Shree Swaminarayan Mandir of the Bochasanwasi Shree Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) celebrated the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima. Over 1500 devotees from all over Houston and surrounding BAPS centers in Texas gathered at the BAPS Mandir in Stafford with absolute veneration on Saturday, July 27 2002.
Hindus traditionally celebrate the day of full moon, Purnima, in the month of Ashadh as Guru Purnima. Also known as Vyas Purnima, the day is celebrated in remembrance and veneration to sage Ved Vyas. He is the Adi (original) Guru of the Hindu dharma, who classified the Vedas, wrote the eighteen Puranas and the Mahabharat. On this day, disciples honor their guru (Teacher), pay their respects and offer gratitude for the spiritual guidance that Guru provides them.
The Sanskrit root "Gu" means darkness or ignorance. "Ru" denotes the remover of that darkness. Therefore one who removes darkness of our ignorance is a guru. Only he who removes our ultimate darkness, known as Maya, and who inspires and guides us on to the path of God-realization is the true Guru.
With this in mind, devotees from all over Houston and beyond gathered together, on, to pay homage to their guru, His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj. The evening program commenced with the traditional dhoon and prathana. The program included several devotional bhajans including a melodious Hindi bhajan, that captivated the hearts of the audience. The program included speeches by santo from Houston and Atlanta highlighting the need for a guru in one's life.
In other highlights, Dr. Frank Hughes, a NASA astronaut trainer was recognized at the program. With the support and help of local satsangis, Dr. Hughes had presented a murti of Lord Swaminarayan to astronaut Jim Newman to carry with him aboard his recent Columbia mission. Coincidentally, the shuttle had taken off at the same time as the new Houston mandir foundation-laying ceremony was in progress! In addition, towards, the program end, Mr. Hasmukbhai Patel, a leading Republican party supporter and a satsangi was also honored. The occasion concluded with aarti and mahaprasad.