Worship of the Lord For years Jinabhais (Yogiji Maharaj) uncle, Mohanbhai, had been perforning the morning and evening worship and service of God, in the mandir Dhari. But due to old age and frequent illness he could no longer look after the mandir properly. He sincerely wished that Jinabhai, because of his natural inclination to worship, consider performing the mandir services. He once suggested to Jinabhai that he should take up the duty. Jinabhai was overjoyed, and assured him, Uncle, you need not worry, I will look after the daily services with all my heart. Without a moments delay Jinabhai engaged himself in the mandir routine, and the service of the Lord. He would bathe the murti of the Lord lovingly, apply sandalwood paste and a kumkum mark, light the lamp and the incense, and perform the arti. His heart leaped with joy whilst offering devotion to the Lord. Besides all this, he would draw water from the well and water the plants in the compound of the mandir. Within a short time the garden in the mandir compound was filled with the sweet fragrance of flowers. Everyday in the morning Jinabhai made garlands of flowers of various colors for the Lord. He prepared varieties of dishes, as an offering to the Lord. He would serve the murti as if the Lord Himself was physically present. Quite often, he even conversed with the image. In the morning, as well as in the evening, he would bring his friends to the mandir. There, he taught them how to chant the Swaminarayan mantra. He used to sing bhajans and, asked others to sing with him. He taught them how to perform arti and also how to prostrate before the Lord. Before they left he would give them prasad.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Dec 2014 05:33:37 +0000