drama on Hiramukhi was performed.
Before Swamishri's blessings, the compere announced that, "May all the honors and awards of the 21st century be awarded to Swamishri." Swamishri began his blessings, "The biggest honor or prize for us is that we have realised God and His holy sadhu. Understanding and spreading his glory is the greatest of honors. We should please him, increase our devotion for him and spread his message from village to village. During his prayer in Mahelav Yogiji Maharaj asked, ' O Shastriji Maharaj, may we realise your divine form.' "Because there is no self-control one gets enticed by worldly attractions. One does not achieve success because of indulging in kusang and drinking and eating outside. At present you should resolve that you want to study well and elevate the society and country. If you have a higher ideal than you will be able to do good things."
16 March 1999 : Tuesday (Falgun vad 14) , Gondal
Swamishri blessed a small gathering of devotees at our farm while fresh jaggery was being made.