New York’s iconic Times Square witnessed a special expression of Bangladesh’s Sanatani spiritual heritage during this year’s Durga Puja celebrations. Organized by the Bengali Club of USA, the festival featured a special Shri Shri Maha Yajna for global peace and well-being, led by Shri Mat Swami Shuvananda Puri Maharaj, principal of the historic Rishidham and its Sanskrit College in Kokdandi village, Banshkhali, Chattogram, Bangladesh, and head of the America branch of Rishi Adwaitananda Mission.
Swami Shuvananda Puri Maharaj traveled from Los Angeles to New York to participate in the celebration. His presence brought the spiritual traditions, guru lineage, and religious philosophy of Rishidham in Bangladesh to the international cultural gathering at Times Square.
Sharing the Spiritual Philosophy of Swami Adwaitananda Puri Maharaj
Located in Kokdandi village of Banshkhali Upazila in Chattogram, Rishidham was established by Shri Mat Swami Adwaitananda Puri Maharaj, a revered spiritual figure and Spiritual Seeker of the 20th century. Swami Shuvananda Puri Maharaj continues to promote the spiritual teachings and guru lineage associated with Swami Adwaitananda Puri Maharaj and his spiritual successor, Shri Mat Swami Sudarshanananda Puri Maharaj.
Rishidham is regarded as an important religious and spiritual pilgrimage site for Sanatani devotees in Bangladesh and beyond. The historic institution hosts the International Rishi Kumbh Mela every three years. According to the organizers, the gathering brings together devotees, saints, ascetics, and pilgrims from different parts of the world, creating a meeting place for spiritual practice, religious heritage, and communal harmony.
Maha Yajna Based on Shri Shri Dashamahavidya for Global Well-Being
A special Shri Shri Maha Yajna was performed at the Durga Puja pavilion in Times Square, inspired by Shri Shri Dashamahavidya, a work attributed to Shri Mat Swami Adwaitananda Puri Maharaj. Swami Shuvananda Puri Maharaj presided over the religious ceremony.
Following the yajna, he addressed devotees from Bangladesh and other countries, highlighting the spiritual philosophy of Guru Adwaitananda, the principles of non-violence, and the historical and religious significance of Rishidham in Banshkhali.
The ceremony emphasized the importance of sharing Sanatani spiritual teachings and the message of universal welfare with an international audience.
Portrait of Swami Adwaitananda Puri Maharaj Displayed at Times Square
One of the notable features of this year’s celebration was the placement of a portrait of Shri Mat Swami Adwaitananda Puri Maharaj at the Durga Puja pavilion.
The display of the revered spiritual master’s portrait at the internationally renowned Times Square brought joy and enthusiasm to followers of Adwaitananda’s philosophy and devotees of Rishidham in Bangladesh and across the global diaspora, according to the organizations involved.
Organizers said the initiative offered an opportunity to highlight Bangladesh’s spiritual heritage, the guru-disciple tradition, and its religious philosophy on an international cultural platform.
Promoting Adwaitananda’s Teachings Across the World
Swami Shuvananda Puri Maharaj has been working to spread the spiritual philosophy of Swami Adwaitananda Puri Maharaj in various countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, Laos, several cities across the United States, Canada, Paris in France, Sweden and Switzerland.
As part of his upcoming activities, he plans to participate in next year’s Kumbh Mela in India alongside devotees from different countries.
Those interested in joining the initiative have been invited to contact the organizers at swamishuvananda@gmail.com or Leptonnath@gmail.com.
Gratitude to the Organizers
The Rishidham management council, Shri Guru Sangha, Rishi Adwaitananda Parishad Bangladesh, and Rishi Adwaitananda Mission America expressed their gratitude to the organizing committee for arranging the religious ceremony and Maha Yajna during the Durga Puja celebrations at Times Square.
They also extended their appreciation to Shri Dinesh Chandra Majumdar, head of the Bengali Club of USA; priest Shri Rubel Chakraborty; and all other organizers and members involved in the event.
The celebration highlighted an initiative to bring Bangladesh’s Sanatani spiritual heritage, the philosophy of Rishidham, and the message of universal well-being to a wider international audience.
