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The year 1998 marks the 100th year of the departure of Param Purush
Puran Dhani Hazur Maharaj to Nij Dham. To mark the
occasion, the Shatabdi Bhandara of Hazur Maharaj was
held at Hazuri Bhawan from December 25th to December 28th on a very
large scale, the main Bhandara taking place on the 27th. Though
a heart-breaking event for the satsangis, the return
of the Sant Satguru to Nij Dham
is also considered to be an occasion of the profuse downpour of
daya and maher. Nevertheless, this is
the time for satsangis to look into themselves --
introspection. Thousands of satsangis gathered at
Hazuri Bhawan, Pipal Mandi to pay obeisance to the holy samadh
of Hazur Maharaj and to receive special daya and mercy
so freely bestowed upon them.
The Welcome
In spite of the December cold, people from all over India, all over
the world, and even from different branches of the Radhasoami faith
gathered together at Hazuri Bhawan, Peepal Mandi to celebrate the
Shatabdi Bhandara of Hazur Maharaj. The gates of Hazuri
Bhawan were opened wide like the arms of a welcoming mother awaiting
the arrival of her long-lost children. Hundreds of thousands of
satsangis, from near and far, flooded Hazuri Bhawan to embrace
Parmarth, experience spiritual bliss and refulgence, and
bathe in the sweet ambrosia of daya and maher so generously
showered upon every satsangi.
The Preparations
The renovation of Hazuri Bhawan is unique. Just as the palace is
thoroughly polished to perfection for the return of the king, Hazuri
Bhawan glittered like a beacon light. The red carpet was literally
rolled out in anticipation of the auspicious arrival of the royal
Hazur Maharaj Data Dayal.
Executed in only ten months, satsangis participated in large numbers
in the remarkable construction and work. The remodeling was done
in such a way as it could both restore old architectural beauty
and give a modern look. Knowing very well that the Shatabdi
Bhandara was going to elicit the largest gathering Hazuri
Bhawan has ever welcomed, commensurable adjustments were made. Doors
were widened, lights were added, and space was created through the
thoughtful and careful planning of the Master. Beginning with the
completion of the intricate inlay work easily rivaling that of the
Taj Mahal, Hazur Maharaj's samadh was rendered even
more beautiful than ever before. The surrounding arches of the main
part of the samadh were painted to match those in
the foreground and were shined until they glistened. Paint of real
gold was used to accent the form and shape of each interior column
while the golden lines from the various shabds of
the poetic Hazur Maharaj attract the eyes to the arches above each
Swaroop.
Each Swaroop conveys the different aspects of Hazur
Maharaj's personality and is complemented by ornate red and gold
backdrops (poshaak) as if symbolizing the unification
-- the wedding -- of the surat with the Supreme Being.
The main structure likened a beckoning candle, strewn with soft,
fresh, sweet-smelling flowers. The light of the main portion of
the samadh emanated a rich, warm hue like the rising
of the sun, flooding one's heart with refulgent light, life and
love -- the same feeling one experiences while looking at the guru.
Orbs of warm blues, greens, reds, and oranges served to add to the
rich splendor as they delicately dangle from the gold-striped ceiling
within the samadh as well as from the swirly patterned
marble of the exterior.
The renovation and creation of the exterior of Hazur Maharaj's samadh
knew no bounds and neither did the daya bestowed upon the
satsangis who designed and executed the remodeling.
Pristine marble of flawless hue and pattern was used on a scale
larger than life to constitute the exterior walls and ceiling. Mughal-style
columns of monumental size coupled with sharply and precisely cut
arches serve to confirm the royal presence of Hazur Maharaj. These
exterior arches echo those of the interior of Hazur Maharaj's samadh,
establishing the sense of renewal without committing any break in
artistic continuity and wholeness as well as holiness, latent in
the architecture.
A wide marble staircase splitting to the left and right and later
flooded with satsangis yearning to have darshan,
provided the masses with access to the side balconies which overlook
the cloister. The edges of each balcony are dappled with beads of
white and candle light, symbolic of the inner spiritual experience
as well as the ever-burning flame of love in each satsangi's
heart. The banisters of wrought iron echo the intricate, organic,
and floral design of precious, colorful stones in the interior of
the samadh.
The stairs veering to the left lead to the Barah Dari, appropriately
named so because of its twelve doors. Now an enclosed area with
several windows for light and cool breezes,
PP Dadaji Maharaj has given discourses here to hundreds of satsangis.
Barah Dari is also where on every Bhandara hundreds
of satsangis are served food in multiple shifts beginning
in the early afternoon and ending only when every satsangi
has been fed, sometimes lasting into the wee hours of the morning.
Anticipating the enormous turnout for the Shatabdi Bhandara,
organizers planned for adequate food arrangements aside from those
in the Barah Dari. Everyone eats and everyone serves; it is quite
an energizing and fulfilling experience.
The Hazuri room was also completely renovated. Previously bright
mint green, this room also known as "Rubber ka Kamra" is now of
pure marble, literally from floor to ceiling inclusive, providing
reflective surfaces to compliment the ever-present refulgent light
of this historical room. Though only 18 x 18 feet, this "elastic"
room once held innumerable satsangis during an elevating bilas
session led by Hazur Maharaj. Welcoming all and never turning any
away is the inherent nature of this faith and the lavish daya
of Hazur Maharaj.
Designed and executed by satsangis, these construction
and renovations are their pride and joy. With preet
and bhakti as their sources of energy and flawless
taste, it is no wonder that these external preparations and construction
were a fruitful success. Rich colours and ornate designs attempted
to express love in a visually lyrical and rhythmic manner; they
successfully foreshadowed, but paled in comparison to, however,
the colourful and passionate writings and discourses of our beloved
Dada ji Maharaj.
The Literature
The four-day celebrations began with the distribution of a discourse
specially delivered by Dadaji Maharaj on this auspicious occasion.
Written in just a matter of a few hours, this small pamphlet served
as a short but profound injunction to satsangis. He exhorted
upon them to follow the ideal of love so poignantly preached and
practiced by Hazur Maharaj. Dada ji Maharaj stressed that in order
to be an ideal devotee, one should be humble, simple, kind-hearted,
and tolerant in thought and action both.
Meticulously written in about a fortnight by the prolific PP Dadaji
Maharaj, a book of some two-hundred thirty pages was dedicated to
Hazur Maharaj. In the Hazuri Daya ki Jhalkiyan, PP
Dadaji Maharaj provides readers with a rare glimpse of the astounding
spiritual personality of Hazur Maharaj. In a lucid and captivating
style, PP Dadaji Maharaj recounts many a story of Hazur Maharaj's
insurmountable grace and mercy. He succinctly describes Hazur Maharaj's
philosophy of the Radhasoami faith. PP Dadaji also has included
in his book the life stories of Lalaji Maharaj and Kunwarji Maharaj
and the development of satsang in Hazuri Bhawan during
the last 100 years.
Satsang and Exhibition of Holy Relics
On the 25th of December the soft murmur of the overflowing crowd
dwindled and came to a complete arrest when the regal Dada ji Maharaj
made his majestic entrance. Breath-taking and awe-inspiring in appearance,
the impeccably attired Dadaji Maharaj paid His respects to each
Swaroop of Hazur Maharaj before commencing satsang.
The first satsang of the Shatabdi Bhandara
began promptly at 10:30am with the sonorous voice of Dadaji Maharaj,
His powerful shining eyes full of pure love and sincerity demand
one's attention and command one's mind. One is enveloped
in the energizing light radiating from just His one glance. Discernible
creases in His forehead and in between His eyebrows are evidence
of deep meditation and omniscience. His glowing face and emanating
presence drenched the samadh in golden glory. Hazur Maharaj's samadh
was all aglow as were the rosy faces of each and every satsangi.
Lyrical and rhythmic path which echoed throughout
the golden atmosphere of the samadh, drenched in Hazuri
refulgence. As Dadaji Maharaj read from the holy scriptures of Soamiji
Maharaj and Hazur Maharaj, his voice permeated each and every satsangi
heart. From the Swaroop of the beloved Hazur Maharaj
emanated love, light and life. Vibrations of His presence resounded
in rhythm with every beat of each satsangi's
heart as Dadaji Maharaj softly and touchingly started delineating
the personality of Hazur Maharaj.
It was on this day that an exhibition of articles of Hazur Maharaj
was open to the people. Hazur Maharaj's family has carefully preserved
these precious items and in light of this occasion shared them with
the masses. The "Hazuri Divya Darshan", exhibited Hazur's
various attires, including His ornate caps and crowns, royal gowns,
and embroidered shoes. Also on display were his office suits and
canes. Original hand-written manuscripts of Sar Bachan
and Prem Patra (holy books) were also exhibited.
Another highlight was the Hazuri Diary. This display was open to
the general public until the 28th.
Later that evening satsang began at 7pm in the cloister, known as
Prem Bilas, between the two samadh. After the melodious
and elating path, Dada ji Maharaj delivered an enlightening
and inspirational discourse. The path started once
again and continued throughout the night.
On the 26th the satsang was commenced once again at
10:30 am by Dada ji Maharaj. Braving the unprecedented cold, Dada
ji Maharaj gave darshan and a discourse in Prem Bilas
at 7:00pm to all the eagerly waiting satsangis. Once
again, path continued throughout the night.
December 27, 1998 was the most auspicious day. The special aarti
satsang started at 10:30am. Hazuri love colored the
samadh and reflected off satsangi's
faces. PP Dadaji Saheb's bachan was more philosophical
and described Hazur Maharaj's exemplary behavior and love for the
Guru. In this revealing and forceful discourse, Dada ji also explained
the Radhasoami faith in detail. Immediately after satsang,
Dada ji Maharaj sat in the samadh while path
continued and individually met each satsangi until
12:10am.
After the satsang around 1:00pm, the Bhandara
(religious feast) began with fervent enthusiasm. The menu consisted
of puri, kachori, alloo ki sabjee, gobi ki sabjee, and baigan. Also,
part of the meal included raita and saunth, mirchouni, sev, nagori,
and khasta kachori. For dessert, basin ke laddoo, sujee ke laddoo,
maal puha, khurma were distributed. The feasts continued until 2:00am.
The 28th was the last day of this large-scale celebration. In conclusion,
Dada ji Maharaj reminded one and all of the importance of living
the perfect life of a true satsangi as Hazur Maharaj
demonstrated in His life.
Conclusion
Throughout his discourses, Dada ji Maharaj stressed the
importance of love and fraternity among and between all satsangis.
Love for the Guru of the Time was emphasized as a priority and the first step
towards living the lifestyle of a satsangi. Dada ji Maharaj also
gave Hazur Maharaj as the most epitomizing example of how a true
satsangi should live his life. Hazur Maharaj's unblemished love
for and devotion to Soami ji Maharaj as well as his general behavior towards
others were held up as exemplary behavior to be emulated by everyone who calls
himself a satsangi.
Times have greatly changed since those of Hazur Maharaj's
era and the behavior of satsangis during that period needs to
resurface. Dada ji Maharaj relayed the challenges Hazur Maharaj had to face
beginning at the tender age of four when His father passed away. Hazur Maharaj
educated Himself, provided for His family, and secured the highest post any
Indian had ever attained during those times, earning more than enough to support
His family. Through hard work, determination, and devotion, He did all of this
and led a well-balanced life with His wife and family, never faltering in His
spiritual endeavors despite all the hardships He had to face in His life. Times
were much more difficult back then in terms of supporting oneself and one's
family and yet Hazur Maharaj never allowed any obstacle to impede His spiritual
practices and love for Soami ji Maharaj all the while maintaining a healthy
balance within His lifestyle.
Dada ji Maharaj acknowledges that now in the modern era,
times have drastically changed. The 20th century in particular has been a period
of explosive changes and paradoxical advancement in technology and science. But
where are the signs and results of humanitarian, moral, and spiritual progress?
After "advancement" we are witnessing regression. Herein lies the paradox. How
many starving people in the world have been fed? Which societies have been able
to live side by side without pointing fingers of blame and hatred? How many
children have been educated? How many souls have experienced unconditional
love?
The year 1999 is a significant year as we stand on the
threshold of the next millennium. More spiritual bhakti and
abhyaas is the need of the hour in this modern era ruled by
so-called scientific and technological advancement. Though guided by Radhasoami
Dayal, whether or not a truly positive change is going to take place in this
world largely lies in the hands and hearts of each and every
satsangi. In effect, the choice is ours whether or not we want to
waste our lives or live them. As Hazur Maharaj Himself has clearly demonstrated,
"Charity begins at home. . ." As witness to and participant in this glorious
external as well as internal experience, it is my gathering that all which has
been accomplished here within the last year is but a mere fraction of not only
the capabilities of satsangis, but the capabilities and potential
of humanity at large.
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