After visiting 49 states and having travelled 27,000 miles visiting 850 Hindu temples in over 65 days, the Ram Rath (chariot carrying Lord Ram’s idol) returned on May.26 at Sugar Grove, Illinois. The event was organized by Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA) and attended by around 200 people from different suburbs of Chicago.
The program began with prayers and receiving of the rath by priest Anil Joshi from the Lake County Grayslake Hindu mandir. A welcome address was delivered by Harendra Mangrola, president of VHPA Chicago, who said that the yatra had helped unite all temples situated within the Chicago area.
Offerings included Hanuman Chalisa chant performances by event participants Vedarth, Anirved Marfatia and Shiva Vaishnavi. A bhajan or divine song titled "Mere Shree Ram Aaaye Hein" was also performed by Anjika Awasthi.
VHPA advisory board secretary Sanjay Mehta stressed the principle of 'Dharmo Rakshti Rakshita' during his address, which refers to the idea of humans trying to protect themselves through dharma or duty before expecting God to do so.
The VHPA Ram Rath Yatra event is a commemoration of inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on Jan.22.
Shree Ram Lalla Rath Yatra Concluding Ceremony https://t.co/aAKuryD8dP
— VHP America (@VHPANews) May 26, 2024
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