Virar (Palghar): The sacred red sandalwood (raktachandan) padukas of Shri Swami Samarth Maharaj of Akkalkot will arrive on the night of August 25 at the Shri Swami Samarth Shakti Sthan Math in Arnala, Virar (West). Devotees will be able to have darshan of the padukas on August 26, from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The Nutan Gulgule Foundation runs “Swanand Seva Sadan,” dedicated to the holistic development of children with disabilities. Within the same premises stands the “Gajlakshmi Swaroop, Kamalasanadhishthit Shri Swami Samarth Shakti Sthan Math,” a place where faith, spirituality, and service to humanity come together.
According to devotional tradition, Shri Swami Samarth Maharaj, pleased with the devoted service of Cholappa Maharaj, blessed him with these sacred red sandalwood padukas. The padukas — representing the very feet to which Cholappa Maharaj dedicated his entire life — will now be available for darshan at Arnala. They are being brought to the Arnala Math by Shri Annu Maharaj, a descendant of the fifth generation of Cholappa Maharaj’s lineage.
Schedule of Events
- August 25, 9:00 p.m.: Kirtan by H. B. P. Madhura Prabhu Anaredi
- August 25, 10:00 p.m.: Sacred arrival of the padukas
- August 26, 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.: Abhishek, puja, and darshan ceremony
- August 26, 7:00 p.m.: Devotional kirtan by H. B. P. Shri Rajendra Buva Tawde and Shri Prashant Sonawane
Special Attractions
The August 26 celebration will feature a grand tableau (chalchitra) depicting the “ghana” bullock and the Vithu Mauli of Pandharpur, an elaborate floral rangoli in the shape of a tortoise, a Maha-Aarti, and a community feast (bhandara). The Arnala area is expected to resound with chants of Swami Samarth’s name and be immersed in devotional fervor throughout the celebration.
Devotees from Mumbai, Palghar, Thane, Navi Mumbai, and Raigad are invited to take part in this spiritual occasion and have darshan of the sacred red sandalwood padukas of Shri Swami Samarth. The appeal was made by Math founders Smt. Nutan Gulgule and Shri Vinayak Gulgule.
Venue
Shri Swami Samarth Shakti Sthan (Math), Factory Pada, Arnala, Vasai–Virar (West), Dist. Palghar.
For more information, contact: Smt. Megha Ghode (Manager): 8149474991 Smt. Nutan Gulgule (Math Founder): 9920383446 / 9819141906
Media & Public Relations: Ram Kondilkar Mobile / WhatsApp: 9821498-65 [as listed in source; number appears incomplete] / 8080822385