Shri Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha celebrations captivates Naperville community
Jan. 21 marked the opening of a grand temple for Lord Ram, Hinduism’s most revered deity, in India’s northern holy city of Ayodhya.
To commemorate this significant milestone, more than 500 residents from Naperville and its surrounding suburbs congregated on that evening for the Shri Ram Lalla Mandir Pran Pratishtha, hosted by the Sri Ashtalakshmi Mandir of Greater Chicago at the Mall of India.
The event began with the Rudragarjana Dhol Tasha Team, setting the rhythm for the entire gathering as they led the Shobha Yatra (Walk of Glory) of the Sri Ram Parivar.
Elementary and middle school kids, the NextGen Rambhakts, proudly carried the Sri Ram Parivar during the Shobha Yatra. See coverage of the Shobha Yatra on the A3N Network YouTube channel.
At the conclusion of the Shobha Yatra, the Murtis were consecrated by the Purohit (Priest) of Sri Ashtalakshmi Mandir of Greater Chicago. The Purohit facilitated the community prayer and addressed the gathering, and devotees sought blessings from the Sri Ram Parivar while receiving blessed Prasadam.
Speakers included Consul General Ambassador Shri Somnath Ghosh, Sarkaryavah of Hindu Swayamsewak Sangh (HSS) USA, Shri Siddhesh ji Shevade, and Shri Nand ji Garg of Hindu Satsang.
The event also featured a live presentation of Ram Leela, the dramatic reenactment of the life of Prabhu Shri Rama, holding immense significance in Hindu culture.
Elementary school kids, trained by Smt. Ruchi ji Gupta (of Hindu Satsang), performed the episode of “Shabri Ke Ber,” illustrating the story of Patience, Perseverance, and the Power of Devotion.
The event also featured a screening of the episode of Ravan Vadh, serving as a reminder of Prabhu Rama’s victory symbolizing the triumph of righteousness, victory over the forces of evil, and the restoration of Dharma.
The audience was captivated by the melodious rendition of Bhajans from the Sundarkand Parivar and the HSS volunteers. The Bhajan group held the audience in rapt attention for more than an hour, setting the stage for the building anticipation for the Shri Ram Lalla Mandir Pran Pratishtha in Ayodhya.
This remarkable event wouldn’t have been possible without the support and active participation of volunteers from Mall of India, Hindu Swayamsewak Sangh USA, Sewa International, Hari Om Mandir, VHP of America, ISKCON Naperville, Hindu Satsang, Sundarkand Parivar, Indica, and Rudragarjana Dhol Tasha Team.
Also, the Hindu Heritage Shobha Yatra, www.facebook.com/chicago.shobha.yatra, was the chief facilitator of this community event.
In the light of Ayodhya, Hindus find not just a Mandir but a profound reminder of their cultural identity, a call to embody the virtues of Prabhu Ram, and a source of inner strength to navigate the world with grace, wisdom, and unwavering devotion. The Mandir beckons people from all walks of life to embrace these values.