In the Joy of Others Lies Our Own. HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj

There are hundreds of coaching books that teach you various ways of dealing with life situations. Never ever has there been a book written about the life of a Hindu Sadhu containing lessons from his life.

This is a unique educational tool as the readers gets a glimpse of the life of a Sadhu and even more unique is that we will share some incredible basic life lessons from someone that actually practises them.

To start off, how many teachers do you know that work for nothing other than to help humanity, have only one purpose in life which is to introduce all individuals from all walks of life to the God within him.

This book is all about humility, purpose of life, love and respect, patience and working to benefit everyone - all unheard of life lessons. You will not learn to make more money, or how to have more of everything, you will simply learn about how to become happy by actually not wanting anything!

HH was born in an average family home in a village in India and when he died at the age of 96 he had established temples, schools and hospitals in almost all the continents of the world. The Sanstha(2) has a following of over 10 million devotees worldwide, each one an ambassador of his virtues. He has received accolades from various Parliaments etc. and, most importantly, built a workforce of over 100,000 volunteers who had been inspired to give time (seva) as part of life.

Yet he personally had two pairs of Dhotis, no bank account, and practised 5 vows of detachment - his attachment was only to God and his purpose was to introduce everyone to God, help all to live a life free of addiction, commit to spreading harmony and truly understand that the purpose of life is to be responsible for all that is around us and be a good sevak(3), never expect to receive credit and only to participate in making the world a happier place without waiting for the result. One piece of advice he gave was not to engage in breaking someone else's stick or trying to make your stick bigger, not to bully nor to bring someone else down, only to show that you have a higher purpose of reconciliation, forgiveness, harmony and love.

The life lessons we will explore are from his childhood right up to his death.

I hope you will enjoy reading about this wonderful soul who I was privileged enough to know and serve. Many individuals from all walks of life, even those who met him for as little as 5 minutes, have commented "if God was to exist on earth, it would be in him because he and his action can only be described as divine".

It would be appropriate to end this short introduction by summarising his life’s message:

In the joy of others, lies our own

In the happiness of others rests our own,

In the progress of others rests our own.

An introduction to HH Pramukh Swami, Head of BAPS Worldwide

Short synopsis

Swamiji left home on a bicycle at the age of 17 from Chansad, with only one thought in his mind – to serve his Guru. Swamiji passed away at the age of 96. During his lifetime he kept Bhagwan central to his work, and his beloved devotees central to his life’s purpose. He suffered from numerous ailments including gallstones, bladder issues, cataracts and even underwent heart operations twice in his lifetime. There was hardly a year in his last 40 years of life that he had not fallen ill. Yet he consistently ignored his health and bodily comforts, leaving his medical care until the very last – always hiding pain from others until necessary or until his carers spotted his discomfort.

His beloved Thakorji (the small metallic murti of Bhagwan Swaminarayan) always travelled with him. For Swamiji the murti was Bhagwan. He would take utmost care to ensure there was an parasol for him when in the sun, always keeping a suitable seat for him in all circumstances, whether it be the Parliament or on stage. There was an instance in Africa where Swamiji and sadhus went for a swim in the ocean. Thakorji also enjoyed this. Upon return, Swamiji reminded the sadhus that Thakorji should be given another bath with clean water to remove salt water from the ocean.

Devotees meant a lot to Swamiji. He would delay his meals many times to visit devotees from all backgrounds. He knew no differences in caste nor background. He walked barefoot in deep mud, in rain and many times when he had fever – travelling on oxen, barefoot, or whatever vehicle was available. His love to serve his beloved bhaktas and to be with them never diminished under any circumstances. He gave names to thousands of devotees’ children, guiding thousands in their education, marriage, health and every aspect of their lives, visiting thousands of villages and writing over 500,000 letters during his lifetime. His ability to love without judgement and only to give was his lifestyle.

Once a long serving farmer in Sarangpur met Swamiji. Upon seeing that he was wearing broken spectacles unsuitable for his eyes, Swamiji took off his own glasses and placed them on his eyes with the gentleness of a father caring for his child He ensured and propagated life without vice and millions gave up their unhealthy habits. It is this love and compassion that resulted in countless devotees who live today as ambassadors of his life’s message.

Swamiji was equally compassionate to people of all faiths and treated everyone equally. He always said that we are separated from each other by ignorance of the other! While in Israel, he placed a message in the wailing wall: “May all who write their messages be blessed and their good wishes be fulfilled.” He recognised that faith was the most important virtue, especially if practised with love and compassion. When Swaminarayan Akshardham, in Gandhinagar, was attacked in 2002 and over thirty individuals were killed, he immediately announced that this was not a religious matter; it was simply a bad person doing a terrible thing!

His gifts to humanity

Spirituality was his gift. Let us look at some of his achievements.

In terms of propagation of Sanatan Dharma internationally, large Cultural Festivals of India were held, first in London in 1985 and then in New Jersey in 1991. These were mega cultural festivals organised by a minority community who had just arrived on the shores of the UK and USA so made a very powerful statement. The festivals ran over one month. More than 1.2 million visitors attended each festival, savouring the sights, sounds and tastes of India. Using materials as simple as cane, bamboo, burlap and paper pulp, exquisite artwork was created. The messages were universal and tangible; the presentations were aesthetic and inspiring, and the atmosphere was original and congenial.

He built three large mandir complexes that we call “Swaminarayan Akshardham” complexes in Gandhinagar (1992), Delhi (2005) and New Jersey (to open in 2023). They have a functioning mandir, enormous spiritual and cultural campuses that have exhibitions and cultural shows dedicated to devotion, education, and unification of humankind. Timeless devotional messages and vibrant Sanatan Dharma traditions are echoed in their art and architecture. The complexes are humble tributes to Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781 to 1830) and the avatars, devas and sages of Sanatan Dharma. These traditionally styled complexes are each unique and were built with the blessings of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj and through the devoted efforts of thousands of skilled artisans and volunteers. Further information can be found on their respective websites.

Overall, Swamiji established over 1,100 mandirs in 28 countries between 1971 and 2016. In the last 10 years, the organisation was opening two mandirs a week in smaller villages. This continues even today. Making mandirs is no small achievement. Each mandir is built with personal care and attention and as a gift for devotees for the nation and its people to enjoy – open to all, for everyone to find their own bhakti and meet Bhagwan. Each mandir was built with care by the devotees. As Swamiji said, “Each devotee will become a mandir himself or herself.”

During his lifetime, over 1000 sadhus were ordained. They all follow the eightfold form of celibacy, a principle propagated by Bhagwan Swaminarayan 200 years ago. These sadhus came from diverse backgrounds and from all parts of the world. A sizable number of them were highly qualified young people who were inspired by his message and mission.

He encouraged that new literature, scriptures and bhajans be written so that Bhagwan’s message could be easily understood. As a result, literature was published in many languages in many countries allowing the organisation to flourish.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj creatively fused spiritual concepts with modern technology to disseminate dharmic teachings to all. Ranging from exhibitions containing robotics and the ‘Mystic India’ film to water shows, laser shows and more, he was ahead of his time.

The revival of Sanskrit traditions was another achievement. He encouraged his swamis and lay followers to learn Sanskrit. Under his direct spiritual guidance, Sadhu Bhadreshdas completed the unimaginable feat of writing the Swaminarayan Bhashyas, thereby grounding the knowledge which was so dear to his Guru Shastriji Maharaj within the texts of Sanatan Dharma.

Today there are millions of devotees who have instilled in them the depth of knowledge of the Swaminarayan philosophy and live a life without addiction and in harmony with everyone, being exemplary citizens wherever they live.

Introduction

www.baps.org

As we begin our journey to discover HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, we will discover that from childhood to the very last breath, he is the same person – BORN TO SERVE. For simplicity we will now refer to him as Swamishri.

He was born around 8.20am on 7 December 1921 in Chansad, a small village 12km southwest of Vadodara. As was the tradition, a birth chart was prepared: “This child will become very great; he will worship God and inspire countless to do the same. Crowds will throng for his darshan(6), for which they would have to watch from a mile away.”

Chansad is still a very small village and in 1921 had a population of under 2,000. The entire community in those days was fully engaged in farming. His parents had a reasonable living standard. He was named Shantilal (peaceful) by his parents. He had 3 brothers and 6 sisters. His father was a farmer. Both parents were truly devoted to the Swaminarayan faith and its then spiritual head (Guru(7))- Shastriji Maharaj. Their faith and commitment in Shastriji Maharaj can be seen in the following example.

Swami Ji's nephew had become seriously ill. His father took him in his lap and chanted the ‘Swaminarayan’ mantra (name) for many hours. After a while, the grandson started blinking his eyes and soon became fully conscious and recovered.

Capacity to tolerate: Shantilal once had intense diarrhoea. He had to go to the toilet 15 to 20 times. He ended up staying by the shores of the nearby lake (traditional way of bathing) so that he could adhere to the rule of bathing and so as not to disturb anyone else!

No desire for food: Shantilal had no interest in eating or drinking. He hardly expressed a wish for any likes or dislikes. Sometimes he even forgot to eat until mum reminded him.

His spiritual nature: Shantilal got his first puja (7) when he was 4 years old. He would visit the Hanumanji Mandir and the Swaminarayan Mandir daily. His mother was also very strict and always enquired every day if he had been for the darshan. From an early age he learnt to fast. There was an occasion when he with all his friends were invited to celebrate a birthday and he still insisted on not eating any food.

Education: Shantilal studied in Chansad initially. During his gap year, he travelled with sadhus from the temple for one year on their normal spiritual programme. He went through a lot of hardship, waking up early, helping to cook and clean and he was introduced to begging for alms. Sadhus are required to do this as part of their daily practice.

Meetings with Shastriji Maharaj

Shantilal once had darshan of Shastriji Maharaj at a train station. Yogiji Maharaj recounted this years later: “He was wearing black coat and I said to Shastriji Maharaj that a great mumuksh has come for darshan”.

A short while later, he joined Shastriji Maharaj on his tour of local villages. Shastriji Maharaj asked him to go and visit Vartal to do darshan. The second direction he received from Shastriji Maharaj was to fast with no liquids. Shastriji Maharaj wanted Shantilal to complete his education first, so he returned to Chansad and enrolled for senior school at a village Padra.

About a year later, Shastriji Maharaj visited Chansad and told his father that he would like to make him a sadhu and that he can complete his education in Ahmedabad. Unfortunately, before all this could be formalised, Shastriji Maharaj had to leave urgently, so this could not be implemented.

Another year had now passed. Shantilal learnt to play cricket and became an expert swimmer. One day while they were playing cricket, Ravjibhai, a devotee of Shastriji Maharaj, arrived on his bicycle with a letter from Shastriji Maharaj requesting that Shantilal join him.

He immediately left the game; both parents gave him their loving blessings and advised that he should follow all the instructions of Shastriji Maharaj and earn his grace. Off he went, riding on the back of the bicycle, leaving behind his friends and family, knowing full well that this part of his life had come to an end.

For various reasons, it took over two weeks for Shantilal to reach BAPS Mandir in Ambli Pol, Ahmedabad. By this time, he was totally exhausted and had a fever. Shastriji Maharaj came to the mandir and put his hand on his head and blessed him and said, your fever will now go and not return.

Journey as a Sadhu: Three days later, on 22 November 1939 when he was 18 years old, he was initiated as a parshad, the first stage of getting ordained.

Shastriji Maharaj blessed him: “You will gain much strength. Now you are to live as a renunciant. Follow the vow of celibacy and do not keep money. You will earn the pleasure of Bhagwan.” And true to his name and nature, Shanti Bhagat quietly entered the path of a renunciant. No fuss, no commotion, no announcement – much like a river silently merging with the ocean.

Within one day, he had fully recovered, and he received his initiation as a parshad. Three months later in Gondal on 10 January 1940, he received his bhagvati diksha and was initiated as Narayanswarupdas Swami. We will now refer to him as Swamishri. (This is an extremely fast initiation, at present the process takes around 7 years).

Early years – Engaging in Seva and Sanskrit studies

Swamishri immersed himself into seva straight away starting to help with the construction work in Bochasan, Gondal and Atladra. During the course of his seva he sustained injuries at various times. Once his fingers were injured and another time while helping to prepare limestone during the Atladra construction in the middle of the hot summer, blisters erupted on his entire body. When Shastriji Maharaj heard about this, he immediately asked young Narayanswarupdas to come to him. As soon as Shastriji Maharaj saw him, he embraced Swamishri and very gently rubbed his hands on his face, hands and legs and blessed him that the blisters would disappear. Within seven days, all the blisters did disappear except for one on his nose – which still remained until his later years.

He studied at a number of places including Gondal, Bhadran, Khambhat and Ahmedabad. Shastriji Maharaj would ensure that he received tutorage from the right teacher. For food, he learnt to ask for alms which was the traditional way for sadhus – it helped to sculpt him.

Education also came in the form of lessons of sadhuta (virtues of a saintly sadhu). Among many lessons he learnt from Shastriji Maharaj, one was to always have folded hands, a sign of humility, attentiveness towards agna (instruction) and following the same, how to engage in a dialogue and help resolve disputes by listening carefully and compassionately. Shastriji Maharaj was also instilling the art of management in his young disciple.

Despite working so hard, Swamishri mastered the art of oratory and would deliver exceptional discourses in a loud and confident, but very sweet, voice that would engage the minds of the listeners.

Head of Sarangpur Temple – at the age of 25 years

Shastriji Maharaj was very impressed with Swamishri and soon appointed him as the head of the mandir (temple) in Sarangpur in 1946. Despite Swamishri’s very young age, he became well respected. During this period, the organisation faced serious financial difficulties. Swamishri was left in a very difficult and precarious situation. He decided to travel to the sanctified places of Gondal, Dwarka and Bhadra to pray for the alleviation of such a dire situation. Upon hearing of the situation, Shastriji Maharaj gave courage to Swamishri and blessed him to understand that everything happens at the right and as per the wish of Bhagwan and our job was simply to make the effort.

Appointment as the administrative head of the entire BAPS organisation – at the age of 28

In the meantime, Shastriji Maharaj continued to suffer from ill health. He decided that it was now time to appoint Swamishri as the administrative head of the organisation, as its President (Pramukh). Swamishri was not at all agreeable to this. However, after receiving three letters and a number of messages from senior devotees, he accepted the position.

The ceremony took place on 21 May 1950, again at Ambli Vali Pol in Ahmedabad, where he had received his parshad diksha ten years previously.

Around 70 to 100 devotees had gathered on this occasion. After the devotees had eaten, their used utensils were spotted by Swamishri. He immediately proceeded to wash all those utensils. And thus was written the first page of his glorious chapter as the new President – who had no problem in being an exemplary sevak. From that day, he was known as ‘Pramukh Swami’. (Head sadhu)

Shastriji Maharaj departs for Akshardham

During his illness, Shastriji Maharaj had told Yogiji Maharaj: “Now Maharaj (Bhagwan) will call me to Dham (heaven). Therefore, I am handing over the responsibility of this Narayanswarupdas to you. Look after him.”

While resting in Sarangpur, Shastriji Maharaj expressed his final wish to visit Gadhpur. On arrival, he was overjoyed with the work that Swamishri had done. He performed the entire pratishtha rituals to the murtis who were to be installed. He then uttered: “The pratishtha is complete. My rituals are now complete. Yogiji Maharaj will come and perform the arti.”

A few days later in Sarangpur, Shastriji Maharaj was seated with Yogiji Maharaj and Swamishri along with other sadhus and devotees. Addressing Swamishri, Shastriji Maharaj said: “The most senior in this Satsang is this Yogi Maharaj. Everyone should act according to his agna. That will please me.”

Shastriji Maharaj departed for Akshardham (heavenly abode of the Supremebeing) soon after on 10 May 1951. His divine body was brought to the banks of the River Falgu and River Utavali at the location where Bhagwan Swaminarayan had performed countless liberating pastimes.

Swamishri watched the final rites of Shastriji Maharaj, filled with tears and sadness. However, with the Akshar-Purushottam philosophy fully ingrained in him, he was fully aware that: ‘Shastriji Maharaj has not left; he remains present in Yogiji Maharaj.’

The clear message is that this was exactly the same individual who had “emerged from being a young boy from a very small village to becoming the head of a vast organisation.” It was as if this was the reason he was born. His incredibly rapid progress was indeed a testament of his natural ability or perhaps even his divine purpose.

With the passing of Shastriji Maharaj in 1951, while Gadhada Mandir was about to open its doors for the first time, it was a time for grief and concern for the organisation. However, Yogiji Maharaj was at the helm fully supported by the young, 29-year-old, Pramukh Swami, and all concerns were soon put aside. The grand opening of Gadhada Mandir happened on the pre-agreed date in its full glory.

The cremation of Shastriji Maharaj had taken place at the site he had chosen in Sarangpur and a small deri (shrine) was built as a memorial to him in March 1952. This was replaced by a grander mandir in 1981 as a permanent remembrance.

Introduction to Vinu Bhagat (Mahant Swami Maharaj - the present spiritual leader)

As per the divine wish and plan, Vinubhai, 18 years of age, came with his family to Sarangpur to attend Shastriji Maharaj’s final rites. Here he met for the first time the young Pramukh Swami and immediately formed a friendship. There were a number of occasions when they met over the next few years and during these meetings, Swamishri blessed him with a kanthi (beads) and introduced the initial thought of him becoming a sadhu. It was also at the wish of Swamishri that he did his first waterless fast on ekadashi.

Working tirelessly to spread satsang

Young Pramukh Swamiji immediately started working tirelessly spreading satsang in hundreds of villages, stepping in whenever Yogiji Maharaj fell ill and carrying out pratishtha of numerous mandirs and literally conducting hundreds of parayans and discourses. He grew from a very young person to a hard-working sadhu that had no care for his personal needs – be it food, place to sleep, travelling in third class or on horse or bullock carts, no matter what the weather was from extreme heat to cold and wet.

He truly adhered to the oath he took when he was appointed as president of the organisation.

First special train journey in 1953

It is worth mentioning this as Swamishri wanted to learn more about the country, its people and of course all the spiritual places to visit.

After initiation, young Pramukh Swami had once expressed to Shastriji Maharaj of his wish to visit Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s birthplace - Chhapaiya. Shastriji Maharaj had told Yogiji Maharaj: “Please fulfil his wish in the future.”

According to these words of Shastriji Maharaj and through Yogiji Maharaj’s inspiration and blessings, a special train yatra was arranged in 1953. 500 devotees had put down their names to take the opportunity of this yatra. In the end, there was so much demand, that two additional compartments were added to the train. A second train yatra was organised 3 years later to accommodate those that could not come on the first one.

When the group arrived in Chhapaiya, sadhus from the Swaminarayan Mandir gave them all a warm reception. Six elephants and 60 bullock carts had been kept ready. With great fanfare, they were welcomed into the village.

Swamishri became overwhelmed with emotion merely on visiting this sanctified land of Chhapaiya. For one who was seeing Bhagwan Swaminarayan in every dust particle of this land, the darshan of the murtis gave him immense bliss.

First Yuvak Adhiveshan (Youth Convention) in 1955

Yogiji Maharaj had already made great efforts to develop the youth activities of the Sanstha. To further encourage the development of all youths, the first Yuvak Adhiveshan (Youth Convention) was organised in Atladra. The seeds that were planted then later bore fruits with thousands of young devotees participating in daily activities of BAPS mandirs in every part of the world today. This also resulted in some of the highly educated youths becoming sadhus in the future. Today, of the 1200 sadhus, more than 300 are graduates from the UK, USA, Australia etc.

Yogiji Maharaj foreign trips in 1955 and 1959/1960

This was the first time that sadhus of the Sanstha were to embark on vicharan abroad to spread satsang. This was a short trip to East Africa where Yogiji Maharaj opened a beautiful mandir in Mombasa, Kenya and also planted the seeds for mandirs to be built in Uganda. In 1959 these mandirs were ready in Kampala, Jinja and Tororo. Yogiji Maharaj was invited to the pratishthas of these mandirs. Yogiji Maharaj asked Swamishri to join him this time as he was quite keen to introduce him as the President of the organisation to devotees in East Africa. Vinu Bhagat (later Mahant Swami Maharaj) and Arunbhai (later Ishwarcharan Swami) also accompanied them on this trip.

On 21 January 1960, the murti pratishtha took place in Kampala, followed by Jinja murti pratishtha on 1 February 1960, and finally the third pratishtha in Tororo on 22 February 1960. There were thousands in attendance at each of the mandirs and these mandirs became centres of spiritual and social development for the wider community.

In this way, Yogiji Maharaj created three wonderful mandirs in Uganda. (Today in Africa, there are over 30 mandirs, with many more centres.) Everyone felt that these sadhus did not just conduct parayans or home visits; they also created mandirs and Satsang centres to provide and maintain the essence of Indian culture and Sanatan Hindu Dharma.

After covering over 20,000 miles and sanctifying 103 villages and cities, Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami returned to India from Africa in June 1960

Ordination of nine youngsters in 1960

Soon after his return to Mumbai in India, Yogiji Maharaj gave parshadi diksha to nine educated youths on 3 July 1960. These included Mahant Swami, Kothari Swami, Tyagvallabh Swami, Ishwarcharan Swami and Viveksagar Swami, and currently they are the most senior Sadhus of the organisation leading the organisation to even greater heights.

On this occasion, Swamishri also addressed the parshads and passed on his best wishes. He also mentioned: “Through this feat, Shri Yogi Bapa has entrenched the foundations of the Sanstha all the way to the core of the earth.”

Pramukh Swami Maharaj (Swamishri): Highlights of 1961 to 2016.

(We will look at highlights of 1961 to1971. You can find a more detailed account on www.baps.org)

Gadhada kalash Festival: May 1961

The beautiful marble Akshar-Purushottam Mandir in Gadhada was complete and the kalash pots were to be placed on top of the spires. As the scriptures state, they contain nectar of elixir: “May those who see the kalash be blessed with an eternal place in Akshardham.” During the celebrations, over 40,000 devotees attended, and 51 educated youths were blessed by Yogiji Maharaj and Swamishri as they were initiated into the sadhu fold. This included Sadhu Keshavjivandas (later, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj).

Beginning of new Mumbai Mandir: 1961

The Sanstha officially acquired a property that Yogiji Maharaj had set his eyes upon, opposite Dadar Railway Station. Thus, the foundations of the mandir in Dadar, Mumbai were laid.

Guru agna despite loss of beloved mala

Swamishri had been gifted a mala by Shastriji Maharaj, which had also been sanctified by Bhagwan Swaminarayan himself. Once an individual tricked Swamishri into giving it to him by saying he wanted to borrow it for a few minutes. Once when Swamishri was performing puja in Ahmedabad, Yogiji Maharaj came holding the hand of that individual, and said: “From now on, don’t think of receiving the sanctified mala back. Take blessings!” Swamishri instantly replied: “Very well. I received it as per your wish; now if such is your wish, then let the mala remain with him.”

There is only one guru: 1965

One morning, Swamishri passed by his sevak, who was performing his daily puja. Swamishri noticed that the sadhu had kept his (Swamishri’s) murti in his puja. Swamishri instantly leaned forward, took the photo, tore it up and threw it away. He explained: “As long as there is Yogiji Maharaj, you can never keep the photo of anyone else. Believe only one as your guru.”

Yogiji Maharaj Amrut Mahotsav: 1967

Under the able leadership of Pramukh Swami, the BAPS Sanstha celebrated the 75th birth anniversary of Guru Yogiji Maharaj in Gondal. Despite there being a water shortage and lots of objections from senior devotees, Pramukh Swami left no stone unturned in ensuring the success of the festival, playing a key role in ensuring that adequate water supplies were in place to cater for the tens of thousands of devotees who attended. This gained him lots of blessings from Yogiji Maharaj who had wanted this celebration to take place in Gondal. Swamishri was fully "in tune" and knew what his Guru liked so he had to take on a lot of resistance from seniors to ensure that his Guru's inner wish was fulfilled.

Swamishri’s first birthday celebrations in Mumbai: 1968

Pramukh Swami’s first birthday celebration took place in Mumbai when he was 48 years old. Despite his protests, Yogiji Maharaj insisted that Swamishri stay back in Mumbai for the evening festival celebrations. On this occasion, Yogiji Maharaj explained the glory of Pramukh Swami and blessed him that he would initiate 700 sadhu in the future.

BAPS Humanitarian work: 1969

The year of 1969 witnessed many areas around Gujarat severely affected by a drought. As part of the relief work for this callous calamity, the Sanstha undertook the responsibility of sheltering and providing for 700 cows for six months. In later years and many humanitarian projects later, BAPS’s reputation as a world class emergency relief provider was recognised.

Bhadra Mandir opening: 1969

Under the able leadership and guidance of Pramukh Swami, a spired mandir was established at the birthplace of Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami in Bhadra. Swamishri himself toiled for two months to ensure the digging of wells and the construction of a pipeline to ensure adequate water supplies.

Last Visit to Africa by Yogiji Maharaj: February to June 1970

Yogiji Maharaj, Swamishri and sadhus left Mumbai for Nairobi in February 1970. A new Mandir was consecrated by Yogiji Maharaj in Nairobi. During their stay in East Africa for 108 days, the sadhus travelled across Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya. Since their last visit in 1960, satsang in East Africa had expanded and was full of dedication. Towards the end of this trip, in Mombasa, Yogiji Maharaj was given an outstanding gift – around 20 youths were ready to be initiated as sadhus!

Establishing Satsang in Europe: May to July 1970

Yogiji Maharaj wanted to visit London, but was reluctant because of the cold climate. However, he managed to extract a promise from the devotees in London to establish a small mandir. This was the first visit by any Swaminarayan sadhus to the UK. At the time, there was a small community of Indians already spread over various cities. Yogiji Maharaj opened the first BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir on western soil in Islington in the heart of London. He also sanctified the River Thames. The stay in the UK lasted 46 days with Yogiji Maharaj predicting that there would be many more mandirs in Europe. A small group of sadhus later left for the USA. Yogiji Maharaj further predicted that there would soon be a mandir built in New York in 2 to 4 years and that Pramukh Swami would come to open it. The sadhus returned to India in July 1970.

Yogiji Maharaj departs for Akshardham: 23 January 1971

Yogiji Maharaj’s health was now deteriorating quite rapidly. At one stage, he also gave his puja to Swamishri. In Gondal, when his health took a turn for the worse, doctors suggested that he be moved to Mumbai for treatment. Unfortunately, on 23 January 1971, he left his mortal body and departed for Akshardham, leaving a well-structured and deeply rooted Satsang community in India and Africa in the capable hands of Pramukh Swami, who now assumed the spiritual leadership as well as the administrative leadership of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha as previously instructed by Yogiji Maharaj.

At that time, BAPS had around 70 mandirs and a large following in India and East Africa, and around 150 sadhus.

Swamishri continued to work tirelessly visiting hundreds of villages and initiating over 300 new sadhus. Several new temples were built including Kosindraa, Sankari and Kolkata, while establishing many other mandirs in India.

Overseas saw tremendous growth with new temples being established in New York (1974), Ashton (1977), Leicester (1977), Wellingborough (1977), Dar es Salaam (1977), Mwanza (1977), London (1982), Preston (1984), Chicago (1984) and Los Angeles (1984).

By 1985, he had undertaken 9 international trips visiting Africa, UAE, UK, USA, Canada, Nepal, Europe, Fiji, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. At each place he visited, he prayed and toiled for the progress and sustenance of Hindu Dharma, culture and values worldwide and established communities of devotees. Over the next few years, his efforts bore fruit and today there are hundreds of mandirs and thousands of devotees. It was during one of his trips to Europe in 1984 that he also met with Pope John Paul II at the Vatican which was his first engagement in interfaith dialogue.

A beautiful Yogiji Maharaj Smruti Mandir was opened in Gondal in 1975. Also, in 1981 the Yagnapurush Smruti Mandir was established in Sarangpur in memory of his guru Shastriji Maharaj.

All this did not come without inflicting a price on his health. During this 15-year period he sustained his first serious illness in Mumbai in February 1978, had cataract operations on both his eyes in 1980, a gall bladder operation in 1981, and sustained a heart attack in 1983 at the early age of 62.

The following events are worthy of a special mention

3rd (and final) All-India Train Journey: 25 November 1972 to 4 January 1973

Swamishri undertook this journey with 800 devotees and sadhus. The trip had many highlights including the opening of the mandir in Kolkata. The train literally became a temple and an ashram. Volunteers looked after devotees for their every need, and the train’s sound system was used for daily arti and discourses from sadhus and Swamishri. The journey concluded in Mumbai where thousands turned up at the Dadar station at midnight to welcome Swamishri.

Bhagwan Swaminarayan Bicentenary Celebrations in Ahmedabad, 1981

BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha organized its first international cultural festival in 1981 to mark the bicentenary celebrations of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. The festival site was spread across a lush, 200-acre campus in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The festival was celebrated for 37 days with a variety of spiritual, humanitarian, and cultural programmes, including folk music and classical music performances by some of India’s leading pandits and maestros, theatrical and folk-dance performances from all over India, and a special exhibit dedicated to world peace and universal brotherhood. The festival featured majestic gates and mandirs carved by artisans, highlighting the beauty of Indian art and architecture.

Over 8 million visitors enjoyed the celebrations while 10,000 volunteers gave their time and dedication to making the event a success. The event motivated thousands of individuals to renounce their addictions and bad habits.

A three-day interfaith conference dedicated to religious harmony attracted more than 1,500 religious leaders, while 207 educated youths were initiated as sadhus.

5 February 1983: Pramukh Swami Maharaj, aged 62, suffered a heart attack in Sundalpura.

However, in some sense the 1980s was the decade where Swamishri was still laying the foundation of his work to spread the message of Bhagwan Swaminarayan globally. While people of that age might typically consider retirement, Swami would carry his health conditions to every village, town, country and continent that he would visit to live a life not of royalty but genuine service. A heart attack would set anybody back and discourage them from a life of strenuous activity. Swamishri was yet to even build major centres of peace in the form of Neasden Temple, two grand Akshardham Temples in Gujarat and Delhi, and countless more such structures. His work had just begun.

7 April 1984: Meeting with Pope John Paul II, Vatican City.

Often, accounts of Swamishri’s life seem ordinary. He went to a town or city and to those in need of spiritual guidance. However, in his lifetime, he met an extraordinary number of dignitaries ranging from religious and political figures to scientists, artists and visionaries. Just think about how a single individual can meet people as eminent as the Pope or the US President and yet still go out of his way to grace the home of a humble villager. We meet people on the basis of what we can gain from them. Swamishri was different. On 7 April 1984, Swamishri was in Vatican City. Somebody asked Swami: “What will you wear when you meet the Pope? The pope will be wearing a silk vest and robes.” Swamishri laughed, commenting on how people often judge a person by the way they dress over the content of their character. He emanated steady confidence in his simple attire. “Most people talk about political matters when they meet the Pope…What will you talk about?”, the person probed again. Swamishri responded: “We are not here to discuss politics. We want to talk about how the world can be a more harmonious and God-loving place. We want to show that if two religious leaders can meet peacefully, then their followers should not live in conflict either”.

The Cultural Festival of India (CFI) in London, 1985

This festival was held on the grounds of Alexandra Park, next to Alexandra Palace. It was the first of its kind to bring the wonders of India to London. This 33-day festival attracted over a million visitors from across the globe. CFI featured four intricately carved mandirs, 16 magnificent displays, five beautiful gates, and a “Cradle of Civilization” exhibition portraying 5,000 years of Indian civilisation. All of these structures were skilfully crafted in India and then shipped to London where they were assembled on the festival grounds. Additionally, CFI showcased 14 types of traditional Indian folk dances and musical performances by various pandits and maestros. It was as if India had descended on Alexandra Palace. The dedication of thousands of volunteers was evident in every corner of the festival.

Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami Bicentenary Celebrations in Ahmedabad in 1985

This 60-day festival marked the bicentenary celebrations of Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami, Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s first spiritual successor. It included numerous cultural performances and exhibits. It also hosted the International Convention for Better Living and an Interfaith Harmony event attended by political and spiritual leaders, including the Dalai Lama and Indian President Gyani Zail Singh.

Over 8 million visitors enjoyed the celebrations organised by 15,000 volunteers.

Through establishing mandirs and organising festivals, thousands of individuals found new meaning in life and were inspired to a higher way of noble, addiction-free living.

Social seva

Swamiji always said that you cannot separate spiritual seva from social service; they go hand in hand.

During his lifetime, BAPS participated in several relief operations.

1987: Cattle camps and famine relief activities in Gujarat.

A severe drought swept through Gujarat. A few other states were also affected but to a lesser degree. It was the century’s worst famine and the third successive famine that year, which had taken a heavy toll of life, especially livestock. To help the victims of the famine, the Sanstha started distribution of buttermilk, food grains, nutritious biscuits, and clothes.

1988: Pramukh Swami Maharaj honoured in the British parliament and Canadian Parliament.

In 1988, Swamishri was honoured by both the British and the Canadian Parliaments for his spiritual guidance and exemplary service to humanity. Even amidst these felicitations, he requested the sadhu carrying Harikrishna Maharaj’s murti to stand up first, after which he stood up and paid tribute to the fact that all service is done due to the strength given by God. Some of us may be fortunate to have even had a tour of these Parliamentary buildings, but to be felicitated in them and yet remain equipoised is something he was able to achieve without effort.

1991: 12 July to 11 August Cultural Festival of India, Edison, New Jersey, USA.

Over 1 million people attended and greatly benefited from this grand festival. Many festivals take place all the time – music festivals, art festivals or even religious festivals from different world faiths. However, the spirit behind which this festival was executed is what astounded so many – Swamishri was not only an inspiring personality but an inspiration to the countless volunteers of BAPS who have striven to imbibe these virtues in their lives. For an “Indian” spiritual guide to inspire this festival thousands of miles away in America in that time – no mobile phones, no emails – is something worth pondering.

1992: Grand 35-day celebration of Yogiji Maharaj’s Centenary. Inauguration of Swaminarayan Akshardham, Gandhinagar.

This was a truly special year for Swamishri, as it was the 100th birth centenary of his guru Yogiji Maharaj. A grand celebration lasting over a month took place to commemorate the life, message and works of Yogiji Maharaj, who was the original visionary behind the Neasden Temple when he visited London in 1970. Aptly, it was in 1992 when Swamishri and the devotees in London secured the land to bring this vision to life in the form of the first ever traditional Hindu mandir outside of Asia. As ‘black Wednesday’ hit the British economy and landed it in recession, Swamishri would guide the community and continue to provide motivation. In the exact same year, he opened the doors of Western India’s greatest architectural marvel – the Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar.

1993 Earthquake of Latur in Maharashtra, India

It took only a few seconds for the world of many Indians to come crumbling down. The earthquake that struck Latur and Osmanabad in the State of Maharashtra at 3:56 a.m. on 30 September 1993 had a terrifying force of 6.4 on the Richter scale and was India’s worst earthquake since independence in 1947. In 24 hours, a team of 25 sadhus and volunteers of the organisation reached the village of Samudraal with 2,000 kg of food and medicine. The volunteer force peaked to more than 250 during the relief work. About 1,60,000 kg of food and clothes along with medical aid was distributed in 15 villages. The injured and sick were looked after by the devoted doctors of the organisation. A ‘Pitru-tarpan’ ceremony, where ablutions to souls of the deceased are made, was also held.

1995: 20 August Murti-pratishtha of the BAPS shikharbaddha mandir in Neasden, London.

This was truly a moment of history. The first ever traditional Hindu temple outside of Asia would open its doors to millions of visitors who would be able to experience the peace of Bhagwan and enjoy the beautiful devotional intricacies in marble and wooden form. There was no bigger moment of pride for the Hindu community of Britain than this auspicious day. A team of young volunteers used the lockdown period to release a 14-part documentary on the making of this temple titled ‘The First of its Kind’.

Alongside the opening of this mandir, he also opened an eye hospital in Mumbai. The investment he put in devotional edifices was not to the detriment of significant contributions to the physical and educational wellbeing of thousands. His love for God and his care for people were in perfect sync.

1997: Pramukh Swami Maharaj received at St. James’ Palace by HRH Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj has met and inspired members of the British royal family, most notably King Charles III and the late Prince Philip. The present King was always in awe of the charitable work which Pramukh Swami inspired, as well as the humbleness with which he has built such magnificent centres of devotion and spirituality. Prince Philip was surprised to hear that Pramukh Swami Maharaj did not live permanently in the majestic Akshardham in Gandhinagar. When Prince Philip visited the mandir, he was informed that Swamishri was touring villages in Gujarat and did not have a single ‘home’ – he flowed like a river to meet thousands.

1998: Swamishri undergoes heart bypass surgery, New York, USA.

The bypass operation was undertaken by Dr. Subramanium, a self-proclaimed atheist, who became so inspired by Pramukh Swami’s persona that he bowed before him as a gesture of respect. Whenever Swamishri underwent any medical treatments, doctors from around the world observed his state of equanimity, his firmness in following the commands of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and his unwavering devotion towards Harikrishna maharaj’s murti.

1999: Murti-pratishtha of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Nairobi.

Visit to Israel where Pramukh Swami Maharaj prayed at holy sites for Christians and Jews. Meeting with Rabbi Lau and Rabbi Doran Bakshi.

Whenever Swamishri visited other countries, a key priority of his was intrafaith and interfaith dialogue. He was a visionary in terms of bridging gaps between religious communities and leaders in line with his motto ‘In the Joy of Others Lies our Own’. He was able to visit places of worship from all faiths.

2000: Historic meeting with US President Bill Clinton and Secretary-General of the UN Kofi Annan.

When Swamishri met Clinton, the latter was awestruck by a feeling of divinity. Immediately after meeting the President, Swamishri saw some villagers who had recently been affected by natural disasters and swiftly asked of their wellbeing with love. He was able to meet eminent individuals as well as ordinary people in the same way. Swami also addressed the United Nations in an emphatic message of peace, interfaith dialogue and harmony on behalf of the global Hindu community. During the same year, cattle camps and relief aid for victims of drought were run in Saurashtra and there also was the inauguration of BAPS Swaminarayan Vidya Mandir for Girls, Karamsad. In Dabhoi, BAPS opened a general hospital for the underprivileged. In the same year there was a major de-addiction drive by children of the BAPS community who successfully motivated hundreds of thousands to reduce their use of alcohol and drugs.

Gujarat earthquake - 2001

The aftermath of the 2001 earthquake left tens of thousands of residents homeless and anxious about the safety of their fractured apartments. Millions of packets of food were distributed and many new homes and villages were rebuilt under the inspiration of Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

2004: 50th anniversary of BAPS Bal Mandal celebrated at Swaminarayan Akshardham, Gandhinagar.

In the presence of former Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam and 20,000 children, there was a grand celebration of the children’s activities which BAPS has run for the past 50 years. Swamishri saw the potential in shaping a better society if children received the correct moral guidance and were engaged positively in self-development. Imagine how many friendships were formed between children of all ages across these decades – friendships which turned into support networks for a lifetime. Girls and boys who graduated into respectful, moral and dedicated citizens and leaders. In building such large edifices and meeting eminent individuals around the world, he did not forget children! The same year saw Pramukh Swami Maharaj receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the U.S. government.

2005: 6 November (Kartik sud 5, VS 2062)
Opening of Swaminarayan Akshardham, New Delhi, by Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

Finally, after over 3 decades of endeavour and prayer, Swamishri opened the doors of Delhi Akshardham to countless people who would be in awe of not just the splendour but the spirit and message behind the mandir and its engaging exhibitions. While a few have commented on these being ‘Disneyfied’ places of worship, Swamishri was aware that adaptation was required to convey the eternal messages of dharma to so many who need them in a world which itself has become devoid of meaning and authenticity. He knew what it meant to be firm in ‘tradition’, but he was a visionary who truly captured what it meant to be spiritually modern. The same year saw the release of a film which captured the astounding journey of Nilkanth Varni, the child yogi who would eventually be known to the world as Bhagwan Swaminarayan. This did not deter Swamishri from being sensitive to the natural disasters which struck Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry where emergency aid was provided to over 50 villages far away from Gujarat.

2007: Opening of Toronto mandir in Canada.

It is fair to say that a spiritual guide is popular in one part of the world. Perhaps they may inspire small pockets of people in other parts. But to keep on building traditional mandirs which gave peace and carved generations of devotional communities from Europe to North America to Africa and the Asia Pacific? This is something else. In 2007, Swamishri gifted the people of Canada with a beautiful marble mandir in the presence of the Canadian Prime Minister and others.

2011: ‘Reader’s Digest’ selects Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi as one of ‘The Seven Wonders of the 21st Century’.

2011 was a turbulent year as Swamishri had suffered his second heart attack and was compelled to take some rest. However, this did not stop his work from continuing to spread. In August of that year, he ritually commenced the Akshardham mandir which is nearing completion in New Jersey, USA. Furthermore, the Reader’s Digest chose the Akshardham mandir in Delhi as one of ‘The Seven Wonders of the 21st Century’. BAPS also assisted the victims of ammunition blasts in Tanzania and the tsunami-earthquake in Japan.

2012: Pramukh Swami Maharaj inaugurates BAPS Yogiji Maharaj Hospital in Ahmedabad

2014: 10 August - Pramukh Swami Maharaj performs murti-pratishtha of new shikharbaddha BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Robbinsville, NJ, USA.
Despite his frail health and the seemingly impossible prospect of him being able to travel outside of Gujarat let alone India, Swamishri himself expressed a strong yearning to attend the formal opening ceremony of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Robbinsville, New Jersey. He ritually inaugurated the murtis despite being bound by a wheelchair and gave spiritual bliss to thousands merely through his presence. Words cannot describe how risky this journey could have been for his health, and yet with perfect composure he carried out his promise to his guru Shastriji Maharaj that he would serve the devotees and spiritual community of BAPS without care for his physical comfort.

2015: 20 June, Sarangpur – Kalam presents his book to Pramukh Swami Maharaj

This year would see the last of several meetings between the former President Abdul Kalam and Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Sadly, Abdul Kalam passed away while delivering a lecture some weeks after presenting his book to Swamishri in Sarangpur titled ‘Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji’. The full video, available online, captures the beauty of that interaction. A Muslim man, a scientist, a former President and someone from the Southern region of India seamlessly connected to a Hindu spiritual leader who spoke little English and yet inspired a global community through his virtues and purity. Only upon reading that book can one understand the nature of this unique companionship. Kalam keenly expressed the joy on Pramukh Swamiji’s face when addressing the assembly in Sarangpur shortly after the meeting. As he left Sarangpur for the final time, the book would become a beacon of hope for human civilisation – that fine mind and his ‘ultimate’ teacher will survive for centuries to come.

2016: 3 to 13 May 2016 – centenary celebration of BAPS Sarangpur Mandir

Swamishri chose Sarangpur as his final resting place. For three years he gave spiritual bliss and guidance to so many – young people who had never met him in person took saffron robes and dedicated their lives completely to the service of humanity, leaving behind their family and personal possessions. Sarangpur was a special place for Swamiji – he was first placed here by his guru Shastriji Maharaj as the head of the temple. Fondly known as Narayan Swami in those days, he pleased one and all. When duty called for him to take up responsibility as the guru of BAPS, he still maintained a fondness for Sarangpur which was unrivalled. This is where he was shaped – where he received his spiritual instruction from Guru Shastriji Maharaj. The towering mandir which was inaugurated in 1916 was celebrating its 100th year anniversary and Swamishri ensured it was celebrated on a grand scale. At this point, his health had become particularly frail but he still ensured to attend all the festivities. Sadly, 19th May would be the last public appearance he ever made.

13 August 2016 (Shravan sud 10, Samvat 2072) at 6.00 p.m

Swamishri passed away at 95 years in BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir Sarangpur, India.

The day prior, Swamishri had given darshan in the inner quarters of his residential area in Sarangpur. However, on 13th August 2016, his body was unable to continue any longer. At the age of 95, Pramukh Swami Maharaj renounced his physical body in Sarangpur to the devastation of millions around the world who were connected to him in some way. Having read about his life and work, imagine how many people he had interacted with, spiritually counselled and inspired towards better living! 2.1 million people flocked to Sarangpur within a span of 4 days to have a final glimpse of this spiritual persona that was truly One of a Kind. Many experienced great peace merely in the presence of his body which was seated in a glass cabin for 4 days. As mantras were chanted from the Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita relating to his virtues and spiritual state, Swamishri’s body was cremated. As evening fell, people solemnly sat around that sacred site contemplating everything which Swamishri represented in their lives. However, Swamishri did not leave people without spiritual guidance – he had written a letter some years back stating that the next spiritual successor would be His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, who continues to embody the spirit of Pramukh Swamiji today.

Legacy

Educational and medical institutes:

Swamiji also encouraged the building of many schools and hospitals. Today, BAPS runs seven hospitals mostly in Gujarat and Saurashtra. They have treated millions of people through their state-of-the-art hospitals, outpatient facilities and mobile medical clinics in western India. Staffed by dedicated medical professionals and caregivers, BAPS is working to bring low-cost, quality medical care to society through these facilities.

Additionally, through 14 schools, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha helps thousands of students earn a value-based education as well as the skills required to succeed in a globalized economy. BAPS operates both residential and non-residential schools in the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra in India.

Accolades and recognitions:

Swamiji’s life was full of recognitions and accolades. He would not approve of us remembering him for the recognitions he received as he said that his work was that of a devotee fulfilling his guru’s wishes. Below are some examples of NOT accolades, but his ability to inspire others.

In 1997, he was invited to visit HRH Prince Charles, and separately HRH Prince Philip. During this visit, HRH Prince Charles asked how he could be a good king. Swamiji responded by saying just see Bhagwan in all your citizens

In 1988, Pramukh Swami Maharaj was honoured in the British and Canadian parliaments.

In 2000, Pramukh Swami Maharaj addressed the Millennium World Peace Summit of Spiritual Leaders at the United Nations, New York, USA.

In 2001, ex-President Bill Clinton visited India to see the relief work that was being done following the earthquake in Gujarat. He met and thanked Swamiji for the work the organisation was doing. Swamiji gave him a gift of his mala and said, “This is the most valuable tool for peace. Prayers can make anything happen” (PHOTO)

2015, former President of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, authored a book ‘Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji’ in a tribute to Swamiji’. This is an incredible book sharing his personal experiences with Swamiji.

His legacy continues ….

Swamiji left us in 2016 and gave us the gift of HH Mahant Swami Maharaj. He continues in the same way encouraging relief work during Covid, publication of scriptures, and building mandirs. He has said more than once: “I really have nothing to do other than to continue Swamiji’s legacy and work.” “Everything is so well organised and planned.”

Covid relief work in 2020 and 2021

The entire organisation in every part of the world came together in their respective countries providing food and more support. Funds were collected to assist during the Oxygen crisis in India. The work is too vast to be mentioned here – information can be found on each Mandir’s website.

Understanding Swamiji through his words

Below are some of his statements.

“I am a sadhu of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and a sevak of my gurus Shastriji Maharaj and Yogiji Maharaj.”

“We introduce principles of Sanatan Dharma in the hearts of everyone and bring everyone closer to Bhagwan and remind them of their true nature of love, education, forgiveness and patience. Bhagwan is kind and compassionate and he will only do what is ultimately good for us.”

“I have no achievements. I followed the agna of my gurus and acted according to their wishes. All that happened is because of Bhagwan – I have done nothing.”

“We build mandirs that are beautiful because when you love someone you want to give them your best specially when what you have is theirs! Secondly, mandirs are a source of pride for Hindus and a place for peace for everyone … we cannot build enough!”

“A sadhu is an enemy of your negative attitudes, but a lifetime friend of your soul. Through constant seva and devotion, Bhagwan and the guru will always guide you.”

“Learn to accept, and see your own flaws, see Bhagwan in others, give joy and allow others to progress. These are keys to your true nature; this is true knowledge. Harming others in mind, thought or action is not our nature.”

“We are not the doer. Bhagwan is. Have faith and surrender to him. In time, all will become clear.”

A personal perspective of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj - Priyesh P.

The life of Pramukh Swami Maharaj can be understood through four stages.

Traditionally, there are four stages of life within the tradition of Hinduism. The first stage is Brahmacharya. This is when one is pursuing one’s education, learning, and also practicing self-control for a higher purpose. The second stage is grihastha. This is known as the householder stage where one traditionally would get married, start a family and earn wealth. The third stage is known as vanaprastha. This is when one gradually begins to consider retirement from worldly pursuits and more firmly turns towards the path of enlightenment, although this pursuit should be sustained throughout life. Fourth is the stage of sanyas. This is the stage of life where, traditionally, people completely renounced everything and focused the body completely on enlightenment without the distractions of worldly pursuits or involvement in family ties.

This model does not apply to the life of Pramukh Swami Maharaj entirely. He certainly excelled in the first stage, but he renounced his family and home at the age of 18 and effectively glided into the final stage – sanyas. However, his sanyas was different. It was not for the sake of his own enlightenment, but to guide countless on the path of morality, dharma and devotion. It was not one which resided in the mountains or forests, but which was authentic even amidst the hustle and bustle of international travel.

Based on the traditional four stages of Hindu life, this book highlights four stages which best portray the life of Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

Learner: 1921 to 1948

This is the first stage, where Swamiji learned.

Who did he learn from? He learnt from his parents, from the pujaris at the local mandir, village elders, from his school teachers and friends. But most importantly, he learnt from his foremost guru named Shastriji Maharaj

What did he learn? From a worldly perspective, one might argue not much! He only read until the fifth grade. However, it was not about worldly education. We have scores of educated people around us at the workplace, in universities and in places of power. How many of them have the education of devotion, spirituality, integrity? Known as Shantilal during his childhood years, Swamiji learnt many good values from his upbringing in the humble village of Chansad. His most formative experience of education was during his training under the auspices of Shastriji Maharaj.

Server: 1948 to 1971

Having been appointed as the President of the BAPS organisation in 1948 by Shastriji Maharaj, who himself was an exemplary leader and spiritual guide which is beyond the scope of this book, Pramukh Swamiji now had much to do. New responsibilities, new challenges. This is similar somewhat to the way we often find ourselves taking on more responsibilities in our late 20s and early 30s as our parents begin to teach us how to run the household, manage finances, perhaps start a family and juggle the expectations of people around us. Swamiji thus started to put into action what he had learnt from his Guru. Upon the passing of Shastriji Maharaj, Pramukh Swamiji did not assume leadership. He in fact remained under the spiritual leadership and authority of his new guru, Yogiji Maharaj. There was much more to do, and as Yogiji Maharaj handled the aspect of spiritually nourishing the community, Pramukh Swamiji remarkably handled the administrative aspects of the community and overcame many challenges as a result.

Yogiji Maharaj sadly passed away in 1971 having handed spiritual authority to Pramukh Swamiji. Now, it was time to move into a new phase.

Leader: 1971 to 2011

Traditionally, the third stage of life is associated with gradual retirement from worldly affairs. Swamiji had already renounced worldly pursuits at the age of 18. However, at the age of 50, his leadership phase was just beginning!

It was during this phase where the world came to know Pramukh Swamiji. Within this 40-year period, he achieved superhuman feats – the construction of architectural marvels which dot the landscapes of major cities around the world, visiting hundreds of thousands of homes through his tireless tours of villages, towns, cities and countries globally. He initiated over 700 sadhus within a single lifetime. He oversaw the writing of a Sanskrit commentarial tradition which is unseen for the past five centuries. He created communities around the world which were steeped in the values he himself embodied.

Although he did not cease to be a leader till his final moments, he was not the kind of leader who everything and everyone were helplessly dependent upon. He ushered in a new era which is a lesson for all – to create a sustainable legacy and community through inspiring the qualities which helped him serve and lead in others. This would ensure that even after his passing, his work and message would live on. He empowered others to serve in the same way he did.

Inspirer: 2011 to 2016 and beyond

This is the final phase of his earthly life. This is a level beyond mere leadership. First, it is key to distinguish the difference between Pramukh Swami the leader and Pramukh Swami the inspirer. During the last 5 years of his life, Swamiji was not able to be as physically active as he was in his 70s and 80s. This did not stop him from continuing his work and, if anything, inspiring more people than ever before. In 2012, he had written a letter with senior swamis present which stated that after his passing, Mahant Swamiji would be the guru and leader.

A leader might be able to manage or control, but not necessarily inspire. A great leader of an organisation might have hardworking and happy employees, but this is still due to a financial transaction in-between. However, between Swamiji and the millions he interacted with, it was a spiritual transaction.

Swami’s wish was to be cremated in Sarangpur at the intersection of two mandirs – so that God’s vision would be on him, and his vision would be towards the memorial temple of his foremost guru Shastriji Maharaj. He kept God and his Guru at the heart of everything he did.

What did he inspire? Who did he inspire? How did he inspire? Why did he inspire? What does it mean to truly inspire? This can only be found out through a much deeper study of his life, but the chart below is a mere snapshot into his inspirational life:

Credit: First of its Kind documentary series, YouTube

The chart above corresponds to the final two ‘stages’ – as a leader from 1971 to 2011 and as an inspirer from 2011 to 2016 and beyond. The number of mandirs and sadhus goes up every 5 years. His travels (vicharan), is extremely impressive when we factor in his age. At various points, one can see major festivals, relief work and health challenges which Swamiji managed.

It might be possible for someone to specialise in one aspect – e.g. building mandirs or writing books and touring countries, but he did everything simultaneously and at that kind of age despite having no western education in management or leadership and being from rural Gujarat. Amidst all these activities, he never lost the personal touch. With age, people in fact became more eager for his mere darshan.

The quality of Godliness and God-centricity was something he was able to inspire in others. That is the utmost test of a true inspirer, which goes beyond a leader. He inspires eternally and internally whereas a leader is only able to lead externally. As an inspirer he became an evolutionary rather than merely a revolutionary.

My memories with HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj

What did he mean to me ? Kesh Morjaria

Swamiji left home on a bicycle at the age of 17 from Chansad with only one thought in his mind – to serve his Guru. Swamiji passed away at the age of 96. During his lifetime he kept Bhagwan central to his work, and his beloved devotees central to his life’s purpose. He suffered from numerous ailments including gallstones, bladder, cataracts and even heart operations twice in his lifetime. There was hardly a year in his last 40 years of life that he had not fallen ill. Yet he consistently ignored his health and bodily comforts, leaving his medical care until the very last – always hiding pain from others until necessary or until his carers spotted his discomfort.

His beloved Thakorji (the small metallic murti of Bhagwan Swaminarayan) always travelled with him. For Swamiji the murti was Bhagwan. He would take utmost care of him ensuring that there was an umbrella for him when in the sun, always keeping a suitable seat for him in all circumstances whether it be the Parliament or on stage. There was an instance in Africa where Swamiji and sadhus went for a swim in the ocean. Thakorji also enjoyed this. Upon return, Swamiji reminded the sadhus that Thakorji be given another bath with clean water to remove salt water of the ocean.

Devotees meant a lot to Swamiji. He would delay his meals many times to visit devotees from all backgrounds. He knew no differences in caste nor background. He walked barefoot in deep mud, in rain and many times when he had fever – travelling on oxen, barefoot, or whatever vehicle was available. His love to serve his beloved bhaktas and to be with them never diminished in any circumstances. He gave names to thousands of devotees’ children, guiding thousands in their education, marraige, health and every aspect of their lives, visiting thousands of villages and writing over 500,000 letters during his lifetime. His ability to love without judgement and only to give was his lifestyle.

Once a long serving farmer in Sarangpur met Swamiji. Upon seeing that he was wearing broken spectacles unsuitable for his eyes. Swamiji took off his own glasses and placed them on his eyes with the gentleness of a father caring for his child. (photo). He ensured and propagated life without vice and millions gave up their unhealthy habits. It is this love and compassion that resulted in countless devotees who live today as ambassadors of his life’s message.

Swamiji was equally compassionate to people of all faiths and treated everyone equally. He always said that we are separated from each other by ignorance of the other! While in Israel, he placed a message in the wailing wall: “May all who write their messages be blessed and their good wishes be fulfilled.” He recognised that faith was the most important virtue especially if practised with love and compassion. When Swaminarayan Akshardham, in Gandhinagar, was attacked in 2002 and over thirty individuals were killed, he immediately announced that this was not a religious matter; it was simply a bad person doing a terrible thing!

His gifts to humanity

Spirituality was his gift. Let us look at some of his achievements.

In terms of propagation of Sanatan Dharma internationally, large Cultural Festivals of India were held, first in London in 1985 and then in New Jersey in 1991. These were mega cultural festivals organised by a minority community who had just arrived on the shores of UK and USA so made a very powerful statement. The festivals ran over one month. More than 1.2 million visitors at each festival, savoured the sights, sounds and tastes of India. Using materials as simple as cane, bamboo, burlap and paper pulp, exquisite artwork was created. The messages were universal and tangible; the presentations were aesthetic and inspiring, and the atmosphere was original and congenial.

Overall, Swamiji established over 1,100 mandirs in 28 countries between 1971 and 2016. In the last 10 years, the organization was opening two mandirs a week in smaller villages.This continues even today. Making mandirs is no small achievement. Each mandir is built with personal care and attention and as a gift for devotees for the nation and its people to enjoy – open to all, for everyone to find their own bhakti and meet Bhagwan. Each mandir was built with care by the devotees. As Swamiji said, “Each devotee will become a mandir himself or herself.”

During his lifetime, over 1000 sadhus were ordained. They all follow the eight fold form of celibacy, a principle propagated by Bhagwan Swaminarayan 200 years ago. These sadhus came from diverse backgrounds and from all parts of the world. A sizable number of them were highly qualified young people who were inspired by his message and mission.

He encouraged that new literature, scriptures and bhajans be written so that Bhagwan’s message could be is easily understood. As a result, literature was published in many languages in many countries allowing the organization to flourish.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj creatively fused spiritual concepts with modern technology to disseminate dharmic teachings to all. Ranging from exhibitions containing robotics and the ‘Mystic India’ film to watershows, lasers shows and more, he was ahead of his time.

The revival of Sanskrit traditions was another achievement. He encouraged his swami’s and lay followers to learn Sanskrit. Under his direct spiritual guidance, Sadhu Bhadreshdas completed the unimaginable feat of writing the Swaminarayan Bhashyas, thereby grounding the knowledge which was so dear to his Guru Shastriji Maharaj within the texts of Sanatan Dharma.

My Guru Param Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj

Immerse yourself in a more visual way to connect with Swamishri’s life…

We have called them life lessons from the life of HH Narayan Swarup Das, ( popularly known as Pramukh Swami Maharaj.) The corresponding QR code for each incident is found beneath the description.

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Be Wise with Your Time: Time. Our precious resource. Most often wasted not in hours or days but seconds and minutes. Swamishri saw time as belonging not to himself but to Bhagwan. Reading and responding to over 700,000 letters was often about using those seconds and minutes - while travelling, in assemblies as well as in-between medical check-ups…He mastered the art of managing every window of time. Let us go back to an incident from June 1990…

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Compassion Personified: Compassion. A powerful emotion capable of moving human beings to go above and beyond to help another. Prashant, a child in Surat, had met with an accident in 1999. Swamishri made the decision to visit the child and give his blessings, but road construction meant the car stopped some hundred metres short of the hospital. “We will walk it”, Swamishri said immediately. Gliding over ditches and muddy streets at the age of 80, he proceeded on. What did he say to Prashant?

A Divine Companionship: “Mr President, this was one of the most extraordinary speeches we have ever heard”. The year was 2007. President APJ Abdul Kalam is about to address the European Parliament when he prays to Swamishri to inspire him to speak about peace and unity. Both Kalam and Swamishri’s unique bond has been eternalised in a book called ‘Transcendence’. Let’s hear what President Kalam said…

From a Grand Stage to a Simple Chair: Would the CEO of a large company be able to sit with an ordinary employee at their work desk? The year was 1991. Swamishri had just addressed an audience of thousands in Edison after inspiring the biggest festival of Indian culture America had ever seen. As he came off the stage, a devotee wanted to meet him immediately. The sadhus began looking for an appropriate seat for Swamishri, when suddenly…

A Dance Becomes Transformational: Swamishri was in Chota Udaipur. Some youths performed a traditional dance and sanctified their art before Swamishri in the main assembly. Afterwards, Swamishri came to learn that some of them harboured vices which were inconducive to a pure lifestyle. He lovingly inspired them to give up these vices to live a more devotional life…

Dedication Even in Illness: Imagine someone has a 104-degree fever. Aged 79. The first thing we would want them to do is rest. Swamishri was in Badalpur and had become unwell. However, seeing the devotees’ enthusiasm, he himself was inspired to continue his hectic schedule. The sadhus wanted him to immediately go to a place where better treatment would be available, but were unable to do so upon seeing Swamishri’s dedication. This video tells of the hardships he underwent and what happened immediately afterwards…

Incomparable Disciple : Think about a vision you have. Could you spend 34 years tirelessly overcoming countless obstacles to fulfil it? This is the story of someone who, through hard work and prayers, persisted to bring the vision of his guru to life…

From a Car to a Cart: The hands which inaugurated mandirs which are wonders of the modern world could also inaugurate the well in a small village upon the request of a simple devotee. Despite the village being too remote to reach by car, Swamishri thought of a solution!

Whatever You Wish: A genie might grant three wishes, but Swamishri granted innumerable wishes no matter how big or small. A year after becoming spiritual head of BAPS, Swamishri was touring a town and visited the shops of local devotees. This is merely a drop in the ocean of wishes he fulfilled throughout his life…

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Undeterred Devotion: Sanctified by Bhagwan Swaminarayan himself, the Jetpur mandir was celebrating a grand festival in 2004. Since the roads leading to the mandir were closed, Swamishri’s desire to visit the mandir faced an obstacle. However, he immediately expressed the desire to walk over 15 minutes through narrow pathways to eventually reach this sacred site and offer devotion. “Bhagwan has sanctified this road countless times”, he said, leaving those around him in awe of his steadfastness.

A Devotee’s Devotion: Near the Narmada River is a village called Chuli. A devotee called Nimabhai wished for his humble home to be sanctified by Swamishri. Suddenly, Swamishri’s white car graced the village and hundreds flocked to witness this moment and surrounded the car. This video captures a special moment - as if Shri Krishna himself was meeting his old friend Sudama.

A Heart of Gold: Imagine meeting the President of the United States! But what would the President gain from meeting a humble sadhu who barely spoke English? Bill Clinton was visiting Gandhinagar Akshardham in April 2001. Watch this narration of what he said about his experiences with Swamishri…and observe how moments later, Swami met some victims of the recent Bhuj earthquake with the exact same respect and care. This video truly embodies who Swamishri was - actions speak louder than words.

For Future Generations: Atop Mount Abu in Rajasthan is a residential school. Swamishri spent two days here, despite his hectic schedule. Just look at how he pays attention to each aspect of the children’s learning and welfare. What message did Swamishri give for these children?

A Thousand Miles for a Boy: Ooty, the beautiful hill station in Tamil Nadu, became the backdrop for a special memory for a young boy named Rajesh. Studying at the Blue Mountain School, he was not expecting any visitors when he was suddenly told that Pramukh Swami had come to visit him. In fact, the boy’s father had written to Swamishri to go and bless Rajesh and thus Swamishri travelled over 1000 miles, waiting an hour in the sun until Rajesh was able to come and meet him. Listen to the story in the words of Rajesh himself…

No one is too small: Swamishri was in Bhuj, and was visiting a particular tribal area for the first time. Everybody was overjoyed to see that the same Pramukh Swami who addressed thousands in assemblies both in India and internationally was sitting in a small, intimate gathering. These gatherings were life changing for each person present.

A Guru Remembers a Boy: Picture the scene. 10pm on a cold winter’s night in Gujarat. The year is 1990. Some time ago, a young boy named Shambu went to have darshan of Swamishri. He had innocently requested Swamishri to grace his home. On this night, Swami remembered the wish of that young boy and graced his home, traveling 29 miles!

Just One Minute: Swamishri is on a flight from London to New York. The picture in this video shows him reading a letter standing up. However, the image does not convey the full story. As Swamishri got up from 3 hours of reading letters to visit the bathroom, the attendant sadhus began preparing his resting area. Swamishri returned. The sadhus had not yet finished. Swamishri instantly picked up a letter, in the 60 seconds he had spare, and began to read it. We often use moments like this to check our own phones to see if anyone has messaged us. Swamishri, one might say, had an attachment to letters in a similar way! He is the master of time management, and we are often victim to time mismanagement.

Touch of the Philosopher’s Stone: The caring touch of Swamishri’s hand has saved many from ruin. Rather than transforming things into literal gold, he made hearts of pure gold. Listen to one such incident from 1993…

Like Family: Just as the Vedas pray ‘Lead us from darkness into light’, Swamishri replaced the darkness in the form of vices, addictions and violence into devotion and pure character. Just one example of this was his travels in Valsad (Gujarati) in 1984 where he visited countless homes which did not even have basic amenities such as electricity. In a world where people first ask about the Wi-Fi password, Swamishri connected seamlessly with people of all walks of life…

The Sixth Topic: June 2001, New Delhi. The Indian President is formulating a vision for India 2020. Why does he present this plan to Swamishri, who has renounced the worldly path? Because he knows that Swamishri’s guidance is able to not only spiritually uplift individuals but socially nourish society and humanity as a whole. President Kalam presented 5 key ideas. Pramukh Swami added a sixth - faith in God. Watch this interaction between two great visionaries, a meeting which would be their last on this earth…

Like the River Ganges: We may either know or have experienced the effects of a serious addiction. We might think automatically of alcohol or drugs. However, addictions can range from social media and technology to unhealthy food. So, these incidents are not merely for those with a particular type of addiction - they speak to us all. In March 1987 near Bhavnagar, Swamishri met a man who was engulfed in addictions. What he said next brought a new chapter into the life of this man as well as his family…

Tireless Travels: If we made a documentary about a day in our life, what would it look like? Well, this is a short snippet from January 2003 of what Swamishri’s hectic schedule often looked like, day in day out. He is 82-years-old. Within half a day he sanctifies 11 villages and adjusts as per the desires and needs of others.

Like the Ganga: February 1990. Swamishri arrived in Badalpur to lay the foundation for a new mandir. The roads were rough. Despite having visited the home of each devotee, he accepted their request to visit for a second time. They felt as if the Holy Ganga itself had come to purify not just their homes, but their hearts…

A Unique Guru: Swamishri is at the home of Vishnubhai in Coimbatore in 1989. Vishnubhai expresses his desire to wash Swamishri’s feet as an act of devotion. Swamishri immediately turned to the murti of Bhagwan, which accompanied him everywhere, and asked the devotee to offer flower petals at the feet of Bhagwan instead. Believing himself to be a mere servant of Bhagwan, he promoted a similar belief in devotees. Watch on as a Swamishri sits at the train platform that same day and writes a very special letter…

Equal of Love for All: A river flows for all. The sun shines upon all. Similarly, Swamishri equally loved and respected all as he saw Bhagwan residing in the hearts of every living being. In Mumbai, a mill owner wanted his premises sanctified by the presence of Swamishri. However, the way Swamishri met the artisans struck a deep chord with everyone who was present…

Why go to Dhasa: “Take the car to Dhasa”, Swamishri gently instructed. But this town was not in the itinerary. Why did Swamishri want the driver to do so? They soon arrived at a small shop of a devotee who had some time ago invited Swamishri to Dhasa, not knowing that he would honour that invitation by amending his personal schedule…

Forgive and Forget: Imagine a feud which is 2 centuries long. The world is plagued with territorial conflict, or in the words of former President Kalam, a vast range of islands which are disconnected with each other, metaphorically. One such feud raged on for 200 years between two villages in Odarka near Bhavnagar. The year was April 1990. People would not even drink water from the rival village let alone think about peace or reconciliation. Until Swamishri arrived, and history was made…How did he manage to end the conflict?

Glasses for the Shepherd: Bapa had known Hira Bharwad of Sarangpur for many decades. The frail shepherd had recently undergone a cataract operation. As Swamishri met scores of devotees eager to receive his blessings, he noticed Hira Bharwad standing in the corner. Swami himself approached Hira and sanctified his glasses, asking about his recovery. Hira’s joy knew no bounds.

Yearning for Darshan: When we are afflicted by serious illness, it is natural for us to forget about others, let alone God. Swamishri was different. In July 2011, as Swamishri was about to sleep, he felt pain in his chest. He was 90 years of age. He could not sleep and doctors were called to examine his chest. The doctors declared that he had suffered a heart attack (for the second time in his life) and that he should take full bed rest for 48 hours. However, Swamishri had a burning desire to visit the mandir of God and have darshan as per his daily routine. Watch what happened next…

Never Ending Travels: Examine this photo carefully. Does it seem as if Swamishri has a 102-degree temperature? Or that on the same day he also sanctified 122 homes in the heat of the Indian summer? There is not a glimmer of frustration on his face. In his lifetime, Swamishri visited thousands of villages, towns and cities, and over 250,000 homes.

Equanimity: In January 1986, Swamishri was in Bhuj. He wanted to visit the mandir which was sanctified by Bhagwan Swaminarayan himself. The roads were too narrow to allow his car to proceed any further. The only option left was a rikshaw. Wouldn’t this be embarrassing for a spiritual leader who was so renowned? Not at all! Swamishri himself sat enthusiastically in the rikshaw to express his devotion to Bhagwan.

Prayers for Faith: September 1999. Swamishri is at the Western Wall of Jerusalem. Many write notes and place them in the sacred wall. Swamishri too said two prayers: May God fulfil all the wishes of those who have prayed here before, and of those who will pray here in the future. He encouraged people of all faiths to strengthen their refuge in prayer and in God.

Keeping a Promise: Not often would you see Swamishri lost in thought. On this particular day in October 1990, Swamishri was visibly so. He requested for some flowers to be kept aside and for a car to be arranged. Nobody knew where Swamishri was planning to go. However, 5 days ago, an ill devotee called Jaykrishna was suffering in hospital and requested Swamishri to carry out his final rites upon his passing. Swamishri arrived at the crematorium before Jaykrishna’s family. Everyone was awestruck to see Swami there. These photographs capture the sentiment that Swamishri has been there for devotees from the time of their birth until even after the time of their death…

Homes Become Temples: A new mandir was to be inaugurated in Pati, Gujarat. Swamishri’s mission remained the same: to purify society, bring about harmony and connect people towards devotion. After de-addicting an individual, Swamishri arrived at a family home where two brothers had a major dispute. Encouraging them both to forgive each other, he united both families and created peace not only within the walls of the mandirs he created but in the hearts of those he met.

Bihari Meets Bihari: God is sometimes referred to as ‘Vihari’ or ‘Bihari’. One day, outside the vidyanagar town hall, Shri Biharibhai Brahmbhatt was seated in his car. Swamishri arrived there but Biharibhai was paralysed and unable to leave the car to meet him. Swamishri himself approached the car of this individual and offered him a sanctified garland of flowers. Biharibhai was moved to tears, saying: “God himself, referred to as Bihari, has come to meet his Bihari (referring to himself) to rid my pain!”

A President’s Praise: During Indian President Zail Singh’s visit to the festival celebrating the 200-year anniversary of Gunatitanand Swami of the Swaminarayan tradition, only 10 minutes were assigned to the exhibition. The President, however, insisted on spending at least 30 minutes looking at it in great detail. Listen to what he had to say about the spiritual power behind these festivals…

Sarveshvar Mahadev: As the construction of the grand Delhi Akshardham was underway in March 2022, the committee of a Shiva temple which was being made in Vadodara faced some obstacles. Despite being from a different denomination, they did not hesitate to reach out to Swamishri for help in finishing their carving work. Swamishri diverted resources and personnel from the BAPS mandir work to help the Shiva mandir to open on time. Listen to the gratitude expressed by one of the committee members. Truly, Swamishri was a personification of inter and intra-religions harmony.

Like Family: Swamishri travelled to bring people closer to Bhagwan. Countless people bear witness to how Swamishri’s visit to their village, town or city was transformational yet familial in nature. It did not feel like a great spiritual leader of a major organisation was visiting, but a close friend or family member. Just take this one example of Desaibhai from February 1990…

Only One Desire: Three tribal men came to meet Swamishri in February 1990. Swamishri came to know, by asking them, about their addictions and impure habits. Swamishri lovingly yet convincingly talked to them at great length about leading a better life and taking responsibility for their own wellbeing as well as that of their dependent families. How and why would the spiritual head of such a vast devotional community connect with such individuals? He had nothing to gain. But these transformational interactions helped them to regain their sense of true self.

Life-long Memory: Do you ever look back at photo albums and reminisce about special moments from the past? Or wish that certain moments were captured on camera? In December 1995, during Swamishri’s 75th birthday celebrations by devotees, a young boy called Suketu welcomed Swami to the festival with a beautiful flower garland. The moment passed so quickly and the boy wanted a photo of that moment. He wrote a letter to Swamishri requesting this! As Bapa read the letter, he asked for that photo to be located and sent to the child’s home. Suketu received the photo with immense joy.

No One is Little: Often, people use worldly measures to categorise people as important or insignificant. The year was 2003. As craftsmen were working on the Akshardham project in Delhi, they were overjoyed to see Swamishri arriving to bless them. One said that people usually offer flowers to the murtis that we carve, but for the first time ever, someone is offering flowers to us. Listen to Swamishri’s blessings in Hindi as he beautifully conveys the analogy of carving a pure life…

Eternal Companion: February 1994. Swamishri came to know of the passing of CM Patel, who was a key individual in the effort to build the Neasden Temple in England. Instantly, Swamishri wrote a 14-page letter to the head sadhu at Atladara mandir, where CM Patel’s body was to arrive from London, in regards to the funeral rites. In fact, Swamishri himself went on the day to personally carry out the rites. His love for devotees endured until the very end, and even beyond that…

Glossary:

Pramukh Swami Maharaj – Sadhu and leader of BAPS who lived from 1921-2016
Four ashrams – ashram here refers to a stage or phase of life (four in total)
Brahmacharya – stage of being a student/learner
Grihastha – stage of being a householder/earner
Vanprastha – stage of gradual retirement from worldly life
Sanyaas – fourth and final stage of totally withdrawing from worldly life
Swamiji / Swamishri – a word which refers to Pramukh Swami Maharaj
Pujari – one who takes care of the sacred images in a Hindu place of worship
Mandir – Hindu place of worship
Shastriji Maharaj – founder of BAPS and primary guru of Pramukh Swami
Yogiji Maharaj – guru of BAPS from 1951-1971, second guide of Pramukh Swami
Mahant Swami Maharaj – successor of Pramukh Swami Maharaj and current guru of BAPS
Shantilal – childhood name of Pramukh Swami
Chansad – village in Gujarat where Pramukh Swami was born
BAPS – a socio-spiritual organisation which stands for Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, founded in 1907 in the village of Bochasan
Guru – spiritual guide and remover of spiritual ignorance
Sarangpur – historic village in Gujarat for the Swaminarayan community
Vicharan – travelling for spiritual purposes to guide others
Sadhu – one who renounces worldly life to dedicate themselves fully to devotion
Sadhuta – the state in which one possesses the virtues of a true sadhu (which are laid out in the Shrimad Bhagavatam)
Dhoti – orange clothing worn by sadhus
Seva – service
Satsang – means ‘right company’ but refers also to the broad spiritual community
Ekadashi – a day of fasting which occurs every 15 days
Kanthi – worn around the neck by devotional Hindus as a sign of refuge in God
Parayans – discourses on God
Pratishtha – infusing God’s presence into sacred images
Yatra – visiting religious sites for the purpose of gaining spiritual merit
Sanstha – organisation
Bhakti - devotion
Darshan – to view the sacred image of God
Murti – the sacred image of God
Kalash – a sacred/auspicious pot used in worship
Puja - worship
Agna – commandments given by God and the holy Sadhu
Upasana – the correct understanding of the Ultimate
Ashirwad – blessings
Sevak – one who humbly serves
Bhagwan – God/the Ultimate being
Bhagwan Swaminarayan – Swaminarayan is believed to be the Supreme incarnation
Thakorji / Harikrishna Maharaj – the murti of Bhagwan Swaminarayan which the guru takes with him on his spiritual tours
Nilkanth Varni – the teenage form of Bhagwan Swaminarayan who travelled India for 7 years
Shikharbhaddha mandir – a traditionally constructed Hindu place of worship
Bhakta – devotee of God
Akshardham (Gandhinagar/Delhi) – grand cultural/devotional complexes dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan
Akshardham (the abode of God) – the ultimate abode where Bhagwan Swaminarayan resides with his devotees
Akshar Purushottam – Bhagwan Swaminarayan and his choicest devotee Gunatitanand Swami, both distinct entities
Akshar Deri – a sacred shrine in Gujarat for the BAPS community
Sanatana Dharma – the eternal way
Diksha – ordination into sadhu-fold
5 mandirs of Shastriji Maharaj – Bochasan, Sarangpur, Gondal, Atladara and Gadhada (all in Gujarat, India)
Narayanswarupdas – the new name given to Pramukh Swami by his guru Shastriji Maharaj upon receiving formal initiation as a sadhu

[NU1]Is this correct or should it be “Discipline”?

In the Joy of Others Lies Our Own. HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj

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Heads of Government Meeting, London 2018

Hanuman Jayanti

It is Easter time in the Christian calendar and people are breaking up for the Easter break. But this year, March 31st also represents a major festival in the Hindu calendar. It is dedicated to the birth one of the great superheroes of civilisation – Lord Hanuman.

Insight into Akshardham Temple

Around 10,000 labourers and craftsmen helped build one of the greatest places of worship in the world?

First Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi

The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is endowed to construct the first Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi.

100th Indian Satellite Launch

The Indian space programme ISRO has reached another landmark by launching its 100th Indian satellite.

It is another must-watch. Healing Our Earth group of volunteers are bringing another seven hours of in-depth insight into vegetarian and vegan cuisine. You can watch it at

https://m.facebook.com/healingourearth

and

www.healingourearth.com