Numerous sadhaks were blessed by the presence of Swami Swaroopanandaji for four consecutive days in Vashi. Swamiji enlightened everyone with the knowledge of Gayatri Mantra, one of the greatest mantras given to mankind. On the first day, he narrated the story of how Gayatri Mantra was revealed to humanity by Sage Vishwamitra. He spoke on the profound ritual of initiating a young boy into the mantra, during his thread ceremony. He explained the significance of the three strings tied to a knot and used as a sacred thread; an eye-opener, indeed, for many listeners. On the second day, Swamiji spoke on how the chanting of Gayatri Mantra helps sharpen the intellect. He made the audience chant repeatedly, to get the right words and intonation. He emphasised on the effects of the vibration caused by the chanting. The third evening saw a packed hall, listening to how the mantra helps a spiritual learner. He also reflected on the scientific advantages of worshipping the sun and basking in it.
The audience was filled with a deep sense of gratitude for the master, as he showed the deep meaning of the mantra, which till then, was simply chanted by many without knowing its profound meaning. Information about illustrious personalities who have attended Bala Vihar in their youth was displayed in the foyer - like Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman -fighter-pilot, Padmashree Shankar Mahadevan - singer, Radhakrishnan Pillai – author, Corporate Chanakya, Malladi Brothers - Carnatic music maestros, Hari Vasudevan - principal, D. J. Sanghavi Engineering College, Vivek Krishnani – MD, Sony Pictures. Each day, the audience participated in a quiz on Gayatri Mantra. Winners were blessed with prasad from Swamiji. Around 800 to 900 people gathered in the auditorium every day.
Guru Paduka Puja and Samashti Bhiksha were conducted on 5th February 2020, at Prerana Ashram, where a hundred volunteers were felicitated by Swamiji.
