Ashes of Religious Leader Immersed in Hudson River
India-West Staff Reporter
LIBERTY STATE PARK, NJ – Hundreds of devotees of Shree Swaminarayan Siddhant Sajivan Mandal USA on August 6, gathered at the Liberty State Park – Flag Plaza to honor and remember Acharya Shree Purushottampriyadasji Swamishree Maharaj (Acharya Swamishree Maharaj) their 5th Spiritual Heir to Lord Shree Swaminarayan.
Devotees spread the ashes in the Hudson River near the Statue of Liberty, against the backdrop of the New York City skyline and New Jersey Golden Coast. The ceremony was conducted by the 6th Heir to Lord Shree Swaminarayan, Acharya Shree Jitendriyapriyadasji Swamiji Maharaj, a press release said.
On July 16, 2020, Acharya Swamishree Maharaj withdrew his “Human darshan” after serving as Acharya of Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan, a worldwide spiritual cultural organization, for 41 years, the release noted.
Since July 2020, Acharya Swamishree Maharaj’s ashes have been spread around the world, including in India, Australia, Lake District and Richmond UK, and most recently Niagara Falls Canada with the Hudson River being the final one.
Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band USA, North America’s only Indian-American bagpipe band, commenced the event at Flag Plaza.
A procession was held from Flag Plaza to the Liberation Monument, where a ceremonial wreath was laid. It continued to the waterfront, where ceremonies were held with Representatives for Governor Phil Murphy, Congressman Bill Pascrell, and Liberty State Park leadership in attendance.
A yacht was chartered on the Hudson River to allow Acharya Shree Jitendriyapriyadasji Swamiji to immerse the ashes. A white dove was released to signify peace and love as the ashes were being immersed.