Thursday, 26 May, marked the sacred consecration of Shirdi Sai Baba, Shri Ganesha and Lord Dattatreya murthis which were conducted by Shri Sulakhe Maharaj, Chief Priest of the Shirdi Sai Mahasamadhi temple.
This momentous event occurred in the physical presence of Mohanji at the Mohanji Centre of Benevolence (MCB) in Nonoti, South Africa. Despite Maharaj’s hectic schedule, he travelled to South Africa to officiate this ceremony at Mohanji’s request. Maharaj dedicated his life to Shirdi Sai Baba and served over forty years at Baba’s temple in Shirdi.
Shirdi Sai Baba, a spiritual master and saint, gave the world the keys of happiness – Shraddha (faith) and Saburi (patience). The presence of Shirdi Sai Baba at the MCB infused waves of divine energies and positivity which attracted people from all walks of life to visit the temple. Children in Nonoti have already started to visit the temple and pray there even in their native languages. Shirdi Sai Baba stood for love, unity, stability and compassion beyond barriers – values which are much-needed in these current times.
Maharaj conducted the ceremony with expert precision, clarity and sanctity; and also explained the significance of the various prayers performed. Mohanji explained that being in the presence of such an event was extremely rare, rarer than once in a lifetime.
Despite setbacks endured due to the tragic storms and flooding in the area; the faith, conviction and commitment of the organising teams saw this event reach completion and success. CEO of Mohanji Foundation, Madhusudan Rajagopalan, along with chairperson of MFSA, Deloshni Govender, Swami Mohana-Bhaktananda, Dr Keshnie Pillay, Mrs Sulosh Pillay, M Rajiv Duggal, Mr Lee Subraylu and many other team members worked tirelessly to make this event a reality.
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including honourable Narend Singh (member of Parliament, Chief Whip IFP), Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu, Mr Omie Singh (former member of Parliament and President of KZN International Business Association – KIBA) and Councillor Dolly Govender (Speaker for KwaDukuza). MEC Ravi Pillay (Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs KZN) sent a heartfelt letter of support and best wishes. Ela Gandhi (granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi), Mrs Brenda Kali (Founder of Conscious Companies) and Dr Imtiaz Sooliman (Founder of Gift of the Givers) sent heartfelt messages of support and best wishes.
Stakeholders and well-wishers, Mr Roy Naidu (Timber Rooftec), Dr Jeevren Reddy (Bhakti Marga), Pundit Suresh Singh, Mr Roy Ramdaw (Roy Ramdaw and Associates), Mr Kashik Mohanlal (GR Cabins), Mrs Ayesha Sooliman (Gift of the Givers), Dr Lorna Madurai (virologist) and Mr Yogin Devan (Director of Meropa Communications) to mention a few names, also gave their support.
Mohanji was honoured by Shri Sulakhe Maharaj with a special shawl from Shirdi. Dignitaries, well-wishers and volunteers who contributed to the project in their own way and capacity were also honoured with special gifts brought from Shirdi. The Mohanji Foundation honoured Shri Sulakhe Maharaj for his constant support and advice, without whom, this event would not have been possible.
In honour of Mohanji, two books were launched and presented to Mohanji and Shri Sulakhe Maharaj. “Gems from the Master”, authored by Maheshwari Mohanji as well as translation and commentary on the sacred “Sri Guru Gita” written by Lakshmi Mohanananda (vice-chairperson of MFSA). These books are available for sale of which the proceeds will be given towards the Shirdi Sai Baba temple at the MCB in Nonoti.
Shri Sulakhe Maharaj thereafter led the bhumi puja which is a sacred consecration of the land. Mohanji and Maharaj planted three sacred tree saplings – audumbur or cluster fig to be the home of Lord Dattatreya, a neem tree that will eventually grow into a Gurusthan (a space honouring the Guru) and a Bilva tree which is auspicious to Lord Shiva. The programme concluded with vegan meals for all participants. Concurrently, approximately 200 vegan meals, food hampers and health packs for 100 families were distributed at Nonoti Primary School.
The Shirdi Sai Baba temple at the MCB in Nonoti is open to the public to visit and participate in daily aartis for Shirdi Sai Baba. All are welcome. Kindly contact Lee Subraylu on 063-208-7204 or email southafrica@mohanji.org for more information about the temple.
