Eleanor Thompson The Hindu Council of New Zealand, in collaboration with the Hindu Organisations, Temples, and Associations (HOTA) Forum, proudly announces the successful completion of a transformative two-week yatra, the “Delegation of Hindu Leaders’ Pilgrimage to Bharat.” Coordinated by Dr Guna Magesan, President of the Hindu Council of New Zealand, and spearheaded by Shri Pravinbhai Patel, this spiritual odyssey aimed to deepen participants’ connections with their cultural and religious heritage.
The yatra, spanning from March 14 to 28, 2024, was meticulously planned to encompass significant spiritual, historical, and cultural landmarks across Bharat. Inspired by the historic inauguration of the Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and the restoration of the Kashi Vishwanath corridor in Varanasi, the pilgrimage drew together 20 delegates from New Zealand, Australia, and Bharat in a very short time.
Delhi served as the gateway to this sacred journey, where delegates were greeted with warmth and hospitality. The pilgrimage continued with visits to Kurukshetra, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Vrindavan, Mathura, Prayag Raj, Varanasi, Sarnath, and culminated in Ayodhya. Along the way, delegates engaged in soul-enriching activities, including visits to revered temples, educational institutions, and spiritual ceremonies.[dflip id=”13171″ ][/dflip]
Highlights of the journey included a rejuvenating yoga session guided by Pujya Baba Ramdev at the Patanjali Ashram in Haridwar, experiencing the divine Ganga Aarti with Swami Chidanand Muni ji at Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh, participating in the holy bath at the Triveni Sangam in Prayag Raj, interacting with Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti ji, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Ministry of Rural Development, and Dr Chinmaya Pandya, the Pro Vice Chancellor of Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya in Haridwar.
Shri Tanmay Vashisht, a prominent member of the Ganga Samiti, warmly greeted all delegates and coordinated their participation in a pooja amidst the enchanting Ganga Aarti in Haridwar. It was a moment of distinction as our delegates were granted the privilege of lighting the ceremonial lamps. Additionally, the Ganga Samiti has graciously informed us that they will organise a special pooja dedicated to the delegates from New Zealand during their upcoming visit in October 2024.
In Varanasi, delegates had the privilege of attending the Mahamangala aarti at Kashi Vishwanath Mandir and exploring the sacred sites associated with Lord Krishna’s divine saga in Vrindavan and Mathura. The pilgrimage concluded with a momentous visit to the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, where delegates had the opportunity to offer prayers and witness the historic culmination of a cherished dream.
“Visiting Shri Ram Mandir, celebrating Holi with the Temple priests, and capturing a photo with Shri Ram Lalla inside the Mandir were truly blessed moments, in my opinion,” Dr Guna Magesan, President of Hindu Council of New Zealand.
Reflecting on the journey, Dr Guna Magesan expressed gratitude to Shri Ajay Kumar and his family for their exceptional tour arrangements, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience for all participants.
The “Delegation of Hindu Leaders’ Pilgrimage to Bharat” stands as a testament to the enduring spiritual and cultural ties that bind Hindu communities across the globe. Through shared experiences and collective reverence, participants returned home enriched, inspired, and deeply connected to their cultural roots. Full report of the delegation to Bharat can be read at https://hotaforumnz.org/bharat-dham-yatra/
After the inaugural success of the Delegation of Hindu Leaders’ Pilgrimage to Bharat, the Hindu Council is gearing up for the next delegation slated for October 2024. Individuals keen on participating are warmly encouraged to
email hindu.nz@gmail.com
The following are some of the comments from participants:
“My personal experience was immensely gratifying, and I was really blessed to have met so many likeminded people and visited all the divine places” – Shri Pravin Patel“The pinnacle of our journey undoubtedly was the Ganga Aarti. It was a truly special moment for us to partake in the Sankalpam and shodasopachara puja to Ma Ganga. For four single South Indian ladies like us, such an opportunity seemed like a dream beyond reach” – Smt Geetha Devi KS
“When I embarked on this journey with 20 fellow travellers, I was uncertain about what awaited me. However, what unfolded surpassed all my expectations, particularly the Ganga Aarti and visit to ISKCON temple” – Dr Usha Devi Venkataraman
“Being seated within the sacred caves of Guru Vashista and Babaji, enveloped by their profound essence and embraced by the tranquil silence, was an experience beyond words. I felt truly blessed beyond measure” – Smt Vethavalli Srinivasan
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Prof Guna Magesan President, Hindu Council of New Zealand Coordinator, Hindu Leaders Pilgrimage
+64 21 034 5621
hindu.nz@gmail.com
