Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s Tribute: NASA Sends ‘Bapa’ Picture, Message to Moon; Lunar Landing Today
As the American space agency NASA’s private spacecraft Odyssey embarks on its journey towards the moon, it pays a remarkable tribute to the fifth spiritual head of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, Swami Maharaj. NASA has sent photographs of the Hindu spiritual leader and his message to the moon’s surface. Using relative radiation on Odyssey’s panel, Swami Maharaj’s images and his works are etched onto the spacecraft. Under NASA’s IM-1 mission, Odyssey is set to softly land on the lunar surface on February 22nd, marking a significant milestone in space exploration while honoring the spiritual legacy of Swami Maharaj.
NASA’s Tribute to a Hindu Spiritual Leader
NASA’s decision to pay tribute to a Hindu spiritual leader underscores its acknowledgment of diversity and inclusivity in its missions. The recent update regarding NASA’s casual mission confirms the transmission of the primary Swami Maharaj’s message to the moon’s surface. Swami Maharaj advocated for selfless service and human welfare throughout his life, leaving a profound impact on his followers.
Influenced by his teachings, NASA has chosen to honor him. The casual mission’s announcement highlights that when various countries and companies collaborate on opportunity projects, there is a provision to incorporate messages associated with common consciousness in space exploration. This approval reflects NASA’s commitment to fostering unity, cooperation, and collective responsibility in its endeavors.
Odyssey Mission: Targeting the Lunar South Pole
The Odyssey spacecraft is scheduled to attempt a soft landing near the lunar south pole on February 22nd. This pioneering American mission marks a significant milestone in space exploration, spanning over 50 years of American space missions. It is prepared with the IM-1 lander, dedicated to exploring the lunar south pole.
As part of the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, the lander carries a suite of payloads, aiming to measure the lunar surface’s plasma environment and gather data for future Artemis missions, which involve lunar exploration by astronauts. This mission represents a collaborative effort to advance scientific understanding and gather crucial data for future space endeavors.
Who Was Pramukh Swami Maharaj?
Pramukh Swami Maharaj was a spiritual guru who served as the fifth spiritual head of BAPS. Born on December 7, 1921, in Gujarat, India, Pramukh Swami Maharaj emerged as a prominent figure within the BAPS organization. He played a significant role in the development and progress of BAPS at both national and international levels. Pramukh Swami Maharaj propagated the principles of Hinduism and disseminated the spiritual teachings of the Swaminarayan tradition.
Under his leadership, BAPS engaged in educational initiatives, healthcare services, social welfare activities, and humanitarian services. Pramukh Swami Maharaj is known for his religious discourses, community service, and encouragement of altruistic endeavors.
Construction of Over a Thousand Temples by Pramukh Swami Maharaj
Pramukh Swami Maharaj, whose true name was Shantilal Patel, was the founder of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, considering Shastriji Maharaj as his guru. Pramukh Swami Maharaj received initiation from his guru under the name ‘Narayanswarupdas Swami’. He orchestrated the construction of Swaminarayan temples across various countries, including the United States.
He is renowned for spearheading the establishment of Akshardham temples in Gujarat and Delhi. Throughout his lifetime, he oversaw the construction of more than 1,100 Swaminarayan temples. Pramukh Swami Maharaj passed away on August 13, 2016, at the age of 94.
