B.A.P.S Sadhus Visit Aadheenam

We are overjoyed to bring a slideshow of the recent visit we had of four wonderful monks from the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) organization. The order's current head and guru is Pramukh Swami Maharaj. You can find a detailed account of his life HERE.
The sadhus had the opportunity to stop by for the entire day after visiting devotees in Honolulu. The monks are unable to travel without grihasthas due to the strict policy of not touching money or talking to women. If either of the two happens they must fast for 24 hours. The monks that visited currently reside and maintain the goings-on of the Chino Hills temple in Southern California. A link of their center HERE.

The sadhus arrive and are greeted by a small welcome party, then honored with garlands.

Once the sadhus had the chance, they pulled out a photo of their guru or founder so he could be offered the garland first. It all happened so fast we couldn\

t catch who it was, but you get the idea. These monks have humility engrained in their minds from the beginning of their training. Each gift received is brought back to Pramukh Swami Maharaj. '

Saravananathaswami begins the tour. Namaste!

Before going into the temple to see the 9 am Siva puja, the monks quickly de-garland. It is customary for some orders to quickly take off the given garland as a sign of humility.

After puja the sadhus have darshan with Satguru Bodhinatha.

Good questions are asked and many updates given as to how their current projects are going

Gift giving time!

 (names not in order) Pujya Harinivasdas Swami, Pujya Paramcharitdas Swami, Pujya Paramratna Swami and Pujya Shantmunidas Swami

The two devotees traveling with are Kanaksinh Zala and Ravendrasinh Rahevar

Saravananathaswami takes the group on a trip to Iraivan temple and San Marga. The monks pay their respects to Gurudeva\

s vision shrine. '

After the grounds tour the monks meet with the Ganapati Kulam to get an insight into the workings of our publications and technology department

Paramacharya shows the group some of our most recent books

and Hinduism Today

Gifts and shawls are offered

Now the monks are taken to Waimea Canyon as a part of our afternoon island tour given by Acharya Arumuganathaswami, Siddhanathaswami, Sadhaka Tejadevanatha and Natyam Rajanatha

The monks are visiting Kauai for the first time and take a moment to let it all sink in

The canyon is not always as clear and dry as today

A short stop at the beach for some fruits before going to the airport

A sudden urge to get their feet wet! All rush in with the childlike spontaneity that monks have. The path is one of joy, not martyrdom.

Their brothers-from-another-order stand back and chuckle at the sight.

All monks are connected. Once we take our vows, we instantly become brothers. Visiting with monks from other orders is like a meeting of long lost family. Hindus are on the same path, regardless of worshiping Vishnu, Siva or Devi. All four sects of Hinduism understand the same core teachings.

The monks depart as the sun goes down. Not much was said as they grabbed their simple luggage and entered the small Lihue airport, but they didn\

t need to, we all enjoyed the visit and will welcome them again next time. '
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