The ISSO Swaminarayan Temple at Papatoetoe celebrated its second anniversary from Friday April 2 to Sunday April 4. The campus has already become a landmark and is frequently visited by people of Indian origin for a variety of activities carried out here. ISSO organises cultural classes for the young, health awareness programs, gardening for healthy eating, weddings, discourses and many other community and religious programmes.
On the first day, cultural evening was organized. It began with melodious bhajans led by Swami Bhajanprakashdasji and many other devotees. The whole environment became serene and pious. It was followed by a play named “Hriday Parivartan” – change of heart.
The story depicted how the poet Ladudanji, who loved material possessions, was transformed to the divine Saint Brahmanand Swami by Lord Swaminarayan in the early Nineteenth century Gujarat. The play was performed by devotees and was directed by the priest Ravibhai Shastri. It was praised by one and all in the audience. Evening concluded with prasadam. Over 500 people attended the evening.
On Sunday 4th April, the day started early with the Abhishek “pious bathing” of the idols at the temple. The Saints of the temple – Swami Ramkrushnadasji, Swami Bhajanprakashdasji and others joined in the ceremony. After the abhishek, the idols were decorated and the Annakut – Mountain of food – was offered to the deities. Annakut included lots of varieties of savories and sweets made in the temple and also brought by devotees. The idols and the whole temple premises were decorated and wore a very attractive look.
Guests from Australia, USA, UK and other parts of New Zealand along with a large number of Auckland devotees attended the events. At the time of Annakut arati, K. S. Baxi, Rajen Prasad – Members of Parliament gave their best wishes on the completion of 2 years of the temple.
Dr. Kanti Patel, Chairman of the trust, thanked all the volunteers and presented a Certificate in recognition of services to Mr. Suresh Amin, who is a dedicated volunteer. Swami Ramkrushnadasji blessed the gathering and spoke about the importance of temples as a place for eternal solace and mental peace.
Acharya Maharajshree Koshalendraprasadji was scheduled to be the Guest of honour during this whole celebration and many devotees were eagerly awaiting his arrival. Circumstances prevented his arrival but he sent a video recording which was shown to the audience. After the Arati, everyone took the Mahaprasad. Over 1000 people attended on Sunday.