Hundreds of devotees attend Sharad Poornima, Annakut Mahotsav at Hari Dham temple, NJ

October 11, 2022

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Food platters offered to the gods during the Annakut and Sharad Poornima celebrated Oct. 9, 2022, at Hari Dham Temple in New Jersey. Photo: Raja Bhatty, ITV Gold.

Hundreds of Hindu devotees attended the Hari Dham Temple in Parsippany, N.J. for Sharad Poornima and Annakut Mahotsav October 9, 2022, hosted by Yogi Divine Society.

Devotees at the Annakut, Sharad Poornima observances at Hari Dham Temple in New Jersey, listen to Swamiji Prabodhjivan Maharaj (not seen in picture), Oct. 9, 2022. Photo: Raja Bhatty, ITV Gold

Swamiji Prabodhjivan Maharaj addressed the devotees and imparted lessons on life and how to treat others.

Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh, chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media and ITV Gold, also addressed the gathering.

Dr. Sudhir Parikh, chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media and ITV Gold, right, with Swamiji Prabodhjivan Maharaj at Annakut celebrated Oct. 9, 2022, at Hari Dham Temple in New Jersey. Photo: Raja Bhatty, ITV Gold.

“We all are very lucky … that we have personal blessings from our Swami Prabodhjivan Maharaj,” Dr. Parikh said, and spoke of his own personal journey and experiences. “In life, if you want to be successful, then aways start your day by remembering your guru. Does not matter if it is five minutes, 10 minutes or 15 minutes, or while driving, that will take you a long way in your life,” Dr. Parikh said. He also urged every one to be honest in their dealings, respect each and every one old or young. That will bring a person a lot of respect, he said. He also urged the younger generation to give back to the community.

Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh speaking at Annakut celebrations at Hari Dham Temple, NJ. Oct. 9, 2022. Photo: Raja Bhatty, ITV Gold

Swamiji Prabodhjivan Maharaj, speaking at Annakut celebrations in Hari Dham Temple, NJ., Oct. 9, e022. Photo: Raja Bhatty, ITV Gold

“When I turned 60, Guruprasad swami came to me through my yog,” Dr. Parikh said, adding that it spurred him to be involved with temples. Now he is 75, and continuing his tradition, and with his own resources, he acquired newspapers and television channels to do good.

Mayor of Parsippany-Troy Hills James R. Barberio, speaking at Annakut celebrations in Hari Dham Temple, Oct. 9, 2022 Photo: Raja Bhatty, ITV Gold

Mayor of Parsippany-Troy Hills James R. Barberio, who also spoke at the event, thanked organizers for inviting him. He dwelt on his Italian ancestry and on their journey to America. “I am honored you selected me to once again be your mayor. I thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Mayor Barberio said.

The thousand sumptuous food platters offered before the deities, and arranged on steps were colorful and symbolized the devotion of followers.