It was an honour for our VCSL’s Chairman, Arunbhai Tank, to be asked to compere the nine days Shiv Mahapuran Katha which was organised by Bhanuben Vaghela, daughter of late Shree Maganlal Jadavji & Shreemati Kashiben Maganlal Vaghela who were sponsors of this event. Bhanuben is one of our loyal supporters of the Vanza organisations in the UK.

This ‘mahotsav’ took place between 15th August and 23rd August 2009 at the spacious hall at Brentside High School in Greenford, Middlesex. The Katha was recited by Pujya Sant Shree Hansdevgiriji Bapu who heads the Shivashram in Navagam, Taluka Kalawad Jillo Jamnagar in Gujarat, India. This was Bapu’s first visit to the UK. He was accompanied by his wife (Pujay Baa), Pravingiri Goswami, Janakbhai Patel and Gopalbhai Tandon.

Arunbhai Tank was assisted at the venue by Niruben Vaghela, Jayantibhai Bhundia, Rameshbhai Chavda, Shantilalbhai Jethwa, Ashokbhai Bharkhada and Ranjanben Tank. The team worked together implementing their duties: welcoming, comforting and looking after all the guests in the main hall and to ensure that they do not leave the premises without the ‘mahaprasad’ in the dinning hall. The individual responsibilities were carried out very efficiently and at the end of each evening, the team meetings used to take place, in presence of Bhanuben, to ensure that all went well on the day. Bapu was so pleased with how things were organised by the team that he decided to show his appreciation by honouring the team with a shawl to each member!

The Katha itself was so interesting that most of the time there was pin-drop silence in the hall, audiences keenly listening to Bapu. Highlights of the nine days event were the ‘Shree Shiv Parvati Vivah’ and ‘Shree Shiv 12 Jyotiling Poojan’. If ever there was a fascinating Katha that was heard in the UK, this was it. One would be motivated towards spiritualism after listening to the wonderful recital by Bapu.

May Hingral Mataji bless him for every success in his charitable deeds at his Shivashram. We thank Bhanuben for giving our Chairman the opportunity of compering the event. Arunbhai would like to thank all the members of the team and the volunteers for assisting him at the event. VCSL wishes to thank Bhanuben for her donation of £101.00 to our organisation and our Vice Chairman, Umedbhai Vaghela, reciprocated by honouring Bhanuben with a shawl and pledging a donation of £151.00 to the Shivashram.

NOTE: We are informed that DVDs of the nine day Katha will be available very soon. All those who are interested, please contact Bhanuben Vaghela on 0208 567 8946 for further information.