The BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey celebrated Diksha Mahotsav on October 2, 2023, a nine-day festival culminating in the initiation of 30 young men into the sadhu-fold. The ceremony marked the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhiji and was attended by esteemed members of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Pujya Viveksagardas Swami and Pujya Anandswarupdas Swami spoke on the vital role sadhus play in society and the unconditional love of the guru that draws youth into the sadhu-fold. His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj initiated the 30 young men into various stages of the sadhu-fold, personally blessing each renunciate with their new names.
The group of dedicated young men include 21 newly ordained renunciates who will now continue their rigorous training at the BAPS seminary in Sarangpur, Gujarat, where they will cultivate the virtues of service, knowledge, devotion, austerity and unity. Newly ordained as sadhus, 9 men will now embark upon their lifelong path of worldly renunciation, self-realization and service to God and society. All 30 young men selflessly served in the construction of Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey.
His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj expressed deep gratitude and appreciation for the parents of these young men and reiterated that “it was in your mind to serve God and society, otherwise you would not be sitting here today. There is much work to be done from here on. May you be successful on this spiritual path of attaining God through your service.”
Congressmen Shri Thanedar, Ro Khanna, and Mark Takano joined in the celebrations and conveyed their sentiments to the morning assembly, expressing their immense joy in being able to partake in the inaugural celebrations at BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham and their appreciation for the contributions of Indian Americans to American society.
