On Bhadarvo (Bhadra) Sud 11, the auspicious day known as Parivartini or Jal Jhilani Ekadashi, devotees of BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Townsville, Australia, gathered to celebrate this unique festival with great devotion and enthusiasm. The event, which attracted around 70 devotees, brought the community together in a memorable celebration of faith and tradition.
Jal Jhilani Ekadashi holds a special place in the hearts of devotees as it involves observing a waterless fast, known as nirjala, and engaging in a series of rituals that connect them to the divine. The festival is a testimony to the strong bond between the devotees and their unwavering devotion to Bhagwan.
The festival began with devotees preparing for the sacred journey to a nearby river. They carefully carried a small murti of Bhagwan, Lalji, and a clay murti of Ganeshji. These deities symbolise the divine presence and grace that guide their lives.
Upon reaching the serene riverbank, the devotees embarked on a journey of devotion. They performed elaborate puja, offered aarti, and presented thal (offering) to both the murtis not once, but five times, signifying their deep reverence. After each puja, the murtis were placed in a beautifully adorned boat, and the boat set sail on the gentle waters of the river.
As the boat carrying the divine murtis glided gracefully, the devotees filled the air with melodious bhajans. These devotional songs spoke of the significance of sharnagaati, the act of surrendering oneself to Bhagwan and the Guru, and resonated with the hearts of all present.
The rituals reached their climax when it was time to bid farewell to the murti of Ganeshji. With profound devotion, the devotees submerged the clay murti into the ocean, symbolising the act of surrendering to the divine will. It was a poignant moment filled with spiritual significance.
The celebrations in Townsville mirrored those happening at BAPS mandirs around the world, emphasising the global reach and unity of the BAPS community. Thousands of devotees gathered in Sarangpur to celebrate Jal Jhilani Ekadashi in the divine presence of Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
The origins of Jal Jhilani Ekadashi hold deep spiritual significance. It is believed that during Chaturmaas, the four months of the monsoon season, Lord Vishnu rested in Bali Raja’s kingdom in Sutal. On Bhadra Sud 11, he turned onto his side, signifying the Parivartan, or transformation, of the seasons.
In addition, the festival has another beautiful tradition that harks back to the days of Lord Krishna. Devotees donate yogurt as a fare when embarking on a boat ride, symbolising the offering of devotion and humility.
The celebration of Jal Jhilani Ekadashi at BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Townsville is a testament to the enduring faith of the devotees and their commitment to preserving the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of India. It serves as a reminder that amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, traditions like these continue to bind communities together in devotion and love for the divine.
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