16 November 2003

Mahamandaleshwar Paramhans Swami Maheshwaranandaji inaugurated as Successor of Dharmsamrat Paramhans Swami Madhavanandaji

Mahamandaleshwar Paramhans Swami Maheshwaranandaji inaugurated as Successor of Dharmsamrat Paramhans Swami Madhavanandaji

INDIA, Jadan Vill. Pali Distr., 2003/November/15

On November 15th 2003, several thousands of visitors from all over India, as well as guests and devotees from countries far and wide, gathered at the Om Vishwa Deep Gurukul Swami Maheshwarananda Ashram to witness the official declaration of Mahamandaleshwar Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda Ji as successor of Dharmsamrat Paramhans Swami Madhavananda Ji (Holy Guruji), who recently entered Mahasamadhi in Jodhpur on October 31st, 2003.

This ceremony concluded the period of mourning that was held for the last 16 days beside the shrine of Holy Guruji, where mantras (sacred words of prayer and meditation) and bhajans (spiritual songs) went on round-the-clock since His passing.

Vedic priests began to sing ancient mantras at dawn, then Arati (prayer) followed at the shrine. As the sun rose higher, a colourful living river of people began to flow into the Ashram. Among them there were thousands of Sadhus (ascetics) and Sannyasis (monks) from various sects and Ashrams, coming to witness and celebrate Swamiji's declaration as successor of Holy Guruji. Special guests of honour were the Mahamandaleshwars from Maha Nirvani Akhara and the Ambassador of Croatia, personally asked to attend by Croatian President Stjepan Mesic.

After salutations to Holy Guruji and his shrine, the priests proclaimed Swamiji as Maha-Shishya (head disciple, successor) of Holy Guruji and began to decorate him with tilak (a spot on the forehead) and flowers. Holy water was sprinkled over Holy Guruji’s sandals and auspicious mantras were written out on his silver, bejewelled Asan (seat), adorned with flower petals and ready to welcome Swamiji.

With mighty sounds of drums, horns and shankhs (conch shells), Swamiji was invited to take the seat of Holy Guruji, and as he did so, he received the official Chadar (shawl) to declare him the successor of this great lineage. Then a mass of thousands of bhaktas rushed towards Swamiji, to offer shawls, coconuts and flower malas (garlands), to accept and honour him as the successor.

As is custom on such occasions, Swamiji bestowed many gifts on the Mahamandaleshwars, a sincere token of gratitude for their presence and support.

A huge bhandara (festivity) followed to feed the thousands of Sadhus (ascetics), Mahants (temple heads) and Munis (sages), as well as every man, woman and child who came from far and wide to partake in this most auspicious event.