June 13th is one of our most
important days in the Bhakti Marga
family and is a day that is celebrated around the world by thousands of devotee's
that pay Homage to their beloved Sat Guru Sri Swami Vishwananda.
The Maha Jwala Narasimha in
Johannesburg South Africa was no exception, inaugurated in 2009 by Sri Swami
Vishwananda himself who breathed life into the Main Deity Maha Jwala Narasimha
it was only fitting that a grand celebration was held to mark the appearance
day of Sri Swami Vishwananda.
At first the idea was Simple, let
us give everybody the chance to perform a Puja to the feet of Sri Swami
Vishwananda. However as we moved down the line the celebration evolved into what
the Masters had in mind. Let us give everyone the opportunity to perform the
Puja to Sri swami Vishwananda's feet as the Abishek and the Main Puja is being
done on His Paduka's but let us also gather 108 people to do the Puja at the
same time to make it even more auspicious. So we began to gather numbers and
prepped all the ingredients and puja items needed. Emails went out and replies
came flying in to be a part of this wonderful event. 1 week before we had the
main number, 108 people had RSVP and excitement was abuzz with all the devotees.
June 13th arrived and it was a
full day of prayer and homage, starting at 6am was Yagna to mark the time Swami
appeared on earth, then we had 2 Seva feedings setup. One at Inkosi's haven and
the other at Duduzwane Aids Home. Swami is very big on Seva and selfless
service so it was only fitting that honour Him as He himself would want it done.
4pm and the Devotees started
coming together to begin prep and setting up at the temple, first we had
decorations to put up and hearts and pictures of Swami were hung from the
ceiling. Then began the puja prep, 108 puja plates needed to be setup for all
attendees. 25 minutes to seven and the final puja plate was laid in front of a
picture of Swami feet just in time for the opening prayers to be sung.
As with any prayer those involved
are always busy, singing, prepping, answering questions or getting the food
ready amongst other things. However a smile can always be seen on their faces
as they do it with love, love because they enjoy it and love because they are
serving not only their beloved Sat Guru but also fellow devotees of Swami.
The evening progressed in much of
a blur as we were whisked into the heavens on our Journey by the two Swami's
present, Swami Vishwamohini and Swami Vishwaparanthapananda. By the final Arati
and cake cutting 108 Puja's had been done to Sri Swami Vishwananda Paduka's,
beautiful Bhajans had been sung, devotees had danced together without a care in
the world and Swami had been honoured with pure devotion from those presents
hearts.
