Vadodara: Founder of Sokhda Swaminarayan sect, Hariprasad Swami, cremated

VADODARA: Founder of Haridham at Sokhda and head of Yogi Divine Society, Hariprasad Swamiji, was cremated on Sunday afternoon in presence of thousands of devotees.
The final rites of the late spiritual head of the Sokhda Swaminarayan sect was performed with vedic chants and prayers offered by saints of the sect.
Chief minister Vijay Rupani, deputy CM Nitin Patel and state education minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama paid tributes to the departed while attending the cremation. Several political leaders had already visited the temple to pay tributes ahead of cremation for which elaborate arrangements were made at the premises. On Sunday, the vedic rituals had started from early morning. Water of seven rivers including Ganga, Yamuna, Narmada, Saryu, Tapi – considered sacred and having vivid description in the life of Lord Swaminarayan was used to perform the rituals. Similarly, seven types of woods including chandan, sevan, tulsi and neem was also used for the cremation.
The spiritual leader had passed away late on Monday night. He was admitted to the Bhailal Amin General Hospital where he breathed his last. He was suffering from a kidney ailment and was feeling unwell since July 25 after dialysis.
“Although Swamiji will not be with us physically, his blessings will continue to shower on Gujarat and the rest of the country,” said Rupani, describing the spiritual leader’s contributions towards social harmony and de-addiction drives carried out amongst youngsters.
Head of Anoopam Mission, Mogri Jashbhai Patel announced that all the saints have unanimously decided that under leadership of P Premswaroop Swamiji, the responsibility of running Yogi Divine Society will be shared by Tyagvallabh Swamiji, Prabodhjeevan Swamiji apart from Sant Vallabh Swami, Ashokbhai Patel and Vitthaldas Patel.