In a divine spectacle that brought the essence of Ayodhya to the heart of Illinois, the Ram Rath Yatra embarked on a sacred journey, visiting 24 temples across the state. Organized by the Vishva Hindu Parishad of America, the yatra commenced in Chicago on March 23, spreading the divine blessings of Lord Ram to devotees of all ages and backgrounds.
The Rath, adorned with vibrant decorations and carrying the sacred relics from the Ram Mandir inauguration in January 2024, served as a symbol of reverence and devotion as it made its way through the bustling streets of Illinois. With the replica of Shree Ram Lalla Vigrah and the sacred Kalash onboard, the yatra aimed to disseminate the spiritual essence of Lord Ram’s divinity to all who encountered it.
The journey commenced at Bala Ji Mandir in Aurora, where devotees eagerly awaited the arrival of the Rath, adorned with marigold garlands and vibrant banners celebrating the glory of Lord Ram. From there, the yatra proceeded to Jagannath Mandir, followed by ShivDurga Hindu Mandir, each stop marked by heartfelt prayers and devotional hymns echoing through the temple halls.
As the Rath continued its pilgrimage across Illinois, it visited revered temples such as Iskcon Mandir in Naperville, Hindu Rama Mandir in Lemont, Shree Radhey Shyam Mandir in Bloomingdale, Hari Om Mandir in Medinah, and Chinmaya Mission in Willowbrook, spreading the message of unity, peace, and devotion to Lord Ram. Devotees from all walks of life gathered to offer their prayers and receive the sacred prasad brought from the Ram Mandir inauguration.
The yatra also made stops at Springfield Mandir, Hindu Mandir in Peoria IL, and Hindu Mandir in Bloomington, Hari Sumiran Mandir Long Grove and YDS Sawaminarayan Mandir in Schaumburg where the divine presence of Lord Ram filled the hearts of devotees with joy and reverence. At each temple, devotees welcomed the Rath with open arms, offering flowers, incense, and heartfelt prayers for the well-being of all.
From Karya Siddhi Hanuman Mandir in Carpentersville IL to Bharatiya Mandir in Merrillville, Indiana, the yatra traversed across borders, uniting devotees in their love and devotion for Lord Ram. The journey spanned over two days, with each temple visit lasting approximately 15 to 20 minutes, allowing devotees to partake in the divine blessings of the Rath.
The Ram Rath Yatra concluded its pilgrimage in Illinois, leaving behind a trail of divine blessings and spiritual rejuvenation in its wake. As the yatra continues its journey across the United States and Canada, devotees remain inspired by the timeless message of Lord Ram, finding solace and strength in their unwavering devotion to the beloved deity.
The list of temples visited during the Ram Rath Yatra in Illinois includes:
•Bala Ji Mandir, Aurora
•Jagannath Mandir, Aurora
•ShivDurga Hindu Mandir, Aurora
•Iskcon Mandir, Naperville
•Hindu Rama Mandir, Lemont
•Chinmaya Mission, Willowbrook
•Springfield Mandir
•Hindu Mandir, Peoria IL
•Hindu Mandir, Bloomington
•KaryaSiddhi Hanuman Mandir, Carpentersville IL
•Hindu Mandir, Grayslake IL
•HariSumiran Mandir, Long Grove IL
•Hanuman Mandir, Glenview IL
•Manav Sewa Mandir
•Gayatri Mandir, Itasca
•HariOm Mandir, Medinah
•YDS HariDham Mandir, Schaumburg
•Jalaram Mandir, Hoffman Estates
•RadheyShyam Mandir, Bloomingdale
•Kaival Gyan Mandir, Carol Stream IL
•Jain Mandir, Bartlett
•UmiyaMata Mandir, West Chicago IL
•Chicago KaliBari Mandir, Glen Ellyn
•Bharatiya Mandir, Merrillville Indiana
Harisumiran Hindu Swamimarayan Mandir Chicago:
The rituals began with Poojan ceremony performed by P. Bharatbhai Poojariji of Temple, P. Amitabhji Mittal and honorable members of VHP by chanting Shloka and offering Akshat and Chandan to Shri Ram Bhagwan and Divine Kalash. The Global Secretary of VHPA Shri Amitabh Mittal gave Certification of Participation for Ram Lalla Virajman in Pran Pratishtha Celebration to Harisumiran Temple. All the VHPA members were welcome with bouquet by Elders of Temple.
Kaival Gyan Mandir:
The celebration began with bhajans and kirtans sung by our youth and young adults, followed by a puja led by our Mandir Shastriji Balashankar and Mandir Trustees. Akshat and Prasad from Ayodhya Ram Mandir were offered to all devotees. In his address to the assembly, Shastriji Balashankar shared how our spiritual leader, 7th Kuveracharya, Jagatguru Shri Avichaldevacharya Maharajshri has been involved in the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir Andolan since early 1980s.
YDS Haridham Sawaminarayan Mandir:
On the auspicious day of Holi and Bramswaroop Bhagatiji Maharaj’s Janma Jayanti, YDS Chicago Haridham Mandir proudly hosted the Ram Rath Yatra, drawing many devotees from the suburbs of Schaumburg on 03/24/2024. As the sole Hindu mandir in Schaumburg, the event held significant importance to the local community.
The atmosphere at the Haridham Mandir was imbued with reverence as Bhagwan Shri Ram was graciously welcomed amidst heartfelt devotion. Devotees partook in the sacred rituals, conducting puja ceremonies, offering flowers, and distributing prasad to commemorate the divine presence of Bhagwan Shri Ram.
Following the spiritual proceedings, YDS Chicago volunteers extended their hospitality by serving a sumptuous lunch to all attendees, fostering a sense of community and shared celebration.
YDS Chicago expresses heartfelt gratitude to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America and Shri Ram Janambhoomi Teerth Kshetra for orchestrating this remarkable event, which enriched the spiritual tapestry of the community.
As part of its ongoing commitment to fostering spiritual harmony and celebration, YDS Chicago extends an open invitation to join the Janma Jayanti celebrations of Bhagwan Shri Ram and Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan on April 17th, 2024, and April 21st, 2024.
Shree Radhey Shyam Mandir:
On behalf of the devotees of Shree Radhey Shyam Mandir Ram Lalla was welcomed by the representatives of the Temple including India Sharma, Dharam Vir Sharma, and Dr. Avi Verma. Temple Pujari Pt. Anil Sharma welcomed the Rath Yatra organizers and thanked them for bringing the Rath to the Temple. He stressed the need for religious awareness in the younger generation so they can have a better understanding of our religion. Indra Sharma, Dr. Avi Verma, and Dharamvir Sharma emphasized the need for more such events and pledged unconditional support for such wonderful events and expressed their gratitude for being blessed in such a wonderful way.
The Ram Rath Yatra, with its sacred relics and divine blessings, has left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of devotees across Illinois. As the journey continues to unfold, devotees eagerly await the opportunity to receive the divine blessings of Lord Ram, strengthening their faith and fostering a sense of spiritual unity among communities far and wide.
Hari Om Mandir:
Vipin Vadhera, speaking on behalf of the Hari Om Mandir, expressed deep gratitude for the Ram Rath Yatra, recognizing it as a profound gift from Lord Rama. He praised the efforts of VHPA, emphasizing the importance of preserving the spiritual flame ignited by the yatra. Vipin Vadhera urged the community to come together to ensure the enduring glory of this sacred journey, invoking blessings for all participants and encouraging continued devotion to Lord Rama with the resounding chant of “Jai Shri Ram
