While shooting for the Neelkanth Yatra large format film that is part of the cultural exhibitions at Swaminarayan Akshardham, New Delhi, and has also been globally as Mystic India.

The shooting was scheduled to begin in the Himalayas on 3 March 2003. Once the shooting crew from America and other members of the shoot arrived in Nepal they realized the difficulties that had to be overcome. First, it had been raining for many days with no sight of the sun. More importantly, there was no snow on the mountains at Muktinath. Clearly visible were the dull black stones with no snow or ice and hence – no shine. The locals were the first to point out that there was never any snow on those mountains at this time of year. Without sunshine and snow the shoot would not be possible.

The organizing team of BAPS volunteers called Swamishri, who was in Gondal at the time. After listening to them, Swamishri told them to pray and said, “God will help finish the filming. Be patient.” Another day passed, and yet there was no sign of sun or snow. They also searched for other suitable locations to shoot, but without success. Again, the organizers called Swamishri, “How will we be able to shoot tomorrow?” Swamishri told them, “Do the shoot tomorrow. It will be alright.”

The next morning, the crew and organizers saw, to their delight and astonishment, that the mountains were covered in snow. The rain had stopped and the sun was shining brilliantly.
Buoyed up by this dramatic, overnight change the crew was able to gather an hour of footage in just one day.

Award-winning cinematographer, Reed Smoot, who witnessed the entire situation unfold, commented, “Along with the 16 voluntary departments working for BAPS, there is a seventeenth one. Nature. Prayers help manage this department. Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s prayers!”
Many would dismiss these occurrences as mere coincidence, but the power of Swamishri’s prayers lies in his unflinching commitment to and faith in Truth. His honesty and transparency bring power to his words.