Today in BAPS History

17 February 2014
Maha vad 2, VS 2070
Mahuva, India

Mahuva is a coastal town in Gujarat and is well known across the Swaminarayan Sampradaya as the birthplace of Brahmaswarup Bhagatji Maharaj. On the outskirts of this town, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj inspired a beautiful pink stone mandir, which was inaugurated by Mahant Swami and sadguru swamis on 17 February 2014.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj had previously performed the Vedic murti-pratishtha rituals for the murtis in Sarangpur on 20 January 2014.

Along with the mandir, Mahant Swami also inaugurated the renovated birthplace of Brahmaswarup Bhagatji Maharaj.

15 February 1929
Maha sud 6
Sarangpur, India

Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj consecrates the murti of Shri Harikrishna Maharaj in the first shrine and the murti of Ghanshyam Maharaj with Dharmakul in the end shrine at the mandir in Sarangpur, which had been opened 13 years earlier.

Shortly thereafter, Shastriji Maharaj grants samadhi to Radharamanprasadji, marking the start of a decade-long period where thousands witnessed Shastriji Maharaj’s divine powers of granting samadhi.

As a result, many eminent people were drawn to Satsang. These included Gulzarilal Nanda (who later twice became acting Prime Minister of India), Professor Jethalal Swaminarayan, Vinayakrao Trivedi, Harshadray Dave, Champaklal Banker, and other great veterans of the Sanstha.

Smruti Bhajans:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5ijbynZ2zw

https://youtu.be/bAQGyS7rxP8?feature=shared

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOfDC60BLCs

14 February 2024
Maha sud 5
Vasant Panchami
Abu Dhabi, UAE

On 5 April 1997, in the deserts of Sharjah, Pramukh Swami Maharaj fervently prayed that a mandir be established on the sands of the UAE. In 2024, on the birth anniversary of his guru, Shastriji Maharaj, that vision was fulfilled.

In a historic moment for Sanatan Vedic Dharma and the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, Mahant Swami Maharaj performed the pran-pratishtha of Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj and various Hindu deities at BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi—a milestone that will inspire generations to come.

This occasion also marked a significant milestone in BAPS history: the 50th pratishtha performed at all BAPS shikharbaddha mandirs worldwide:
- 5 by Shastriji Maharaj
- 2 by Yogiji Maharaj
- 37 by Pramukh Swami Maharaj
- 6 by Mahant Swami Maharaj

Highlights of the Pran-Pratishtha Ceremony: https://youtu.be/JWMtrNg-QhQ.

Historic Dedication Assembly
In the evening, a grand dedication assembly took place in the presence of:
- HH Mahant Swami Maharaj
- Hon. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India
- H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence

This landmark event underscored messages of love, peace, and harmony, while expressing gratitude to the UAE leadership and people for their unwavering generosity and support in making this divine vision a reality.

Highlights of the Dedication Assembly: https://youtu.be/7tLcph57-Vo

Mahant Swami Maharaj's Vision Behind the Mandir
On 22 December 2020, in the midst of the global pandemic, Mahant Swami Maharaj penned a historic letter for the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi - a letter that is the essence of this first traditional Hindu temple in the Middle East.

The letter reveals the purpose, intentions, and feelings of the creator of this extraordinary mandir.

This documentary tells the story of how Mahant Swami Maharaj’s words have turned into reality. Hand-written in the midst of the pandemic, this letter breathed hope and reignited hearts to inspire the construction of the BAPS Hindu Mandir.

It is a letter that takes us into the mind of the creator and reveals the untold story of this spiritual oasis for global harmony.

Documentary on Mahant Swami Maharaj’s Historic Letter: https://youtu.be/8F-SRHsjz2Y

Grand and Glorious: Year in Review, 2024, BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi, UAE: https://youtu.be/vl36dKhdQwI

9 February 1905 (Maha sud 5, VS 1961)
Vadhwan, India

On the auspicious day of Vasant Panchmi in 1905, the stone murtis of Akshar-Purushottam were consecrated for the first time ever in a shikharbaddh mandir, newly constructed in Vadhwan with the support of Shastriji Maharaj.

After leaving Vartal a few months later, Shastriji Maharaj would go on to build and inaugurate five shikharbaddh mandirs dedicated to Akshar-Purushottam over the next 45 years.

8 February 2004
Gandhinagar, India

20,000 children ecstatically cheered as they celebrated the Golden Anniversary of the BAPS Children’s Forum (Bal-Balika Mandal) event in the esteemed presence of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, President of India H.E. Abdul Kalam, Deputy Prime Minster Hon. L.K. Advani, Governor of Gujarat H.E. Kailaspati Mishra, Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Narendra Modi, and many other dignitaries.

The celebration was a tribute to Brahmaswarup Yogiji Maharaj, the founder of BAPS Children’s Forum, and the multi-faceted socio-spiritual activities for children inspired by Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

The entire programme was relayed live to over 150 countries by Aastha Channel.

7 February 2013
Posh vad 12, VS 2069
Ahmedabad, India

At the age of 92, Pramukh Swami Maharaj performed the murti pratishtha of the murtis to be housed at the new shikharbaddh mandir in Silvassa while residing in Ahmedabad.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj had carried out tireless vicharan in the Union Territories of Dadar and Nagar Haveli in western India for four decades, morally and spiritually uplifting the indigenous population by visiting their huts, often located in remote and poverty-stricken areas of the region. His efforts resulted in a beautifully carved shikharbaddh mandir built on a 15-acre plot.

Pujya Mahant Swami and sadgurus later completed the consecration ceremony of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Silvassa on 13 May 2013.

📹 Smruti Video: https://youtu.be/9WlvTb8M4oA?si=dHqfZmBP_spo6fPS

6 February 2003
Maha sud 5
New Delhi, India

On the banks of the sacred River Yamuna, a prophecy was fulfilled.

35 years earlier, Yogiji Maharaj had expressed his wish that a grand mandir dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami be built in Delhi.

On 6 February 2003, Pramukh Swami Maharaj realised this vision by inaugurating the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in New Delhi.

Crafted from Italian Carrara marble, the mandir was built in a record-breaking nine months through the tireless efforts of sadhus and volunteers.

Despite frail health and recovering from illness, Pramukh Swami Maharaj personally led the celebrations. From Mumbai, he encouraged sadhus to organise a grand festival, ensuring that Yogiji Maharaj’s wish be fulfilled with the highest standards of devotion and craftsmanship.

With 250 sadhus and over 7,000 devotees from around the world in attendance, the murti-pratishtha ceremony took place on Vasant Panchmi, the auspicious birthday of Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj.

18 January 1932
Gondal, India

Groundbreaking ceremony for BAPS Swaminarayan Akshar Mandir performed in Gondal.

17 January 2014
Jamnagar, India

In Sarangpur, on 17 January 2014, Pramukh Swami Maharaj performed the Vedic murti-pratishtha rituals and arti of the murtis to be consecrated in the new shikharbaddha mandir in Jamnagar.

On 23 February 2014, Pujya Mahant Swami and other sadguru swamis installed the murtis in the various shrines of the new mandir. Over 30,000 devotees and well-wishers attended the celebrations.

https://youtu.be/RX91-wDsF5I

As we mark two years since the birth centenary celebrations of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, let us once again bring the image of Pramukh Swami Nagar before our eyes through this bhajan.

Written by: Sadhu Madhurvadanadas
Sung by: Sadhu Madhurvadanadas, Sadhu Keshavkirtandas, Sadhu Bhajanpriyadas, Sadhu Narayankirtandas

15 January 2023
Finale of Pramukh Swami Maharaj Shatabdi Mahotsav

Watch the celebrations here: https://youtu.be/BaCfCVaAWUo

On 13 January 2023, Mahant Swami Maharaj unexpectedly said:
“ધૂળ લાવો.” "Bring the dust."

Watch this defining moment that marks the pinnacle of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s centenary celebrations - https://youtu.be/YwlWR27Njkg

Special smruti video which reveals Pramukh Swami Maharaj's inner intentions and feelings during his diksha.

85 years ago today

10 January 1940
Posh sud 1
Gondal

Pramukh Swami Maharaj Bhagvati Diksha

On the morning of Wednesday 10 January 1940, after Yogiji Maharaj performed the mahapuja at the sacred Akshar Deri in Gondal, Shastriji Maharaj performed the initiation rites of 18-year-old Shanti Bhagat of Chansad who had been ordained as a parshad 50 days earlier in Ahmedabad

The guru decided that the young disciple be named Narayanswarupdas, explaining: “He is the very form of Narayan.”

He then told Yogiji Maharaj to bless Narayanswarup Swami, so that he acquire virtues like his.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj describes this historic occasions: https://youtu.be/U-fDjoD61qU?list=PLKZBWLL2HNB1yu7vSWYFOayCijf_CNJvL

Smruti video clip from 12 January 2013 in Ahmedabad when this historic occasion was re-enacted in front of Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
https://youtu.be/HnbYTgxF6YM?t=927

9 January 2002
Magshar vad 11
Gadhada, India

Swaminarayan Mahamantra Dwishatabdi to celebrate 200 years of the Swaminarayan Mahamantra given by Bhagwan Swaminarayan in Faneni on 31 December 1801.
 
The festivities began on 7 January 2002, when Pramukh Swami Maharaj ordained 60 parshads and sadhaks.

On 8 January, a yagna for world peace was conducted, followed by a Mahamantra Yatra around the village of Gadhada.

On this day, Pramukh Swami Maharaj also bathed in the holy River Ghela and performed a maha-arti on its banks.
 
The final day, 9 January 2002, saw Pramukh Swami Maharaj and sadguru swamis performing the murti pratishtha of the murtis of Ghanshyam Maharaj and Shastriji Maharaj, along with the inauguration of the newly constructed mandir gate. The day concluded with a grand finale celebration.

26 December 1945
Nairobi, Kenya

On 26 December 1945, painted murtis of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami and Gopalanand Swami, which had been sanctified by Shastriji Maharaj in Anand in August 1945, were installed with great fanfare in Nairobi by Shri Harmanbhai at the Swaminarayan mandir on Temple Street.

These were the first murtis to be officially consecrated in a Swaminarayan mandir outside of India.

The devotees of East Africa had been gathering for satsang assemblies under the guidance of Shastriji Maharaj, Yogiji Maharaj, Nirgundas Swami, and other senior swamis. These regular gatherings resulted in the consecration of these murtis.

23 December 2012
Los Angeles, USA

After six years of unflinching dedication and thousands of hours of volunteer work, Sadguru Pujya Kothari Swami (Pujya Bhaktipriya Swami) performed the consecration ceremony at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, in Chino Hills, California.

Constructed from 35,000 pieces of meticulously hand carved Italian Carrara Marble and Indian Pink Sandstone, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills, houses five pinnacles, two large domes, four balconies, 122 pillars and 129 archways. From the external walls and domes to the internal pillars and ceilings, the Mandir is completely etched with intricate carvings in marble and sandstone.

The 6,600 hand-carved motifs depict a mosaic of tales of inspiration, devotion and dedication, along with historical figures from Hindu Dharma. Artisans created the carvings in India with great love, skill and patience before the pieces were shipped to Chino Hills.

The Mandir is situated on a 20-acre site, complete with a 91-foot lotus-shaped reflection pond, a Cultural Centre, gymnasium and classrooms.

As the first earthquake-proof mandir in the world, the upper structure of the complex is protected from earthquake damage by separating it from the base with a series of 40 base-isolator units.

The Mandir also uses a solar power system to generate electricity and reduce adverse effects on the environment. The Mandir combines the best of traditional stone art and architecture and the best of modern technology.

Watch this unique video on how Pramukh Swami Maharaj inspired this masterpiece: https://youtu.be/gjqguBsEKF0

Documentary on the creation story of this mandir : https://youtu.be/RHvx7t2PjJo?feature=shared

22 December 2024
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Yogiji Maharaj visited Dar es Salaam in 1955, 1959/60 and 1970. In December 1977, Pramukh Swami Maharaj inaugurated the first mandir in the city.

Today, a new, beautiful traditional mandir has been opened by Mahant Swami Maharaj.

https://youtu.be/8F-SRHsjz2Y - THE LETTER: The Handwritten Destiny of Abu Dhabi Mandir

22 December 2020
Nenpur, India

Mahant Swami Maharaj writes historic letter for the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi.
A letter that is the essence of this first traditional Hindu temple in the Middle East. The letter reveals the purpose, intentions, and feelings of the creator of this extraordinary mandir.

This documentary tells the story of how Mahant Swami Maharaj’s words have turned into reality. Hand-written in the midst of the pandemic, this letter breathed hope and reignited hearts to inspire the construction of the BAPS Hindu Mandir.

It is a letter that takes us into the mind of the creator and reveals the untold story of this spiritual oasis for global harmony.

https://youtu.be/rP3q21lX8JU - Trailer | THE LETTER: The Handwritten Destiny of Abu Dhabi Mandir

https://youtu.be/8F-SRHsjz2Y - THE LETTER: The Handwritten Destiny of Abu Dhabi Mandir

Pujya Viveksagar Swami has shared a audio message, recalling the history and his personal memories of this sacred prayer. As an eyewitness to this moment, he offers a unique perspective on this historic, divine, and devotional occasion.

Pujya Narayanmuni Swami reciting the prarthana.

https://www.anirdesh.com/yogi-gita/index.php?page=prarthana

Read Gujarati and English of the prarthana here

9 December 1966
Mahelav, India

At 5.30am at the sacred location of Shastriji Maharaj’s birth, Yogiji Maharaj offered a heartfelt and historic prarthna. This prarthna is read by haribhaktas regularly in the Yogi Gita. It reflected the deep devotion Yogiji Maharaj has for his guru.

Special letter written by Mahant Swami Maharaj on this day

📹 Watch reflections from today’s celebrations here: https://youtu.be/KE4MHReauCY?feature=shared

Saturday 7 December 2024
Ahmedabad, India

Mahant Swami Maharaj along with tens of thousands of karyakars celebrate the International Karyakar Suvarna Mahotsav in the 100,000-seater Narendra Modi Stadium as the finale programme to mark 50 years of karyakar activities by volunteers of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.

📹 Watch the full programme here: https://www.youtube.com/live/vS1esnM_lnE?si=jveqVALJkAd7AM6K

Surendranagar was the 12th BAPS shikharbaddh mandir to be opened since 1907, and the 5th to be inaugurated by Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

In total, Pramukh Swami Maharaj established 1,231 mandirs in his lifetime, including 37 shikharbaddh mandirs and 2 Akshardham mahamandirs.

7 December 1996
Surendranagar, India

Pramukh Swami Maharaj performs the murti-pratishtha of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Surendranagar.

🎥 Smruti video: https://youtu.be/DtWGTUX5q8g?si=0vPW2UJTgpVfB0r0

7 December 1938

Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj’s Historic Letter to the Devotees of East Africa

Shastriji Maharaj often wrote letters to enlighten the devotees and consolidate their faith. Shastriji Maharaj wrote one such historic letter on 7 December 1938 (Magshar sud Punam, VS 1995) from Dhuliya-Varkheda to the devotees of East Africa, explaining the basis of his understanding of Gunatitanand Swami as Mul Akshar or Aksharbrahma – the abode and ideal disciple of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

Letter written by Shastriji Maharaj from Varkheda on 7 December 1938 (Gujarati with English Translation).pdf

Recount the history of this day through this thought-provoking article written by Pujya Aksharatit Swami.

A must-read.

Smruti Bhajans

"Yagnapurush chhe saathe" - Across the years, on this very day, Pramukh Swami Maharaj would delightfully relish and cherish the memories of his beloved guru Shastriji Maharaj.

These were some of the most memorable and iconic memories of Swamishri for many devotees, when one and all witnessed his profound gurubhakti.

13 November 1905
Kartik vad 1
Vartal, India

It was a sad day in many ways, but significant and life-changing nevertheless.

Having been ordained as a sadhu at the age of 17 in November 1882, Shastriji Maharaj had spent almost 23 years in Vartal as a sadhu, where his unmatched saintliness and penetrating discourses inspired many.

He wished to continue to preach the principle of Akshar-Purushottam as revealed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan in Vachanamruts such as Gadhada I 71 and Gadhada II 21.

Much opposition came his way, but he merely tolerated and continued his mission in the footsteps of his guru Bhagatji Maharaj.

After much consideration and the guidance of seniors such as Krishnaji Ada, it was on this morning that Shastri Yagnapurushdas offered prayers in front of the sacred murti of Harikrishna Maharaj in Vartal to take leave as he embarked on his mission to propound the Vedic principle of Akshar-Purushottam as established by Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

On that first day, he was accompanied by five sadhus and a handful of haribhaktas.

Despite the overwhelming odds and insurmountable challenges, through his sheer determination, unparalleled dedication, and deep faith, he would go on to establish Akshar-Purushottam mandirs in Bochasan, Sarangpur, Gondal, Atladra, and Gadhada over the following 45 years.

Evā Shastriji Maharajne amārā lākho vandan ho...

Special Stotra released on BAPS Kirtans YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/X66IHAL6fgU?feature=shared

11 November 2024
Gandhinagar, India

Mahant Swami Maharaj performs the murti-pratishtha of a 49-foot-tall Tapomurti of Nilkanth Varni Maharaj in Swaminarayan Akshardham, Gandhinagar.

The murti’s height commemorates the 49 years that Bhagwan Swaminarayan lived on earth

10 November 1997
London, UK

HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, welcomes Swamishri at Buckingham Palace.

Pujya Viveksagardas Swami narrates a prasang about this meeting here - https://youtu.be/udFCkI3KBVw?t=2472

HRH Prince Philip said about Swamishri: "Swamiji is doing great work and may he be supremely successful in achieving his goal of curing conflicts and creating peace in this world."

King Charles III speaks of his experience meeting Pramukh Swami Maharaj on this day in 1997.
See full video here - https://youtu.be/kYTH1vhQCuw

9 November 1997
London, UK

His Majesty King Charles III, formerly known as The Prince of Wales, receives Swamishri at St James’ Palace.

He writes: "I have especially fond memories of his visit to St. James Palace in 1997, and our conversation about interfaith harmony and world peace. I have been a great admirer of His Holiness's remarkable gift to London in the form of the Neasden Temple - an exquisite and traditional Hindu Mandir. We have also visited the magnificent Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi, on our last trip to India. I was particularly impressed by the astonishing efforts that had been made to build Akshardham, whilst at the same time preserving the Vedic architectural principles and traditions. His Holiness's inspiration has not only created these two wonderful landmarks, but has also inspired a vibrant community to lead pious and virtuous lives, following his own life ethos, 'In the joy of others lies our own.'"

🇫🇷
9 novembre 2024
Gandhinagar, Inde

Mahant Swami Maharaj effectue le pujan de la première pierre du BAPS Mandir Swaminarayan Hindou de Paris, en France.

Il s'agira du premier temple traditionnel hindou construit en France.


🇬🇧
9 November 2024
Gandhinagar, India

Mahant Swami Maharaj performs pujan of the first stone for BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir of Paris, France.

It will be the first traditional, purpose-built Hindu temple in France.

8 November 1908 (Kartik sud 15)
Junagadh, India

A devout child from his early years, Jhinabhai of Dhari departed from home on 1 November 1908 for Junagadh. At the Swaminarayan Mandir consecrated by Bhagwan Swaminarayan and where Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami had stayed for 40 years, Jhinabhai was given parshadi diksha by his guru, Krishnacharandas Swami. He was then given the name Jhina Bhagat.

In the future, this same Jhina Bhagat would be known around the world as Yogiji Maharaj, and would go on to give diksha to scores of educated youths and thereby mark a new era in India's rich sadhu parampara.

8 November 2000
Delhi, India

Shilanyas ceremony for Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi is performed by Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

Swamishri, senior sadhus and devotees entered the foundation pit and performed pujan of the shilas (stones symbolising the gods of earth). Then, the nidhikumbh, containing the sacred asthi of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Shastriji Maharaj and Yogiji Maharaj and coins from 154 countries, was placed in the centre of the pit and mortar poured on it. Water and soil from 101 countries, packed in copper pots, were also placed in the foundation pit.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj's historic ashirwad from this day. He recollects how Mahant Swami Maharaj would make haars on the instruction of Yogiji Maharaj and also refers to the sankalp of creating such an Akshardham in New Jersey.

Swamishri narrating the prasang.

He left his home to make the world his home.
He left his family to make all of humanity his family.
The villagers of Chansad would not have known that the young Shantilal they were saying goodbye to would one day be one of the greatest spiritual luminaires of the world.

7 November 1939 (Aso vad 11, VS 1995)
Chansad, India

Shantilal leaves home to become a sadhu. He is given parshadi diksha and then bhagvati diksha by Shastriji Maharaj. A short letter from guru Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj is all it took for him to let go of his life. Today, the world knows him as Pramukh Swami Maharaj. It is a day we reflect on his tyag.

Tyaga is renunciation: letting go of those things that hinder one’s quest for moksha. The Upanishads explain the importance of tyaga: “One who wants to attain God must let go of all worldly attachments.”

The ultimate form of tyaga is not just letting go, but also selflessly sacrificing one’s self for the benefit of humankind. He left his home, his relatives, his ambitions and those dear to him to selflessly give his all for God, guru, and humanity. Until his very last breath, Swamishri lived by the sentiments with which he renounced: devotion and selfless service. The Kaivalya Upanishad states, “Immortality cannot be achieved by wealth, power or good deeds. It can only be achieved by tyag.” Pramukh Swami Maharaj is immortal.

7 November 1897 (Kartik sud 13)
Mahuva, India

At the age of 68, Brahmaswarup Bhagatji Maharaj passed away to Akshardham in Mahuva after a lifetime dedicated to seva, bhakti and propagating the glory of Akshar-Purushottam as propounded by Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

Just three months earlier in August 1897, through the efforts of Shastri Yagnapurushdas (Shastriji Maharaj), Bhagatji Maharaj was grandly welcomed in Junagadh for the festival of Janmashtami, following which Bhagatji Maharaj and Jaga Bhagat explained the glory of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Gunatitanand Swami as well as fondly reminisced their samagam of Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami in Junagadh.

Following this, Bhagatji Maharaj went to Gondal, where Bhagatji Maharaj and Shastri Yagnapurushdas (Shastriji Maharaj) met for the final time and parted at the Akshar Deri, where Bhagatji Maharaj revealed that a grand mandir would later be built over the Akshar Deri.

Yogiji Maharaj, in his historic and heartfelt prarthana on 9 December 1966 in Mahelav, said: "When Bhagatji left his body, Swami [Shastriji Maharaj] received the sad news in Rajkot. Ramji Bhatt was sitting with him at the time. He remarked, 'The earth's auspiciousness has now gone, for Bhagatji was auspiciousness on this earth.'

"It was then that Shastriji Maharaj revealed, 'Satpurush kadi pruthvi uparthi jatā ja nathi: the Satpurush never leaves the earth.'"

Bhagataji‌-Maha‌ra‌ja- sa‌ksha‌d-vigna‌na-mu‌rtaye...
Bhagatji Maharaj: the embodiment of wisdom
- Satsang Diksha Shlok 312

2 November 2024
Gondal, India

📹 WATCH HERE: https://youtu.be/ShWR2rEtgoQ

On the Hindu lunar New Year, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj offers his gratitude to Bhagwan Swaminarayan for his divine grace and prays that he continues to shower his blessings on all.

2 November 1992
Gandhinagar, India

Yogi Shatabdi commemorated the centenary celebrations of Brahmaswarup Yogiji Maharaj. The festival was celebrated in Gandhinagar, the state capital of Gujarat.

The highlight of this 35-day festival was the inauguration of Swaminarayan Akshardham on the auspicious day of ‘Laabh Pancham’. Swamishri blessed with these words: “Akshardham has been created out of pure love. Not for publicity or show. Only for devotion to God. Anyone who comes here will find deep inner peace."

Watch how Mahant Swami Maharaj and swamis participated in a research tour in 1986 for the construction of the Akshardham Complex - https://youtu.be/kz7bzzpNwAI?t=3037.

A question posed to Pramukh Swami Maharaj: "What was your most memorable festival?"

Highlights Video Part 2

Highlights Video Part 1

20 October 1828
Gadhada, India

Bhagwan Swaminarayan built six mandirs across Gujarat from 1822 to 1828.

In Vachanamrut Gadhada II 27, he said his purpose for building mandirs was to nourish upasana.

The last of these mandirs was in the sacred town of Gadhada where he stayed for 25 years. On this day Bhagwan Swaminarayan performed the murti pratishtha of Gopinathji Maharaj at Gadhada Mandir.

Swagat highlights

Ashirwad highlights

Wednesday 18 October 2006
(VS 2062, Aso vad 12)
Kon jāne ā kem thayu āvyu anachintavyu sukh...
London, UK

An unexpected trip when Pramukh Swami Maharaj graced the UK, staying for London for one month.

At 1.50pm, Swamishri departed by plane from Mumbai towards London. The flight landed at Heathrow at 6.50pm (GMT) and 11.20pm (IST).

When Swamishri retired for the night, it was 10.00pm (GMT) and 2.30am (IST).

See video highlights of the swagat and amazing ashirwad given on this very day.

Diwalinu bonus!

Dhumādo nikali gayo Londonmā!

18 October 2006
London, UK

15 October 2016
Aso sud 14
(Sharad Punam), VS 2072
Gondal, India

Diksha, Asthipushpa Visarjan and Kund Inauguration

After performing his morning puja on the banks of the River Gondali, Mahant Swami Maharaj gave parshadi diksha to two sadhaks for the first time.

Thereafter, he, along with senior sadhus, performed the asthipushpa visarjan (ritual dispersal) of Brahmaswarup Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s sacred ashes in the River Gondali.

Afterwards, Mahant Swami Maharaj and senior sadhus went to the banks of the river to inaugurate the Akshar and Brahma Kunds - built for relatives to take the ritual bath after dispering the ashes of their kin.

📹 Smruti video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aRYp2kFfk4

14 October 1970
(Gunatit Jayanti, Sharad Punam)
Gondal, India

Yogiji Maharaj performs the murti pratishtha of the marble murti of his guru Shastriji Maharaj to be placed behind the sacred Akshar Deri in Gondal.