Bhagwaan Gopinath Ji
Trust Activities
by M. K. Tikoo
After
our forced exodus from the valley, a large number of devotees expressed their
keen desire to have an "Ashrama" in Jammu as well, where they could
meet to have "Samohik Arti" every evening at the feet of the Master.
So a piece of land was
purchased at Borhi Jammu, which had already a dilapidated shed on it. The same
was got renovated and then regular "Arti" was started. Due to the
paucity of space and with the ever increasing inflow of the devotees the need to
have a much bigger accommodation was felt. So came up the present double-story
"L-shaped" building with a lawn in the front. All this was possible
only because of BhagwaanJi's charismatic and magnetic divine personality and His
ever flowing grace as also close and active cooperation and encouragement from
the devotees'. The "Ashram" is acquiring stature every day in and out.
Its effulgence is spreading throughout the country and even abroad. Devotees
from outside and overseas especially from Australia, Canada and Switzerland,
regularly visit the Shrine.
With this, besides the
daily evening "Arti", our usual activities that we used to have at
Srinagar, like providing financial assistance to widows, orphans and the
physically handicapped, medical aid to patients suffering from different
ailments, help to poor students to pursue their studies etc. were also started
here.
Under similar
circumstances as desclibed above another "Ashram" at Pamposh Enclave,
New Delhi, also was constructed. Devotees at Bangalore also started another one,
but that is still housed in a rented accommodation.
We are having the below
mentioned activities round the year in the Ashrams at Jammu, Delhi &
Bangalore concurrently:
i. Annual mahayagnya on
"Jyeshta Shukla Dvitiya". The Yagnya starts a day earlier in the
evening and "Purna Ahuti" is offered at 2 P.M. After this thousands
of devotees have the "Prashad".
ii. Bhagwanajis' "Mahajayanti"
is celebrated on "Ashad Shukla Dwadshi". The day starts with "Paduka
Pujan" at 8-30 A.M. At noon a very large number of sadhus are fed and
paid "Dakhshana", which was the practice in Bhagawanjis' life time
also. After this "Prashad" is distributed to the general public
which is followed by discourses and devotional music till late in the evening.
iii. Only two days after
the Mahajayanti we have "Guru Purnima". On this day devotees sit at
BhagawaanJis feet and offer flowers "Pushpa Archana". In fact
"Seekers of truth" throughout the length and breadth of the country
worship their masters with great humility and devotion on this day.
iv 25th of December in
celebrated as "Bal Divas", Childrens Day. A large number of children
are given presents and sweets are distributed after the evening "Arti".
v. On "Hora Ashtami"
Phalguna Krishna Ashtami we have night Jagran.
vi. On "Navreh",
1st of Navratra, an essay competition is held which is open to all students
and other people. We suggest the topic and a team of eminent Judges prepare
the merit list. Prizes are given for the best material and best presentation
separately.
vii. On 1st Sunday of
every month, we have "Japahoma" of Bhagawan Jis Shatnam, followed by
recitation of the "Guru Gita".
viii. BhagwanJis
"Sacred Bibhuti" is distributed among the needy regularly.
Beside this other festivals
also are celebrated. Revival of B.G.T. Patrika, which besides other
publications, was our regular feature at Srinagar we hope, will go a long way in
spreading Bhagwan conciousness", an awareness of universal brotherhood.
Om Shanti.
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