This story was updated on January 10, 2023 at 11 pm.
Dr Malini Yugendran
10 January 2023
The Swaminarayan Temple in Papatoetoe observed the Shakotsav (Festival of Vegetables) on 8 January 2023.
The Festival has its origin in Loya Village, situated in the Surendranagar District of Gujarat in India as Lord Shree Swaminarayan personally prepared the traditional Baingan Curry for all of His devotees, more than 200 years ago.
In commemoration of the feast, volunteers at the Papatoetoe Temple cooked (on Sunday) more than 200 kg of vegetables, handmade 1000 Bajra Rotlas and 2000 Rotis about 700 devotees and guests of all ethnicities and faiths. The event demonstrated the principle of Lord Swaminarayan feeding the community.
About Swaminarayan
Lord Swaminarayan, also known as Sahajanand Swami, was a Hindu spiritual leader and the founder of the Swaminarayan movement. He was born on 3 April 1781 in Chhapaiya, a village near Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh and later settled in Gujarat. He is regarded as a form of Lord Krishna. He is well-known for his teachings on Bhakti Yoga as well as the establishment of the Swaminarayan sect of Hinduism, founded on His teachings and ideals. He is revered by his followers as a divine being and is remembered for his humanitarian efforts, promotion of education, social services and social harmony.
Shree Swaminarayan Temple
The Shree Swaminarayan Temple in Papatoetoe is under the International Swaminarayan Satsang Organisation (ISSO). The multimillion-dollar Temple complex has been constructed on an 8000 sq metre section on Wentworth Avenue, Papatoetoe (entry through Kolmar Road), with a built-up area of 4500 sq metres.
The Temple is an important spiritual centre for Hindus.
It is a stunning and ornately constructed structure with rich carvings and artwork. As well as being a place of worship, the Temple is a hub for community involvement and humanitarian initiatives. It hosts events and programmes throughout the year to benefit the local community.
Its activities include food drives, health fairs, and educational workshops.
The Temple is open to people of all faiths and can participate in its ceremonies and cultural and educational programmes.
Grand Official Opening
The Swaminarayan Temple will commemorate its 15th anniversary and the formal opening of the new Complex from 24 to 26 February 2023.
Trustees Dr Kantibhai Patel and Ranjna Patel said that there will be programmes and discourses over the three days.
“The events will be graced by Acharya Shree Koshalendraprasadji, the Seventh Descendant of Lord Swaminarayan, his son, successor and the Eighth Descendant Lalji Maharaj, his wife Gadiwala and daughter Sree Raja. These festivities are open to all people of all religions and beliefs,” they said.
The Patels said that the Swaminarayan Complex promises to be a landmark and a tribute to the communities of not just South Auckland but the whole of New Zealand from the Indian diaspora.
“It will increase the community services provided by ISSO. There is a plan for educating the young and old, seminars for the youth to guide them towards success and workshops for immigrants to learn skills that will help them settle. There will be self-improvement programmes such as mental health awareness. Important family, social and religious events will be hosted in this venue, with a capacity for more than 500 persons. Swaminarayan Complex is the largest of its kind in the whole country catering to the Indian community,” they said.
Dr Malini Yugendran is an Indian Newslink Reporter based in Auckland.
