The Satya Narayan Mandir of Woodside Avenue, Elmhurst, New York held a Sukhmani Path Saheb and Satsang keertan by Mahamandaleshwar Mahant Swami Hansram Saheb Ji on Thursday, September 04, 2025, from 4:30pm to 7:00pm.
Swami Hansram Saheb Ji belonged to the Bhilwada Darbar Harisheva Dhaam situated in Asul Darbar Bhiriya, Sindh province of Pakistan. It is a spiritual center in Bhilwara known for its dedication to the teachings and legacy of Shri 1008 Bade Dadaji Maharaj and Shri Chhote Dadaji Maharaj. The Dhaam is known for its daily prayer ceremonies and self-performed rituals and provides free community meals, a tradition rooted in service to the public.
Swami Hansram Saheb Ji spoke of the significance of chanting the Sukhmani (consoler of the mind), one of the master pieces of Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji, the compiler of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. He preached the message of universal peace, to all the inhabitants of the world. Swami Ji also talked about the importance of a Bhandara (community meal) in the Sindhi community, reinforcing cultural and spiritual values like unity, charity, and resilience. He encouraged devotees to hold this practice of a food service as an offering or part of a prayer. In addition, it is also a way to thank the Gods –he emphasized. In between his Pravachan he sang beautiful devotional songs and Pt. Hemant Ramrakhyani played Dolak and also sang along with swami Ji.
Swami Ji explained the life-directing teachings from Sukhmani and gave practical examples to exhibit the importance of Bandara and its connection with everyday life as the aim is that no one should stay hungry that day. This practice underscores the importance of social and religious gatherings, fostering a sense of unity and sharing among people. Thus, it is customary among all the Sanatanis; after performing prayers and religious rituals, food is served to the people who attended the event and to the poor and the needy as a part of their service to God, the press release said.
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Maha Mangala Arati of all the deities was performed while singing Aarti, and a gorgeous Rumala Sahib was offered to Guru Granth Sahib while singing of sacred hymns.
Organizers said the audience was thankful to Satya Narayan Mandir for the stirring experience by arranging an enlightening Pravachan by Swami Hansram Saheb Ji.
The Temple President thanked all those present for their active participation in the event. He also thanked selfless volunteers for their services and Biha Ram Sachdev and family for arranging Langar Prasadam for all the devotees. Jai Advani and Deepak Vazirani were wished Happy Birthday.
All the devotees enjoyed the tasty Langar Prasadam.
The Satya Narayan Mandir also held a large-scale Sundar Kanda Path and Hanuman Chalisa Parayana, a sacred prayer dedicated to Lord Hanuman Ji on September 2. The sacred hymns were chanted by the priests Pt. Hemant Ramrakhyani and Pt. Anand Tripathi along with the devotees. A large hall full of devotees seeking blessings gathered in traditional colorful attire and participated in the chanting for a more than 2 hours.
The verses chanted described the valorous acts of Hanuman Ji, during his journey to Lanka. Devotees participated by singing along and clapping with the melody.
The Satya Narayan Mandir of Woodside Avenue, Elmhurst, New York, also called GurMandir represents a unique Sindhi tradition of combining Gurdwara and Mandir in the same premise. This is the oldest and the only GurMandir in the Americas and organizes and celebrates several weekly, monthly, and annual programs.