Gujarat: Five lakh devotees to bid final adieu to Pramukh Swami Maharaj

More than five lakh people are expected to attend the final rites of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual head of Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), in Sarangpur on Wednesday afternoon.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj had passed away on Saturday at the age of 94 due to old-age illnesses, leading to a outpouring of grief among his followers across the globe.

According to BAPS authorities, Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s mortal remains would be consigned to flames in the premises of Sarangpur Mandir at 3:00 pm on Wednesday. Pramukh Swami Maharaj had himself selected the spot for his final rites.

Prior to that, his body will be moved from the glass cabin, and taken to his room, where senior sadhus will bathe it with panchamrut and pure water.

BAPS media coordinator Aksharvatsal Swami told dna over phone that elaborate arrangements have been made to ensure that devotees can witness the final rites without any difficulty.

“Large LED screens have been put up in Sarangpur for devotees. The cremation will also be webcast live on www.baps.org and Aastha channel,” he said.

Deputy chief minister Nitin Patel, BJP president Amit Shah, finance minister Arun Jaitley, kathakaar Morari Bapu andYoga guru Baba Ramdev are some of the dignitaries expected to witness Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s final rites.

Two additional helipads have been prepared in Sarangpur in view of the rush of VVIPs.