Piscataway, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/08/2010 -- All one can say is that time stops, the mind opens and the heart prays amidst a mist of mysticism. And then the great Upanishads come alive and the ancient secret is revealed.

The Sat-Chit-Anand Water Show was inaugurated with a unique multi-media water extravaganza at Swaminarayan Akshardham in Gandhinagar, India on Saturday, April 3, 2010. The assembly was presided over by the spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and the inspirer of the water show, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Narendrabhai Modi, Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government of India Shri R. Chidambaram and Creative Designer of the water show Yves Pépin. More than 1,500 dignitaries attended the function.

The Sat-Chit-Anand Water Show, literally meaning truth, consciousness and bliss, has been conceptualized and realized by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. This first of its kind spiritual water show, including a 60 ft wide water screen, reveals the ancient secret of enlightenment, mysteries of life, death, and life after death through the story of Nachiketa, a nine-year old boy, who appears in front of the Lord of Death, Yama, as a result of fulfilling his father's word.

In his address to the inaugural assembly, Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami, the coordinator of the project, gave details and objectives of the water show. Yves Pépin expressed his sentiments in his speech, “Until now my projects were all about entertainment and thrill. But, this one is different. There is a spiritual message that follows the Indian tradition of the Upanishads. I have enjoyed working with BAPS. It was like a family experience. Pramukh Swami is a simple, selfless person. His inspiration can make the impossible, possible.”

Shri R. Chidambaram spoke about developing a scientific mindset in our young generation. “Nachiketa had an enquiring mind,” he added. “He was of a scientific bent because he persisted in asking the secret of life after death. If we want to progress as a nation, we must have an amalgamation of science and spirituality.”
 
The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Narendra Modi, commended the show’s unique elements and added, “The message of India’s spirituality presented here will provide entertainment and inspiration to the new generation. I believe that management case studies should be done on Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s work. From it one will learn the highest lessons in management and the use of human talent and resources. He has made optimum use of youth energy for the service to society.”

Finally, Pramukh Swami Maharaj blessed the function. He explained the story of Nachiketa and the three boons he asked from Lord Yama. He emphasized, “We need to tell our children stories each day from our scriptures like the Ramayan and Mahabharat. Through this we will be able to empower our children with values and faith of our culture and religion.

The essence of Nachiketa’s story is brahmavidya, which can be realized through one who is absorbed in the bliss of God. Our guru Yogiji Maharaj was such a sadhu. He was always spiritually happy amidst the dualities of joy and pain, and honor and insult. I pray that may joy and peace prevail in India and the world.”

After a Vedic ritual of pujan and tying of the nadachhadi (sacred thread) on the wrists of the chief guests, children presented a short cultural performance depicting the five elements as part of the inaugural ritual. To complete the event, the 45-minute water show was shown to the invitees and guests. The audience was captivated by the conversation between nine-year-old Nachiketa and Yama. In the latter’s abode, they talk about eternity, life after death and the three worlds. Use of colorful lights and high-powered projectors depicted a mystic atmosphere with anacondas squirming at the gate of death, spikes coming from nowhere to kill the child, dancing demons, fire, volcanic eruptions and lightning — all on the water screen.

The use of 4,000 nozzles, 2,000 lights, over 100 pumps and twelve fireball throwers supplemented quick change of locations — from hell to heaven and cosmos. This unique water show not only has inspired those that have viewed it first-hand, but also has inspired people worldwide to learn about the Indian traditions and stories illustrated in the Upanishads along with other religious scriptures. To see a short video of the water show visit www.baps.org.

About BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha
The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a worldwide socio-spiritual organization in Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, is dedicated to community service, peace and harmony.  Motivated by Hindu principles, BAPS strives to care for the world by caring for societies, families and individuals. Through a number of social and spiritual activities, BAPS endeavors to produce better citizens of tomorrow who have a high esteem for their roots - their rich Hindu culture.  Its 3,300 international centers support these activities of character-building. Under the guidance and leadership of His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, BAPS aspires to build a community that is morally, ethically and spiritually pure, and free of addictions.

About Pramukh Swami Maharaj
His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, has inspired millions of people across the world to lead a God-centered, morally pure life. As the present leader of BAPS, Pramukh Swami Maharaj travels from village to village, continent to continent, emphasizing the importance of family harmony, community service and spiritual progress. He embodies the essence of Hindu life. His compassion for humanity, universal wisdom and striking simplicity have touched many world religious and national leaders.

For more details visit http://www.baps.org

Contact:
Lenin Joshi
BAPS North American Headquarters
Piscataway, NJ
Tel: 732-777-1414 ex 140
e-mail : media@na.baps.org
http://www.baps.org