Kaival Gyan Mandir Chicago marks 17th Pratishtha and Guru Purnima with celebrations and special events
By: Dr Avi Verma
On July 13-14, 2024, Kaival Gyan Mandir Chicago hosted its 17th Pratishtha and Guru Purnima Mahotsav, featuring the esteemed Pujya Jagadguruji. The festivities began on Saturday with devotees warmly welcoming Pujya Jagadguruji with a shower of flowers. The day included kirtan, satsang, and a traditional Bharatanatyam dance performed by the youth. A special puja was conducted for Divya Paramguru and other deities, and the youth presented a cultural program highlighting Bhakti and Satsang. They also explained the 24-task list for Jagatguruji Amrut Janmotsav. Pujya Jagadguruji shared a discourse on the importance of staying connected to a guru like Paramguru.
On Sunday, the temple’s adult devotees participated in a competition to memorize verses from 18 holy scriptures. Annakoot was offered to Paramguru and other deities, and attendees took part in Paramguru’s Paduka Puja. During the event, Pujya Jagadguruji launched a new website, [www.janmotsav.kaival.org].
Gurupurnima continued on July 21 with a 7-hour Akhand Kaival Dhun, bhajan kirtan, and satsang. On the night of July 22, many devotees attended the temple and joined virtually for the completion ceremony of the 75 Balkuver Ashtaka Patha, marking 75 days of devotion for Jagatguruji Amrut Janmotsava.
Looking ahead, Pujya Jagadguruji will visit the USA in September for his Yatra and will participate in the Guru Mahima Parayana in New Jersey from September 19-22 at Royal Albert Hall-Fords, NJ, alongside Sadhvi Shri Gitadidi.
