Banswara: On the sixth day of the eight-day grand religious festival being held at the centuries-old Siddh Tapodham Lalivav Math in Banswara, the renowned saint, Jagadguru Dwarcharya Agrandhanand Peethadhishwar Swami Rajendra Das Devacharya Maharaj, spoke to devotees about the importance of Bhagavad surrender, emphasizing that it is the foundation for freedom from all sorrows. He urged the devotees to embrace the path of purity, taking refuge in saints and the Vedic tradition, engaging in spiritual practices and dedicating themselves to the divine.
Swami Devacharya Maharaj delivered this discourse while narrating the sacred *Shreemad Bhagwat Katha* on Monday, during which thousands of devotees enjoyed the nectar of the divine story.
**Surrender to Bhagavad as the Key to Liberation**
While narrating the Bhagavad Katha, Swami Rajendra Das Devacharya Maharaj explained that surrender to God nullifies all accumulated, ongoing, and past karma. He described that through divine surrender, the soul is freed from all curses, grief, and sorrow, becoming pure. Everything that one receives after such liberation is seen as God's grace.
**Connection with the Supreme Soul**
The Peethadhishwar emphasized that all living beings have the right to devotion, as we have always been, are, and will always be connected to God. He encouraged everyone to focus not on the transient world or the body, but to establish a connection with the eternal Supreme Soul for true welfare. He further explained that association with saints and spiritual gatherings is essential to receiving God's mercy, urging everyone to take shelter in such teachings to move towards liberation.
**Imbalance in the Current Tax System**
On contemporary issues, Swami Rajendra Das Devacharya Maharaj expressed concerns over the impractical and complex tax system, stating that even the honest are now being pushed towards tax evasion. Reflecting on ancient taxation, he mentioned that in earlier times, there were no numerous taxes. Instead, a sixth of the annual income was paid to the king as a tax, a system that satisfied the people and led to the development of the state.
**Welcoming and Honoring the Saints**
The program began with the welcome of Swami Rajendra Das Devacharya Maharaj by the Lalivav Peethadhishwar, Mahamandaleshwar Shri Mahant Hariomdasji Maharaj, along with other esteemed saints and organizers, including Pandit Bhuvanmukund Pandya, Pothi and Bhagwat Yajman Smt. Kamla Prabhulal, Satish Ramanlal Panchal, Govardhan Karulal, Pama Bhai, Pandit Lakshminarayan Shukla, and others. The ceremony also included poojan of the Vyas Peeth and Maharaj's welcome with flower garlands.
**Vedic Rituals and Blessings**
The commencement and conclusion of the Bhagwat Katha were marked by Vedic chants, blessings, and worship led by Devesh Trivedi and Smt. Dimple Trivedi, while the stage was managed by Sant Shri Raghubir Das Maharaj.
**A Blessing for Banswara**
During the event, spiritual leaders such as Mahant Dilip Dasji Maharaj from Jagannath Puri Temple (Ahmedabad), Acharya Dharmdevji Maharaj from Hari Mandir Patodi, and Managing Trustee Mahendra Bhai Jha from Jagannath Puri Temple expressed that listening to the divine discourse from the mouth of Maharaj Devacharya was a blessing for the people of Banswara. They encouraged everyone to use this opportunity to improve their lives and follow the path of divine realization.
**Celebration and Appreciation by Prominent Saints**
Many prominent saints and spiritual leaders from across the country participated in the event, worshipping the Vyas Peeth and offering their respects to Maharaj Devacharya. These included Mahant Ramcharandasji Maharaj from Parmahans Akhada Indore Khalsa, Hans Peethadhishwar Swami Ramcharandasji Maharaj, Mahant Pavan Dasji Maharaj, Mahant Rajendra Das Maharaj from Nirmohee Akhada, Mahant Raghubir Dasji Maharaj 'Yogiraj', Mahant Manmohan Das Maharaj 'Radhe-Radhe Baba', Achyutanandji Maharaj from Beneshwar Peeth, and many others. They performed the poojan of the Vyas Peeth and offered garlands and shawls to Maharaj Devacharya as a mark of respect.