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NDTV
7 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
From Puri To Jamalpur: Ahmedabad Gears Up For 148th Jagannath Rath Yatra
Ahmedabad: Gujarat's largest city, Ahmedabad, is all set to witness the 148th edition of the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath on Friday, one of the awaited spiritual and cultural events. Rooted in centuries of tradition, the Rath Yatra, also known as the 'Chariot Festival', is not just a religious procession but a symbol of the state's cultural heritage, social inclusiveness, and civic coordination. Ahmedabad's Rath Yatra is the second largest in India after the one in Puri, Odisha. In the 19th century, Gujarat saw a resurgence of Vaishnavism, particularly through sects like Pushtimarg and Swaminarayan Sampraday, which already had a large urban following. The Jagannath sect, rooted in the worship of Krishna in tribal and rural forms, found resonance among these urban Vaishnavas. Mahant Narsinhdasji, inspired by the grandeur of the Puri Rath Yatra during his pilgrimage, resolved to establish a similar event in Ahmedabad. The temple at Jamalpur, believed to have been established nearly 450 years ago, was chosen as the epicentre. He envisioned a procession that not only echoed the spiritual magnificence of Puri but also brought God to the people, especially those unable to travel east. According to researchers, during British rule, religious festivals became sites of cultural assertion and community identity. The Rath Yatra, with its massive public turnout, vibrant pageantry, and egalitarian participation, became an annual expression of Hindu presence in an increasingly segmented urban society. Interestingly, the first few Rath Yatras of the late 1800s were carried out with modest chariots and small processions, mostly centred around the walled city. But by the early 20th century, the event had grown so large that the British administration took note, and occasionally intervened under the pretext of law and order. The procession begins early in the morning, around 7.00 a.m., from the 400-year-old Jagannath Temple in Jamalpur. It passes through key parts of the walled city, including Kalupur, Prem Darwaja, Delhi Chakla, Shahpur, and Astodia, before returning to the temple by late evening, covering a 16-kilometre route. The chariots carrying the deities, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, are pulled by hundreds of devotees. The 'Pahind Vidhi' or ceremonial sweeping of the path is traditionally performed by the Gujarat Chief Minister, symbolising humility and service. The event is rooted in devotion, but its relevance goes beyond religion; it represents a successful model of mass coordination between citizens, police, civic bodies, and faith groups. In 2024, over 10 lakh devotees were estimated to have attended, and a similar turnout is expected this year. "For us, Rath Yatra is not just a festival, it's an emotion. Watching the deities come out of the temple feels like a personal blessing," said Meena Patel, 52, a Jamalpur resident. The 2025 edition will see unprecedented technological integration, with AI-based crowd monitoring, 3D route mapping, and surveillance via 3,500 CCTV cameras, 2,872 body-worn cameras, 25 watchtowers, and 240 terrace points. Over 23,884 security personnel will be deployed, while 484 dilapidated structures along the route have been sealed for safety. The Rath Yatra has also become a vehicle for social unity, with peace committee meetings, women-led outreach, and community sports and cultural events conducted as part of pre-yatra engagement (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
News18
22-04-2025
- Politics
- News18
'Temples Crafted In Stone, But They Sculpt The Soul': How Swaminarayan Temples Inspire Dharma
Last Updated: With the spotlight on US President JD Vance's visit to Akshardham, BAPS international spokesperson Swami Brahmavihari Das explains how the opulent architecture of Swaminarayan temples is one of the main reasons they are spread across the world The visit of US Vice-President JD Vance has again put the spotlight on the Akshardham temple. One of the major reasons for the Swaminarayan temples to spread across the world is its opulent architecture. More importantly, as BAPS international spokesperson Swami Brahmavihari Das told News18, the 'architecture tells stories from the scriptures, depicts saints and sages, and radiates sacred geometry". 'These temples are crafted in stone, but they sculpt the soul," he said. How have the Swaminarayan temples set a new standard and how are they built to encourage people to continue their dharma? Bhagwan Swaminarayan built five mandirs in his own lifetime and, from then on, the Swaminarayan Sampraday built mandirs as sanctuaries of spirit and service. They inspire dharma not only through rituals but value-based living and humanitarian service. Every detail, from intricate carvings to the warm welcome of volunteers, is designed to ignite a sense of belonging and devotion. These mandirs provide an environment where people – young and old – feel rooted in tradition, uplifted in spirit, and engaged in the community across the world. The stone temples are purely traditional as per ancient shilpa shastras; however, the facilities are modern to serve the needs of today. How do you view the visit of US Vice-President JD Vance and his family to the temple? It was a moment of mutual respect and heartfelt warmth. Vice President JD Vance arrived with his family after visiting the Vatican for Easter and joined us not only as a statesman, but as a spiritually active father alongside his family. He was delighted and his children were excited as they experienced a glimpse of India's timeless values – of peace, prayer, and pluralism. And for us, it was an opportunity to honour the spirit of friendship between cultures, faiths, and nations. When leaders of nations talk about more than just trade, technology, policies and politics, and they take time out to understand and exchange cultural and spiritual values, it is truly heartwarming and hope-building. How has the Swaminarayan sect managed to expand its influence globally while retaining its traditional roots? The BAPS fellowship, through the inspiration of Pramukh Swami Maharaj and now Mahant Swami Maharaj, has remained rooted in seva, sanskar, and spirituality. Our mandirs are found across the world – from London to Los Angeles, Paris to Toronto, Sydney to Johannesburg and now in Abu Dhabi. In each of these places, they are welcomed by people in their nations and communities because we genuinely serve the needs of the local residents through universal Sanatan values like love, peace, tolerance, and service. This growth is natural, born out of need, not expansionism and it is not about influence, but about inclusion – inviting people into a way of life that is meaningful, moral, and fulfilling with devotion. That's how we've built global relevance without losing local resonance. What sets the Swaminarayan temples apart in terms of architecture and rituals? We do not make an effort to stand apart – we feel it is an extension of a rich and relevant tradition of Sanatan Dharma. Our architecture tells stories from the scriptures, depicts saints and sages, and radiates sacred geometry. These temples are crafted in stone, but they sculpt the soul. And our rituals, though rooted in the Vedas, are fine-tuned for today – made accessible and understandable to all – performed with devotion, clarity, and purpose. It is this fusion of timeless tradition and compassionate accessibility that makes our mandirs beloved by all in today's times. Why is Akshardham in Delhi, and now the beautiful temple in Abu Dhabi, considered a symbol of the Swaminarayan sect's power and reach? I would humbly say they are not symbols of power, but of prayer. These mandirs represent the reach of love and bhakti and continued relevance of faith in the modern context. Akshardham Delhi stands as a cultural lighthouse in our nation's capital. The Abu Dhabi mandir, built with the grace of Bhagwan and the vision of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, is a bridge between civilisations. Both inspire awe, yes, but more importantly, they inspire harmony. In what ways does the Swaminarayan sect engage with modernity – technology, politics, global diaspora – without compromising on its core values? Following the principles of Sanatan Dharma – we do not see things in the world through the lenses of friends and foes or opportunities and threats. We see the whole world as the work and will of the divine and the events of the world as God's will. This allows us to engage with technological advances, societal changes, and people across the world constructively to further the universal values and increase the happiness that we all desire and cherish. Clarity and commitment to purity of vision and values will never allow modern tools and technology to hijack the heart of humanity. Why are Swaminarayan temples often built on such a grand scale, and what message does that grandeur aim to send? Not all Swaminarayan mandirs are grand, some are small and simple. They are built as per the need and resources available. All in all, mandirs are the home of the most glorious form of the almighty and so they express gratitude to God, reverence for tradition, and a desire to offer the best to the divine. In a world where people rightfully build glorious skyscrapers, museums, stadiums, iconic landmarks for commerce, comfort, and knowledge we build sanctuaries for the soul, abodes of art, culture and spirituality that inspire one and all for generations to come. How do the daily rituals and routines at a Swaminarayan temple differ from those at mainstream Hindu temples? Swaminarayan mandirs like all Hindu temples follow devotional rituals and ceremonies. Every murti is worshipped with devotion and personally cared for as a living deity – adorned every day with garlands and shringar, worshipped by aarti and served with bhog. As you witnessed, our mandirs are open to all people – regardless of caste, creed, or class, from all faiths or backgrounds and the rituals and routines, too, are experienced and respected by all. How is technology used in Swaminarayan temples to manage crowds, conduct rituals, and create immersive spiritual experiences? Technology is our invisible sevak. From crowd management to food preparation – all aspects of a mandir's operations are open to using the latest developments to make a better and safer experience for visitors. But, most importantly, we use it with sanskar. It enhances darshan, not replaces it. At BAPS, technology serves devotion – it doesn't distract from it. It makes spirituality scalable and sacredness seamless. That's the power of combining science with sanskriti. Hence, while the mandir has sacred places for meditation and contemplation where space is available, we create exhibitions and spiritual shows that help transmit values and inspirations. Lastly, in light of the recent announcements, I would also like to share our condolences with Vice-President JD Vance and all those of Catholic faith in India and around the world for the loss of His Holiness Pope Francis. His simplicity, faith and inclusivity were inspirational to many across the world. I personally was present when he signed the Human Fraternity Document on February 4, 2019, in Abu Dhabi. News18 India delivers breaking news, top headlines, and live updates on politics, weather, elections, law and crime, much more. Stay informed with real-time coverage and in-depth analysis of current events across India. tags : Akshardham baps JD Vance Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: April 22, 2025, 07:00 IST News india 'Temples Crafted In Stone, But They Sculpt The Soul': How Swaminarayan Temples Inspire Dharma | Exclusive
