With the
blessing of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, Pujya Priyasevadas Swami and Pujya Snehmunidas Swami undertook the fourth Satsang vicharan (spiritual journey) in Brazil from November 21st to 27th, 2023. Brazil, the largest country in South America with a population of 216 million, primarily speaks Portuguese and has a small Indian community. The purpose of this visit was to bolster the faith of devotees and the broader Hindu community.
During their visit, the Swamis engaged with the local community by visiting homes and offices in Brazil and Paraguay, revitalizing satsang in cities like Curitiba, Foz do Iguaçu, Campinas, and São Paulo. Notably, it was the first time in over two decades that the Indian communities in Curitiba and Foz do Iguaçu had the opportunity to experience the presence of the Pujya Swamis.
The key highlights included:
Curitiba: In Curitiba, located 250 miles west of São Paulo a satsang sabha was held where Pujya Snehmunidas Swami introduced attendees to the teachings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and discussed the strengthening of Hindu beliefs. Pujya Priyasevadas Swami provided in-depth insights into the principles of Satsang, referencing the Bhagwat Gita.
Foz do Iguaçu: This city, situated at the tri-border area of Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, 650 miles southwest from São Paulo hosted another satsang sabha. The event was a significant gathering for the local Hindu community, helping to spread the teachings and practices of Hinduism in a region with diverse cultural influences.
Paraná River: On the auspicious occasion of Prabhodini Ekadashi, the Swamis performed the asthi visarjan (ceremonial immersion of ashes) of Pramukh Swami Maharaj at the Paraná River located on Brazil-Paraguay-Argentina border. This ceremony was coupled with prayers to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Mahant Swami Maharaj, invoking blessings for the entire South American continent.
Paraguay: During their visit to Paraguay, a country neighboring Brazil, Pujya Swamis engaged in a meeting with Shri Govind Rupa Narsimha Das. In this interaction, Pujya Priyasevadas Swami shared insights into the Akshar Purushottam Upasana. Pujya Swamis expressed their appreciation for Shri Govind Rupa Narsimha Das' efforts in promoting vegetarianism. The meeting was further enriched with a session of devotion, highlighting shared spiritual harmony. Additionally, Pujya Swamis also did padharamanis at several businesses in Ciudad Del Este in Paraguay.
Campinas: During their visit to Campinas, located 60 miles northwest of São Paulo, Pujya Swamis led a satsang sabha. The women's group of Campinas participated by offering Annakut, a traditional devotional food offering. In this gathering, Pujya Snehmunidas Swami delved into the concepts of Atma (soul) and Bhagwan's Avatar (divine incarnation). He further elucidated Ekantik Dharma, highlighting the teachings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. En route from Campinas to São Paulo, Pujya Swamis visited the Templo de Shiva, a temple dedicated to Bhagwan Shiv.
São Paulo: The culmination of their visit was marked by a Diwali celebration attended by approximately 120 people. Here, the Swamis emphasized the profound significance of Diwali, sharing the festival's deeper spiritual meanings and life lessons.
These city-wise events significantly contributed to reinforcing Hindu faith and spirituality among the local and Hindu communities in these regions.