WITH concerns over the coronavirus pandemic mounting, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha has closed its temples in the UK, Europe, North America and Australia, and temporarily suspended its social and religious activities.
Devotees, however, will be given daily darshan through the websites of each mandir. And the organisation will continue to provide spiritual guidance to devotees through interactive web forums.
Noting that “prayer, reflection and family activities can bring calm, solace, and peace of mind”, BAPS said weekly satsang sabhas (religious assemblies) for children, teens and adults were being webcast live every weekend.
The darshan from BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London—known known as the Neasden Temple—was made available every morning from the temple’s website, while the arti was being streamed live every evening.
The organisation was also using online resources to encourage families to conduct ghar sabhas (home assemblies) to help foster family unity and spiritual understanding.
Lauding the online initiative, Manoj Ladwa, founder and CEO of India Inc., tweeted: “Participated in evening Aarti @NeasdenTemple via live video link. Felt like we were physically present. Such is the strength of technology, such is the strength of faith. Together we can meet any challenge!”
Shruti Patel, a devotee in the city, said: “During this incredibly difficult time for so many people across the world, my family, including our two young children, are extremely grateful for these ways to remain connected with the mandir and keep our faith alive when we need it the most.”
The Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Ruchi Ghanashyam, noted: “It is important to keep faith during times of challenge. A good initiative by @NeasdenTemple.”
In the US, Bhavisha Modi, a realtor associate in New Jersey, said: “I find it very reassuring that we have found a way to continue my children’s weekly religious instruction in English, as well as the Gujarati assemblies that I attend on Sunday evenings online.
“There are even online webcasts planned to teach spiritual lessons together as a family. I find it amazing that these platforms were created globally in less than a week. It speaks volumes on the organisation’s infrastructure.
“It also shows that we take our spiritual life seriously.”
The organisation was working closely with local authorities where its mandirs were located, and supportin the local community as it did during past calamities.
Devotees said these were the times to apply the social and spiritual knowledge acquired through their association with BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.
Dr Kashyap Patel, a cardiologist in Atlanta, said: “We realise that our gurus and seers insisted that we accompany each other and serve each other on the spiritual journey, but this calamity has changed the world—for the moment.
“That doesn’t change the fact that my spiritual life gives me the wisdom I need to approach the difficulties my family and I face.
“My gurus, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj and His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, have always stressed the importance of family values, communication within the family, and using spirituality as a means to come together and find pragmatic solutions to everyday issues. Now is the time I apply them.”
The spiritual leader of BAPS, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, offered prayers in India for the well-being of all those affected by the pandemic.
He also issued a call to all volunteers to act upon their dharma (duty) to support and care for others, especially the elderly, very young and vulnerable.
The organisation has also initiated a “shop and drop” plan for elderly devotees, to save them from having to venture out from their homes.
The organisation will issue guidelines on mandir visits and resuming activities based on recommendations from the authorities concerned.
Further information on BAPS mandirs can be accessed at: www.baps.org/global-network.
Kulsuma Aktergetty images