The Altar of Gurudev

22nd - 24th December 2009:
Shrimad Bhagavad Geeta Pravachan

Omkarananda Mahotsava started in a grand way with the brilliant Katha by Shri Gopalacharyaji, a Senior Pandit and Teacher, who performed a 3-days Bhagawad Geeta Pravachan in Omkarananda Ganga-Mata Mandir, Triveni Ghat, Rishikesh, from 22nd to 24th December 2009.

Shri Gopalacharyaji, a seasoned and experienced Scholar and Priest, highlighted the essence of the Bhagawad Geeta in a simple, fully understandable way to the public. Shri Gopalacharyaji was accompanied by four musicians. In his speeches he also praised Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati, who was also personally known to him. He explained to the public about His life and described Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati as a rare spiritual personality and an Incarnation of the Divine.

The hall was nicely decorated, and Shri Gopalacharyaji was sitting on a Peetham (holy seat), behind a big picture of Gurudev Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati, where daily Arati was performed.

On the last day, after the Pravachan was over, Kumari Somashekhari gave a beautiful dance performance in honour of Gurudev Swami Omkarananda. Parineeta, an 11-year-old student from Mumbai, also gave a dance performance, after she could attend several lessons from Kumari Somashekhari.

Swami Vishveshwarananda thanked Shri Gopalacharyaji for his fiery, spirited speeches and his great knowledge and wisdom in the field of the Vedic culture.

Suresh Panditji, the Chief Priest of Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Mandir, concluded the function with a beautiful Arati in honour of Swami Omkarananda. Prasadam was distributed to all the participants.

The banner at the entrance of Omkarananda Ganga-Mata Mandir announces the Geeta Pravachan	Gurudev Swami Omkaranandaji's Altar and the nicely decorated Peetham for Shri Gopalacharyaji's Geeta Pravachan in one of the beautiful halls of Omkarananda Ganga-Mata Mandir

The prominent Kathavachak, Shri Gopalacharyaji, in deep prayers	Arati by Chief Priest Shri Suresh Panditji for Gurudev Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati

Kumari Somashekhari talks a few words about Gurudev Shri Swami Omkarananda before starting her dance	Kumari Somashekhari presented a few devotional dances in honour of Gurudev

11-year-old Kumari Parineeta performed a Krishna-Dance

	The musicians of Shri Gopalacharyaji were playing beautiful Bhajans

Vote of Thanks by Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda	Arati for Gurudev by Shri Shantilal Patel and others