Bhagwaan Gopinath Ji
Trust Activities
by M. K. Tikoo
After our
forced exodus from the valley, a large number of devotees expressed their keen
desire to have an "Ashrama" in Jammu as well, where they could meet to
have "Samohik Arti" every evening at the feet of the Master.
So a piece of land was purchased at Borhi Jammu, which
had already a dilapidated shed on it. The same was got renovated and then
regular "Arti" was started. Due to the paucity of space and with the
ever increasing inflow of the devotees the need to have a much bigger
accommodation was felt. So came up the present double-story "L-shaped"
building with a lawn in the front. All this was possible only because of
BhagwaanJi's charismatic and magnetic divine personality and His ever flowing
grace as also close and active cooperation and encouragement from the devotees'.
The "Ashram" is acquiring stature every day in and out. Its effulgence
is spreading throughout the country and even abroad. Devotees from outside and
overseas especially from Australia, Canada and Switzerland, regularly visit the
Shrine.
With this, besides the daily evening "Arti",
our usual activities that we used to have at Srinagar, like providing financial
assistance to widows, orphans and the physically handicapped, medical aid to
patients suffering from different ailments, help to poor students to pursue
their studies etc. were also started here.
Under similar circumstances as desclibed above another
"Ashram" at Pamposh Enclave, New Delhi, also was constructed. Devotees
at Bangalore also started another one, but that is still housed in a rented
accommodation.
We are having the below mentioned activities round the
year in the Ashrams at Jammu, Delhi & Bangalore concurrently:
i. Annual mahayagnya on "Jyeshta Shukla Dvitiya".
The Yagnya starts a day earlier in the evening and "Purna Ahuti" is
offered at 2 P.M. After this thousands of devotees have the "Prashad".
ii. Bhagwanajis' "Mahajayanti" is
celebrated on "Ashad Shukla Dwadshi". The day starts with "Paduka
Pujan" at 8-30 A.M. At noon a very large number of sadhus are fed and
paid "Dakhshana", which was the practice in Bhagawanjis' life time
also. After this "Prashad" is distributed to the general public
which is followed by discourses and devotional music till late in the evening.
iii. Only two days after the Mahajayanti we have
"Guru Purnima". On this day devotees sit at BhagawaanJis feet and
offer flowers "Pushpa Archana". In fact "Seekers of truth"
throughout the length and breadth of the country worship their masters with
great humility and devotion on this day.
iv 25th of December in celebrated as "Bal
Divas", Childrens Day. A large number of children are given presents and
sweets are distributed after the evening "Arti".
v. On "Hora Ashtami" Phalguna Krishna
Ashtami we have night Jagran.
vi. On "Navreh", 1st of Navratra, an essay
competition is held which is open to all students and other people. We suggest
the topic and a team of eminent Judges prepare the merit list. Prizes are
given for the best material and best presentation separately.
vii. On 1st Sunday of every month, we have "Japahoma"
of Bhagawan Jis Shatnam, followed by recitation of the "Guru Gita".
viii. BhagwanJis "Sacred Bibhuti" is
distributed among the needy regularly.
Beside this other festivals also are celebrated. Revival
of B.G.T. Patrika, which besides other publications, was our regular feature at
Srinagar we hope, will go a long way in spreading Bhagwan conciousness", an
awareness of universal brotherhood.
Om Shanti.
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