HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj's Asthipushpa Visarjanat Niagara Falls, Toronto

Thousands of devotees and well-wishers from across North America and around the world gathered at Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada onThursdayJuly 27,2017towitness the Asthipushpa Visarjan (holy ash dispersion ceremony) for His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj.His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj passed away in Sarangpur, India, on August 13, 2016. He had visited Canada 12 times between 1974 and 2007, inspiring and inaugurating in 2007 the magnificentBAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Canada’s first traditionally hand-carved Hindu place of worship.Pramukh Swami Maharaj also visited and sanctified Niagara Falls for the first time on July 27, 1974, followed by multiple visits until 1990. At Niagara Falls, His Holiness also visited the Floral Clock Park and there prayed for world peace; and also performed a small ritual at the waters of Niagara.It is therefore fitting that Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s holy ashes were also scattered in Niagara Falls, as an expression of gratitude and in commemoration of his longstanding and sacred ties with Canada. Therefore, exactly 43 years later on July 27, 2017, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual successor of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, visited Niagara Falls to perform the Asthipushpa Visarjan (Holy Ash Dispersion) ceremony of Pramukh Swami Maharaj.During the ritual, the holy ashes of His Holiness Pramukh Maharaj were dispersed into the flowing waters over Niagara Falls with prayers expressing everyone’s collective gratitude in receiving his blessings; and thus sanctifying the waters of Niagara. Prayers were also offered for World Peace, for the peace and happiness for the people of Canada and for all those who visit Niagara. The ritual was presided over by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj. Devotees and well-wishers observed the ritual from a special observation area.As a part of the Niagara Parks Memorial Tree Program, a memorial tree was also dedicated inhonourof His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj.The ceremony and holy ash dispersion took place in accordance with local laws and with the help of the Niagara Park authorities.The ceremony at Niagara Falls followed the dispersion of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s holy ashes in many holy rivers of India, including theGondali, Narmada,Sabarmatiand Ganga, and recently in the Nile near Jinja, Uganda and River Thames in London.More details on http://www.baps.org/News/2017/Asthipushpa-Visarjan-at-Niagara-Falls-11797.aspx###
About BAPSThe BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a worldwide spiritual and humanitarian organization that is dedicated to community service, peace, and harmony. Motivated by Hindu principles, BAPS strives to care for the world by caring for societies, families, and individuals. Through various spiritual and humanitarian activities, BAPS endeavors to develop better citizens of tomorrow with high esteem for their roots and culture. Its 3,300 international centers support these character-building activities. Under the guidance and leadership of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS aspires to build a community that is free of addictions as well as morally, ethically and spiritually pure. For more details, please visitwww.baps.org.About Mahant Swami MaharajHis Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj is the sixth and current spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He was ordained a swami by Yogiji Maharaj in 1961 and named Sadhu Keshavjivandas. As he was appointed the head (Mahant) of the Mandir in Mumbai, he became known as Mahant Swami. His devout, humble and service-focused life earned him the innermost blessings of Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Mahant Swami Maharaj travels throughout the world inspiring people through his insightful spiritual discourses and disciplinedconduct. His virtuous lifestyle and profound devotion to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and gurus are ideals toward which devotees strive. Mahant Swami Maharaj became the guru and President of BAPS upon Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s passing in 2016.About Pramukh Swami MaharajPramukh Swami Maharaj was the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Under his leadership, BAPS grew into an international spiritual and humanitarian organization with over 3,300 centers worldwide. He dedicated his life to the well-being of others, traveling throughout the world to foster love, peace, harmony, righteousness, faith in God, and service to humanity. With genuine care and compassion, he reached out to all members of society irrespective of class, color, or age. Recognized and respected as one of India's greatest spiritual teachers, he lived by and promoted the principle: “In the joy of others, lies our own.”CONTACT: media@na.baps.orgSOURCE: BAPS