NEW DIVINE HEAD OF BAPS INTERNATIONAL AND 20 SADHUS TO VISIT SOUTH AFRICA LATER THIS MONTH

By Subry Govender The divine head of the Indian international spiritual organisation, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj, and a group of 20 sadhus will visit South Africa to interact with local devotees from March 24 to 29. Swami Maharaj has visited South Africa on three occasions previously as the disciple of the former head of the BAPS movement, Param Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj, who passed on last year at the age of 95. He is the sixth spiritual successor of the BAPS movement. Swami Maharaj, who first graduated as a sadhu within the BAPS movement in 1961, has been described by the late Pramukh Swami Maharaj as "a geneuine spiritual luminary through whom God touches the lives of innumerable aspirants, and makes their lives divine". The spokesperson for BAPS South Africa, Hari Patel, said the new spiritual head and the 20 sadhus would interact with devotees, members of the public and deliver lectures at the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Lenasia, Johannesburg on March 24, 26, 27 and 28. He said the visiting luminaries would also participate in a special Vedic ceremony and laying of the foundation stone of the organisation's Mandir cultural complex in Northriding, north of Johannesburg. "The Mandir and Haveli is envisioned to be a symbol of Hindu pride and glory in South Africa, dedicated to the memory of the great visionary leader of BAPS, Param Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj,” he said. "A 17-acre site located in North Riding has been selected for the construction of the Haveli which will stand as an architectural wonder in Johannesburg. The Haveli will celebrate Hindu values and inspire moral and spiritual upliftment for generations to come.” Mr Patel said both the lectures and the foundation opening ceremony were open to all members of the public. "We humbly request one and all to participate in the Shila Pujan, which is an auspicious occasion to be witnessed for the first time on our soil," he said. Mr Patel said South Africa was truly privileged and fortunate “to gain the divine visit of His Holiness this year since His schedule is ever so tight”. “He continues to inspire millions towards a morally right, God-centric life without addiction, violence and crime by establishing numerous cultural centers, hospitals and educational facilities around the globe.” Ends – subrygovender@gmail.com