Inspiration Has Arrived
I couldn’t contain my excitement as I stepped into the Robbinsville Akshardham campgrounds. The atmosphere was buzzing with anticipation, and it seemed like every volunteer had a smile that radiated with joy. We had all gathered here for a momentous occasion — the inauguration of the grand Akshardham mandir by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj.
For months, I had witnessed volunteers dedicating their time and efforts to make this event a memorable one. They worked tirelessly, ensuring every corner of the mandir reflected the divinity and grace of Mahant Swami Maharaj. The meticulous decoration of flowers, the vibrant display of colorful flags, and the melodious bhajans sung throughout the mandir filled my heart with immense pride and happiness.
As the time for his arrival drew nearer, a mixture of anticipation and nervousness filled the air. I couldn’t help but recall the inspiring prasangs I had heard about Mahant Swami Maharaj’s compassion, wisdom, and his profound impact on people’s lives. I was about to witness his presence firsthand, and the emotions inside me ran high.
One volunteer I encountered had traveled all the way from Nashville, Tennessee. He reflected on the last year and half he had dedicated to working on the Akshardham mandir. He told me, “Every day, I would go back to my trailer exhausted. But, remembering who I am here for and why I must keep working is the reason I went right back on site the next day.”
Everyone around me had their unique reasons for being here. Some were drawn by their unwavering devotion toward Mahant Swami Maharaj, while others were moved by his selfless service and compassion for others. The diversity of our reasons united us, creating a sense of purpose and camaraderie among the volunteers.
As the appointed hour arrived, the energy in Robbinsville reached a crescendo. We formed an honor guard, eagerly waiting for the arrival of our beloved Mahant Swami Maharaj. The moment we had all been eagerly anticipating finally came — at exactly 7:58 pm, he arrived. The sight of him filled our hearts with immense joy.
As Mahant Swami Maharaj passed by the lines of volunteers, he made eye contact with each one of us and bestowed his blessings upon us. It felt like time stood still during those moments, and the connection I felt with him was profound.
The smile on Mahant Swami Maharaj’s face spoke volumes. It was a testament to the hard work and dedication put in by each and every volunteer. A fellow volunteer from Houston, Texas, summed it up perfectly, saying, “Seeing the smile on Mahant Swami’s face showed me how proud he was of our work. It showed me how excited he was to see Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s final wish being fulfilled.”
The satisfaction and relief we felt were beyond words. This was the moment we had been waiting for — the realization that our efforts had paid off. For one devotee from Chino Hills, California, this feeling of joy and fulfillment was reminiscent of a similar experience he had felt in 2017 when Mahant Swami Maharaj first visited Robbinsville. Six years later, that joy had only grown stronger.
As the day unfolded with countless smrutis (divine memories) and remarkable experiences, I couldn’t help but be overwhelmed by the immense inspiration that filled the air. The Mahotsav — ‘Festival of Inspirations’ had just begun, and I knew this was the start of an extraordinary journey.
Aarav S. Dubal, New Jersey
Student
