Vrindavan, 2017.12.20 (VT) Shri Devkinandan thakur, the popular preacher and founder of Shanti Seva Dham and Vishwa Shanti Seva Charitable Trust, has been awarded the prestigious title ‘Dharma Ratna’. Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati Maharaj presented the title during a program held on Tuesday evening, at Shanti Seva Dham on Chatikara Road. Shankaracharya is presenting this title for the first time, despite having been the Shankaracharya of the West of India for many decades.
Devkinandan Maharaj will now formally be known as: Dharma Ratna Shantidut Shri Devkinandan Thakur ji Maharaj. The meaning of the title is that Devkinandan Thakur ji is a jewel among preachers, a bringer of peace and most honorable.
Speaking at the function, Shankaracharya said that Devkinandan Thakur ji has gone to great lengths to ensure that knowledge of scriptures is spread among the masses. The Shankaracharya also said that it is of utmost importance that sections from the Ramayana and Mahabharata be included in school syllabuses, so that children gain an understanding of how evil arises.
Shankaracharya reminded Bhagavatam speakers who focus on the enjoyable pastimes of Radha-Krishna lilas to also include narration about people who go to hell for their misdeeds. He said that Durgasaptashti is an important scripture because it reminds people that, a devi (goddess) resides in every female.
During the program, Shankaracharya spoke on several current issues and encouraged Braj’s warriors of sanatan dharma – the upholders of the principles guiding a moral lifestyle that unite all Hindus.
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