Pranami Mission celebrates first temple building

CHRISTIANA, TN: With the blessings and leadership of Acharya Shri 108 Krishnamaniji Maharaj, Pranamis from all over USA, Canada, UK, Africa, Australia, Nepal and India took part in a week long celebration of the Shri Krishna Pranami Dharma Mahotsav from June 29 to July 5.

This included Shri 108 Parayan of Shri Tartam Sagar and inauguration of the new temple building here. The celebration started with a Shobha Yatra and Dhwajarohan. The main focus of this event was the simultaneous recitation of l08 copies of the Tartam Sagar (Ocean of Spiritual Knowledge) which contains the teachings of this faith.

This grand religious treatise was composed by Shri Mahamati Prannath, a great saint who lived and preached in India almost 400 years ago. It is an assembly of fourteen books in one grand volume and encompasses teachings of all the major religions of the world - Hinduism, Islam, Christianity and Judaism. It contains 18,758 verses of exquisite poetry and erudite teachings.

Shri Mahamati Prannath taught the Pranamis that there is only one God and that he is called by different names in different faiths. The essence of all religious teachings is the same and that there is no need for religious conflict. He devoted his life to preaching of universal brotherhood, toleration and religious unity which is practiced by his followers worldwide today.

Mahatma Gandhi's mother was a Pranami and according to his diary published by Pundit Pyarellal, he got his ideas of Hindu-Muslim unity and non violence from her. When asked about religion in the movie "Gandhi", he mentioned that his mother was a Pranami. Martin Luther King was also inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's life.

Shri Mahamati Prannath preached that there is need for people of all religions to gather together and end this wasteful, massive, bloodshed in the name of religion.

 This teaching is as valid today as it was then.

The Shri Krishna Pranami Dharma Mahotsav was organized to reinforce this message to followers of the Pranami faith. Scholars, saints, historians, entrepreneurs, artists, assembled from all over the world to take part in this auspicious occasion.

An array of enlightening discourses, pravachans by gurujis, prayers and bhajans, mantra jap, yoga, youth activities, Raas Garba, cultural programs and a week long recitation of Shri l08 Tartam Sagar were planned here. Volunteers and food were abundant and comparable to none. Transportation and accommodation were provided at no cost to all the attendees.

Pranamis call themselves Sundarsathjis and greet one another with salutation "Pranam" thus acknowledging the divinity in each human being. Shri Krishna Pranami Mandir was established and Seva-Pooja Pratishtha the Consecration ceremony was performed on July 4, 2003 here with the divine grace of Acharya Shri 108 Krishnamanaji Maharaj and now, with the cooperation and contribution of all Sundarsaths, a new temple and Satsang Bhawan has been built.

Hence, Seva-Pooja Pratishtha is celebrated in the newly built mandir. This 77 acre project is situated in Rutherford County, ten miles east of Murfreesboro. Long term plans for this land are to build a beautiful cultural center, retirement home for the old, meditation hall and yoga center and residential area for visitors.

Also, regular religious gatherings, discourses, Indian dance and music programs, health fairs, blood drives and numerous such activities will be planned here in the future on a regular basis. An excellent library and book store will also be assembled. It is hoped that the entire Nashville community will benefit from this center when it is completed.