Devotees throng Dharmakul fest

Thousands of devotees of Swaminarayan sect thronged 'Swaminarayan Nagar' on SG Highway on Monday to show their admiration for Dharmakul.

The Kalupur Swaminarayan Temple is celebrating Dharmakul Vandana Mahotsava to spread awareness about the importance of Dharmakul among the young devotees of the sect. Around six lakh devotees are expected to participate in the three-day programme which will continue till June 3.

Tejendra Prasadji Maharaj, in his inaugural address, elaborated on the works carried out by Lord Swaminaryan and Adi Acharya Ayodhya Prasadji  Maharaj in social and religious fields. Shashtri Swami Harikrishnadasji, mahant of Kalupur Swaminarayan Temple, said that the celebration had been organised to revere the tradition of Dharmakul started by Lord Swaminarayan 200 years ago.

"Whatever donations received from the devotees would be used for renovation of the temples built by Lord Swaminarayan during his life time," he said. Hundreds of saints have come to participate in this festival not only from Gujarat but also from other states. Devotees have also come all the way from England, America, Canada and Australia to be a part of this festival and show their admiration for Dharmakul that is dynasty of Lord Swaminarayan. During the three-day function, various religious programmes such as Vachanamrut Katha, recitation of Swaminarayan Mahamantra and devotional songs have been organised.