Lord Swaminarayan -Brief introduction

When evil dominated over good, when Adharm ruled prominent over Dharm, when ‘Might is Right’ was the order or the day, when eat, drink and be merry had became the rule of life, when the pious people, without rhyme or reason were harassed by the impious ones and when darkness and disorder prevailed in all walks or tire- social, political and religious – in India, Lord Shree Swaminarayan manifested Himself. Lord Shree Swaminarayan was incarnated at Chappaiya village 20 km. far from Ayodhya on Ramanavami Chaitra sud-9 samivat 1837(3/4/1781) (Monday) at 10.10pm. His childhood name was Ghanshyam, but was also known as Hari, Krishna and Harikrishna. The name of his father was Dharmadev and mother Bhaktidevi. The name of his elder brother was Rampratapbhai, Bhabhi (sister-in-law) was Suvasini bai and his younger brother was Ichharambhai.
He was Saravariya Brahmin by cast and Pande was his surname. He stayed for 11 years, 3 months and 1 day at home in Chappaiya and Ayodhya. He performed penance in forest and purified places of pilgrim for 7 years, 1 month and 11 days. While in forest, he was known as Nilkanthvarni. After completion of sojourn, he settled in Ashram of Sadguru Ramanand Swami at Loj village of Gujarat. Nilkanthvarni accepted Sadguru Ramanand Swami as his Guru (Religious preceptor). Sadguru Ramanand swami offered him Mahadiksha (Initiation of religious rites) at Pipalana and gave him two names one Sahajanand and other Narayanamuni. Sadguru Ramanand Swami appointed Sahajanand Swami as his successor/head at Jetapur and left this mundane world for heavenly abode. Shree Sahajanand Swami advised his devotees to recite “Swaminarayan” Mahamantra, a formula of miraculous power at Fareni village. Many mumukshu, more than 2000 devoted saints and hundreds of thousands of devotees became his followers when they left his infallible glory. He along with his devotees, visited all villages of Kuchchh, Gujarat and Kathiyawad, drenched people of all castes and communities from Brahmins to Kathi, Koli, Vaghari and Bhil and taught them how to live a simple life of good conduct with high moral.

He organised to manage construction of ponds and wells throughout Gujarat to alleviate scarcity of water. He built Sadavrat (alms houses) where food is given in charity to the needy and the poor. He organised non-violent ceremonial performance on large scale and convinced people to discontinue violent Yajna. He preached stoppage of cruel customs of female infanticide and Satipratha in which women voluntarily or involuntarily sacrificing their life by burning alive in their dead husband’s pyre. Lord Swaminarayan freed people from witchcraft, magic arts, suspicions, illiteracy, bad habits and superstitions. He gave them shelter and made them fearless. He preached to elevate dignity of woman in society and uplifted them. He taught importance of festivals in society and celebrated them e.g. Janmashtami, Ramanavami, Dipawali, Holi and such others on grand scale, initiated real tradition celebrating festivals in true spirit. He bestowed Samadhi (deep celebrated meditation) to innumerable persons they were by which able to have divide vision of incarnations, which they worshiped and finally merged then in him. He took right from kings to beggars under his shelter and freed them from their sins and affliction.

He himself constructed six great temples at Ahmedabad, Bhuj, Vadatal, Dholera, Junagath, and Gadhada and performed ceremonies, installed namely: Shree Narnarayan dev, at Ahmedabad, Shree Narnarayan dev at Bhuj, Shree Lakshminarayan dev at Vadatal, Shree Madanmohanji Maharaj at Dholera, Shree Radharaman dev at Junagadh, Shree Gopinathji Maharaj at Gadhada. He divided India into two region and established two thrones, one at Vadatal and another at Ahmedabad. He appointed Shree Raghuviraji Maharaj as Acharya Maharaj of Vadatal region and Ayodhya Prasadji Maharaj as Acharya Maharaj of Ahmedabad region.

He wrote a book named Shikshapatri of 212 shlokas on 5th day of Maha (sud) Samvant 1882 (Vasant Panchmi) for his followers and devotees. This book teaches us how to lead spiritual and social life. He remained in satsang for 28 years, 5 months and 27 days and he:

2. Enlightened hearts of many with his supreme power.
3. Purified degenerated people.
4. Uplifted mean and sinful people.
5. He re-established the lost value of celibacy, which was almost extinct.

• Framed moral and religious code of conduct for society and established religion, based on extraction of the best principles of other religions.

Millions accepted him as Sarva-Avtari (Supreme Lord). In short, Lord Shree Swaminarayan purified degenerated society and established great holy fellowship uprooted immorality while fondled his devotees and followers. He left for Akshardham on Tuesday, the 10th day of jeth (sud) Samvant 1886 (1/6/1830) after living for 49 years, 2 months and 1 day.  Even today Lord Swaminarayan gives Darshan to many devotees during their last breath and takes them to Akshardham.

Lord Rama

 

Once upon a time in a city called Ayodhya in the state of Uttar Pradesh, there lived a king called Dasaratha he was very rich and had three wives but was not graced with any children and did not have anyone to pass on his wealth and kingdom. So one day he performed a festival so that the Gods would be happy and give him sons. It so happed that during the festival Dasaratha was given a present from a priest to give to his three wives, he did as advised. Some time later the wives of Dasaratha had given birth to four beautiful boys. Kaushaliya gave birth to Ram, Kaikai gave birth to Bharat, and Sumitra gave birth to Laxman and Shatrugnha in that order. Ram was therefore the oldest of the boys and the likely one to take charge of Dasaratha's kingdom.

As the boys grew up Dasaratha became attached to Ram who was so beautiful and had a shining face. Ram always respected his parents and looked up to them with love and affection. Ram and his three brothers soon got married; Ram was married to Sita who was a beautiful princess. The time had come for Dasaratha who could no longer look after his kingdom to pass his wealth onto his son Ram, well it so happened that Kaikai wanted her son Bharat to be heir to Dasaratha's throne and forced Dasaratha to send Ram on a fourteen year vanhvas (exile) to the forest so that Bharat could take charge of the kingdom. Ram who always obeyed his father agreed to his father's decision, but with Ram went Sita and Laxman, Sita said that she is better off where ever her husband is as they had tied a knot at their marriage, and Laxman was so close to Ram that he could not live without Ram, this made Dasaratha very unhappy and it made him very sick. Dasaratha was unable to recover from this pain; his health went from bad to worse.

However Ram, Sita and Laxman went on their way to the forest for fourteen years. They built themselves a little hut where they stayed and spent the lonely years. In the forest there were evil and dangerous demons and rakhshas who would kill anybody coming in their way.

Then one day a rakhshas lady called Surparnka came to the forest and saw Ram, she thought to her self how beautiful Ram is, and so she decided to try and have Ram as her husband. Ram was already married and refused to help Surparnka, then in an angry mood Laxman cut Surparnka's nose off. She went back to her brother who was king of Lanka (now known as Sri Lanka) called Ravan. Ravan decided that he should take revenge for his sister’s attack. Ravan decide to go to where Ram was staying.
He saw Sita and thought how good it would be if Sita was to be his wife, to force her out of the hut that Ram had built, Ravan decided to transform himself into a beautiful deer. When Sita saw this she asked Ram to chase the deer, Ram did not come back till evening and Sita got very worried she tried to look for Ram herself as she did the evil Ravan changed himself into his normal form and took Sita with him. Ram and Laxman looked all round for Sita but could not find her.

Then one day in the wooded mountains a monkey jumped from the trees and addressed him self as Hanuman the king of the Monkeys, he said that he would help Ram look for Sita. Hanuman became a close friend and devotee of Lord Ram. Hanuman and his friend new that Ravan had taken Sita to Lanka so they helped Ram to cross the sea from India to Lanka, by building a stone bridge from Rameshwar in India to Lanka so that they could cross the stormy sea.

When Ram, Laxman, Hanuman and his army of monkeys got over to Lanka they were confronted by Ravan and his army of evil demons. They fought a fierce battle and after many days Ram eventually cut off Ravans ten heads and defeated his army of demons. Ram took Sita back to Ayodhya where by now the fourteen years of exile had finished. Ram took his seat as king of Ayodhya.

This is when the celebration of Diwali takes place, it marks the end of darkness and the start of a new beginning, Diwali is also known as the festival of lights. The Diwali is celebrated by all Hindus across the world.

Lord Krishna

 

Krishna’s father's name is Vasudev and his mother's name is Devki.

Krishna was born in the jail house of the evil Kans in Mathura, who is Krishna's mama [uncle]. Kans imprisoned Vasudev and Devki, because he was warned that the eighth child born to Devki would kill Kans.

When Krishna was born, the Sapta Rishi was in 48 degrees Rohini and the Equinox 228 degrees Jyesta, Krishna was born at 11.40pm on Friday the 27th of July 3112 B.C.

Kans was the most evil and the cruellest demon on earth and everybody was afraid of him. Every child born to Devki was killed by the evil Kans. The eighth child that was born was in fact Krishna, and when he was born a voice from the sky told Vasudev to take this child across the river Yamuna to Vasudev's brother who was named Nanda who was the chief herdsman in Gokul village. As soon as Vasudev heard this he picked the child up and started walking out of the jail, as he did all the doors in the jail started opening up and the guards were all falling asleep. Vasudev got to the River Yamuna un-seen and un-heard. There was a strong storm brewing up and the River Yamuna was very violent, Vasudev was afraid because he knew that he would be dragged away with the big waves to the sea, but wait … as Vasudev stepped into the river the water dried up and made Vasudev's path easy, he got to the other end very easily. He met Nanda and by his surprise Vasudev's sister-in-law Jashoda (Nanda's wife) had also given birth to a baby girl, Vasudev quietly picked up the girl and put baby Krishna in place. As Vasudev went back to Mathura the river Yamuna cleared the way for him and he arrived safely back in the prison. Kans as usual came to kill the eighth child but to his surprise the baby was a girl, but being evil he still killed the baby.

Meanwhile Jashoda woke up and found that she had given birth to a baby boy, this boy turned out to be a very naughty little fellow who caused all sorts of problems to Jashoda. As a little boy Krishna enjoyed eating makhan (butter and curd). By the age of six years he was the gang leader of all the local boys who would go to the neighbouring cow-herders houses and steal their makhan, which would be hanging from the ceiling. After some time the local women folk complained to Jashoda and told her what a culprit Krishna was. Everyday a different woman would come shouting and throwing her hands about in anger. Jashoda could never control this mischievous little tiger.

When Krishna was seven Nanda moved to Brindhvan where Krishna would help Nanda with the cows, by now he started playing the flute. When Krishna played the flute all the cows and the birds on the trees would all stop and concentrate while carefully listening to the delightful music that the Lord was playing, he seemed to put a spell on everyone when he played. During his time in Brindhavan Krishna met Radha, his partner in life and they became very attached to each other.

One day Krishna, Balram (Krishna's older brother) and his gang of naughty youngsters were playing ball, Krishna threw the ball and it went into the river Yamuna nearby, all the boys started telling Krishna off and told him to get the ball from the river, Krishna jumped into the river where a deadly poisonous serpent called Kalinaag lived. Kalinaag poisoned the river so that nobody could drink it. Everyone got worried when Krishna was in the river for long, but Krishna got into a fight with Kalinaag and eventually defeated him and bought Kalinaag up to the surface so that everybody could see him. The wives of Kalinaag pleaded to Krishna to forgive Kalinaag, Krishna agreed but only if Kalinaag immediately left the river and did not poison the river again, Kalinaag agreed and left.

Later Krishna came to Mathura the place where he was born, there was much sadness in Brindhavan and Jashoda could not bear to see Krishna leave. However he had a very important job to do - to kill his uncle, the evil Kans. Krishna killed his uncle very shortly after his arrival in Mathura and went straight to free his parents Vasudev and Devki. Because Kans was killed by Krishna, Jharasang, Kan's father-in-law tried to take revenge over Krishna and everyone in Mathura but Krishna decided to leave Mathura and build a new town this was later called Dwarika.

As Krishna become a young man, he knew that he was going to be involved in the greatest battle on earth, the Mahabharat. The Mahabharat is about one family fighting firstly over Hastinapur a city in Northern India, one side was evil and wrong, these were called the Kaurauvs led by the evil Duryodhan and the other side were the Pandavs led by King Yudhistir, the Pandavs were a honest and peace loving family.

The Pandavas and Krishna were related, but Krishna is on the side of the Pandavs bacause God is always on the side of people who are honest, peaceful, and hardworking. Arjun who was Yudhistir's younger brother was very close to Krishna and Krishna was Arjun's chariot driver during the battle at Kurukshetra (the place where the great battle took place). Krishna protected and guided Arjun during the great battle.

At the battlefield Arjun could not fight against and kill the people he had grown up with like Bhishma (great grandfather) and Dronacharya (his guru or teacher). So Krishna explained to Arjun about life, death, God, soul, right, wrong, and dharma, he told Arjun that by fighting this war he would be serving God and all of mankind, he would make God very happy as he would be doing his duty. Arjun decided that Krishna was right and picked up his bow and started the fight. When we do what is right, God will always come and help us, he will make sure we are successful in our efforts.

The great Mahabharat was eventually won by the Pandavs, with the divine help from Lord Shree Krishna, Narayan himself

 

Sadguru Muktanand Swami

 

Muktanand Swami was born in (S.V 1814) 1758. His place of birth was a village called Amreli in Gujarat, and he was named Mukund-das. Mother Radhabai and father Anandram were very proud of Mukund-das, as he was very bright and an excellent poet. Mukund-das furthered his studies and became a great singer too, he wanted to stay single and please God by his great songs, but his parents disagreed and forced him to take up life as a householder, hence getting married.

He then went to a village called Amarpur with his family for good, but he still could not stop thinking about God, and the service he could render to the Lord. Mukund-das used to give talks about religion to local villagers. Mukund-das showed many people the true glory and divine form of God. The villagers were so impressed by Mukund-das that he sometimes even forgot to eat or sleep.

As he was totally engrossed in God, he had made his mind up. He did not wish to be engaged in the worldly affairs any longer. However, how could he convince his family of his thirst to see the all mighty Lord?. One day he thought of a plan, a plan that would annoy the family to the extent that they would have no other choice but to allow him to leave home. Mukund-das started acting like a fool, as he had been possesed by evil spirits and ghosts. The family were troubled at Mukund-das's strange behaviour that they requested the help of many great people without much improvement to his health. Anandram and Radhabai were extremely distressed at Mukund-das's manners, and eventually decided that they should allow Mukund-das to leave home. A born poet had now been given the opportunity that he had longed for. He set out to advance his knowledge and reach the divine home of God.

He met a devotee called Tulsidas and thought that he would learn a great deal from this sadhu. However, after a few days he learnt that Tulsidas was corrupted with thoughts of passion, and so Mukund-das went further on in his search for the ideal guru. He heard about Ramanand Swami's satsang and went to see him. Mukund-das met Swami in a village called Loj. Mukund-das knew that Ramanand Swami is definitely the guru that he has hence far been looking for. Ramanand Swami gave Mukund-das permission to join the group and named him as Muktanand Swami. After a few years had passed, and once Muktanand Swami showed his great ability of non-attachment to worldly objects he was announced the leader of fifty students. Muktanand Swami also became his guru's best student.

When Nilkanthvarni came to Loj he met Muktanand Swami first. Nilkanth asked Swami five questions. These were, what is Life, God, Maya, Brahma, and Para-Brahma. Muktanand Swami gave the right answers by which Nilkanth was very pleased and decided to stay at Loj.

Ramanand Swami later gave Nilkanth diksha and named him Swaminarayan or Sahajanand Swami. After Ramanand Swami's departure to Akshardham, Sahajanand Swami started giving devotees samadhi. Muktanand Swami was displeased at this. He thought Swaminarayan was trying to convince the students to be his devotees, and drive the students onto a wrong path. Muktanand Swami made a request to Sahajanand Swami to stop this nonsense.

Once Ramanand Swami appeared while Muktanand Swami was in samadhi and told him who Swaminarayan really was. Muktanand Swami was ashamed of what he said to Sahajanand and apologised with the utmost sincerity. He did not even realise or recognise God Supreme even though he was in front of him. Muktanand Swami was pleased by having found out the truth about Sahajanand Swami and decided to honour and service the Lord with the highest regards.

Once Muktanand Swami and few of his students were sent by Shreeji Maharaj to advance the satsang in small villages around Gujarat. They were continuously being insulted and abused by people who were against the advancement of the Swaminarayan sampraday with vulgar words and often would incur bodily harm onto the saints. On another day the saints were badly beaten by a various nasthiks and were thrown out of the village. Swami did not fight with them but still prayed for their well being. Such was the nature of this great saint of the Swaminarayan sampraday. In Karayani, a village near Sarangpur Muktanand Swami and Brahmanand Swami were captured by nasthiks, and were told that their ears and noses would be cut off if they didn't stop spreading the satsang of Swaminarayan. Muktanand Swami had every confidence in Lord Swaminarayan and said to Brahmanand Swami "nose and ears are nothing; I wouldn't even give my job of advancing the satsang up even if they would cut my head off". This is how strong Swami was in mind and in action, he always had total confidence in Maharaj.

Once, during the construction of the Vadtal temple a few of the younger saints had become extremely hungry, and hence ate food which was left over. Muktanand Swami saw this and immediately went to the kitchen and gave the young saints his own piece of bread. Muktanand Swami observed the strictest of vows, and was also compassionate towards other saints and devotees.

Muktanand Swami was an expert poet and a musician, and entertained many scholars of high calibre in the field of poetry and music. His work has been captured in the Muktanand kaviya.  Muktanand Swami was the Mother, and the backbone of the sampraday.

Muktanand Swami created many devotional songs and also wrote religious books. Gradually his devotion led him to a higher standard of bhakti and became Swaminarayan's best saint. Muktanand Swami also was one of the saints who took part in the writing of the VACHNAMRUTAM. Muktanand Swami left this earth in the year 1830 A.D and joined Shreeji Maharaj in Akshardham.

 

Sadguru Gopalanand Swami

 

The village of Todala is near Edergham in India. A Brahmin called Motiram Bhatt used to live there with his wife Kushala Devi, both were very religious.

A son was born in the year (S.V 1837) 1781 A.D. The child was very beautiful and his cheerful smile made his parents very happy. An astrologer predicted a very bright future for the child and hence the parents decided to call him Khushal Bhatt, or Khushal.

During the student days of Khushal, a Brahmin called Kashiram came to the village. Khushal was always eager to welcome priests and other religious people visiting the village. He would take them home for food and provide shelter.

Kashiram Brahmin used to talk about interesting stories and miracles associated with Lord Swaminarayan. Khushal decided that he would visit the place of Lord Swaminarayan himself. In the meantime, another priest called Swami Swarvesweranand came to the village. Khushal went with him to Dabhoy. They went and met Shreeji Maharaj, Khushal expressed his desire to be in his service. On the advice of Shreeji Maharaj, he came back to Todala and started a school. He used to run the school and teach his pupils according to the knowledge gained from Shreeji Maharaj.

One day a tiger got into the village, it killed a cow and a son of a Brahmin. When the Brahmin got very agitated and extremely upset, Khushal consoled him. Khushal went up to the tiger, touched him on his cheeks and said, ‘‘You fool, how many lives are you going to take?’ You killed a holy cow and a son of a Brahmin, when are you going to repay for your sins?’’.

It is understandable that humans can and do repay for their sins but not animals, but what Khushal said to him, the tiger reacted in an incredible manner, he felt very sad and sorry and tears went rolling from his eyes.

Khushal said to the tiger, "Hence you shall never destroy a single life and accept with gratitude whatever food people in the village offer you". From then on whenever the tiger felt hungry, he would tell the local village folks about his empty tummy and get his daily food. Such were the miracles of Khushal Bhatt.

At one time there was no rain for many days; there was a lot of misery and suffering. Khushal by the power of meditation got the rain started; all the surrounding fields and hills became green and lush again.

Once, while deep in meditation Khushal's body went so bright with light that people from miles away experienced the miracle, he used to perform many such miracles while still at the village.

At one time there was a temple being built at Vadtal, when Kasiyaji Gayakwad from Petlad was the chief minister who was appointed by the Government. He did not like the idea of this temple being built. Some religious men went to Khushal to complain. Khushal said, "Anybody who goes against the building of a Hindu temple is not a Hindu himself". Kasiyaji came to know about this, he was furious. He decided to put up taxes on all the goods going to the temple and on the Brahmins. When Khushal learned about this, along with Dada Khachar he went to see Kasiyaji. He put up his foot on his throne. Kasiyaji was unable to say a word. Then Kasiyaji asked him the purpose of his visit. Khushal asked him to give it to him in writing that he would not put up any taxes on the goods going to the temple. Kasiyaji thought what could this young boy do. However Khushal started praying to God, after some time Kasiyaji obliged humbly as he and his servants had an incurable disease. This was Lord himself, helping his devotees when the need was there.

One day Khushal had this strong desire to see Shreeji Maharaj. A Brahmin came up to him and said he is going to Kathiawad. Khushal decided to join him and off they went. By the time they reached Gadhpur, the Brahmin suddenly went out of sight and in his place Lord Swaminarayan presented himself. They talked about the journey; he went up and stayed with Shreeji Maharaj. Lord Swaminarayan convinced Khushal that the Brahmin was really Lord Swaminarayan himself. After a few months during which time Khushal gave lectures and held meetings on religious scriptures, Khushal finally was initiated into the holy Swaminarayan sampraday. He was now given a name of Swami Gopalanand.

Swami Gopalanand gave many lectures and discourses about religion and the greatness of Lord Purushottam and he travelled from city to city, such as Junagadh, Umreth, Thamla, Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadtal, Gadhada, and many others.
Sarangpurs VaghaKhachar was very religious. Pleased by his devotion, Swami said to him," l will present to you Lord Hanumanji, who will be of great help to you." Hanumanji was presented in Sarangpur. Hanumanji's miracles are evident even today. Hanumanji has been renowned for his powers of eradicating evil ghosts, and spirits. Sarangpur has as a result of Hanumanji's powers become a great place of pilgrimage for Hindus.

Swami Gopalanand showed many people the true way to worship Lord Swaminarayan and explained the true meaning of God Supreme, he was one of the greatest saints of the Swaminarayan sampraday. A saint, who had God given powers, but never abused these powers.

With all his power and greatness, Swami Gopalanand always desired to serve and be at the feet of Shreeji Maharaj. When Shreeji Maharaj went to Akshardham, he left all his followers at the service of Gopalanand Swami Gopalanand Swami was without doubt a powerful saint, his powers were beyond the ordinary man. However, these powers were within him as a direct result of his strict observance of celibacy and devotion to Lord Swaminarayan. A man of great religious faith and power, Swami Gopalanand finally left this world on (S.V 1908) 1852 A.D.

Premanand Swami

Premanand Swami was born in a village called Dohra-gham near the district of Bharuch in India. He was from the high Brahmins family. His childhood name was Hathiram. His father was normally away collecting alms. Once he stayed away for about twelve months. Hathiram was born while his father was away. When he came back he saw his wife with this child and asked whose child this was, because Hathiram's father was not aware that his wife was expecting a child. The father was not convinced that this child was his own, and said to his wife that either you dispose of this child or I will commit suicide. As it happened, the child was left some distance away.

The child was found by a couple who were of the Muslim religion, they did not have any children of their own, so they raised Hathiram as their own child. They believed that this child was given to them through the grace and mercy of the Lord. Shreeji Maharaj used to go from village to village giving people the full realisation of God and placing them in samadhi. Amongst these there were also people from the Jain and Muslim religions. The adopted parents of Hathiram heard about this and they came to one of Shreeji Maharaj's lectures, they brought along with them Hathiram as well. Shreeji Maharaj asked Hathiram's adopted father whose child this was, he replied that the child was given by Lord Supreme, Shreeji Maharaj said if that’s the case then is there any problem if this child stays with Lord Supreme or not. The parents replied that there was no problem what so ever if this child stayed with Shreeji Maharaj, Hathiram was about twelve years old at the time.

After a few years had passed Hathiram was initiated and given dikhsha by Shreeji Maharaj and became a sadhu. Hathiram often impressed Shreeji Maharaj by his musical and singing talents. His songs were mostly based on the love and devotion to God, he inspired devotees to realise the greatness of Shreeji Maharaj through his devotional songs. On initiation, he was therefore given the name of Premanand Swami, which refers to his various religious activities, which generated a sense of love towards God Supreme. Hence the name Prem.

One day Premanand Swami's original father came to Dada Khachars darbar for alms (food or money) where Shreeji Maharaj was presently residing, he asked Shreeji Maharaj to give him five hundred rupees, Shreeji Maharaj replied " can you sing", to this the man said that he could sing a devotional song praising a Goddess. Premanand Swami's father sang the song and then Shreeji Maharaj asked Premanand Swami to sing a song describing the glory of his diving self. After Premanand Swami had finished singing this delightful song, Shreeji Maharaj asked Muktanand Swami whether he thought the Brahmin had a similar singing tune as Premanand Swami. Muktanand Swami agreed with Shreeji Maharaj. Maharaj said that there should be no surprises as the Brahmin was Premanand Swami's real father.

Shreeji Maharaj used to be overwhelmed by Premanand Swami's sweet voice and his superior devotion and love towards Shreeji Maharaj. Premanand Swami became known as Premsaki Premanand Swami because of the love his songs generated towards Shreeji Maharaj. Once the ruler of Junagadh heard the outstanding voice and talents of Premanand Swami at the local Swaminarayan temple, he was so entrenched in these devotional songs that he was convinced of Swami's exceptional talents, and that there was no better musician than Premanand Swami.

After the departure of Shreeji Maharaj to Akshardham, Premanand Swami was so upset that he refused to take his daily meal; he used to sing sad songs, with tears running down from his eyes. Such was the deep love and affection of Premanand Swami towards Lord Swaminarayan.

Shreeji Maharaj has considered devotion by musical means as extremely high, Shreeji Maharaj loved music and poetry and therefore has encouraged the expansion and advancement of such activities.

Many of the devotional songs that we sing in the temple everyday have been composed and sung by Premanand Swami himself, these songs have become a hallmark of the Swaminarayan sampraday. Premanand Swami's work has been of the highest standard and are sung all over India on various occasions.

Premanand Swami was one of the kavis of the Swaminarayan sampraday, he was in the league of great saints such as Brahmanand Swami, Muktanand Swami, Gopalanand Swami and others. Premsaki Premanand Swami, as he was often addressed, as he had compiled his greatest songs into a collection known as the Premanand Kaviya. Premanand Swami had the power, through his songs and poems to relax the mind and soul of the listener. The words that were used in his devotional songs highlighted the glory of Lord Swaminarayan.

 

 

Devanand Swami

 

In the village of Barodh near Dhorka Gham in Gujarat state, a son was born to Bhenjiba and her husband Jijebhai. The child was born in S.V 1858. His name was Devidan.

Jijebhai used to go to the temple of Lord Shiva at the outskirts of the village and used to take with him Devidan for darshan. From this the child was given the required religious knowledge. Devidan once went to the temple himself, he started to pray to God with great love and respect, at that moment Lord Shiva gave Devidan his supreme darshan. Devidan saw this and was overwhelmed; he was only five years old at the time. Lord Shiva said that "Lord Purushotam will come to your village and bless you. He will show you many miracles, and then you are advised to surrender yourself to the Lord. Lord Shiva also said that Sarasvati the Goddess of knowledge will help you to realise God and his glory". By listening to Lord Shiva, Devidan started to change his mind, he started to think of the devotion and service he would be able to render to the Lord.

Shreeji Maharaj returned from Jethalpur to Barodh. All the villagers crowded round to have darshan of Shreeji Maharaj, the people requested Shreeji Maharaj to stay and have a meal with them in Barodh. However, Shreeji Maharaj had an urgent programme ahead, and said to the villagers to bring what ever is available. A Brahmin went home brought back some thuli, a form of flour mixed in milk, Shreeji Maharaj had the thuli while sitting on the cart, and he started acting foolishly by eating the food which was running down his elbow. By watching this Devidan was extremely surprised and thought Shreeji Maharaj must be the one that Lord Shiva had earlier told him about, as no one could do such a thing.

Devidan's mind had now been firmly fixed onto Shreeji Maharaj. Maharaj looked at Devidan and spoke to him with love and affection, the young Devidan ran and fell onto the feet of Shreeji Maharaj, and immediately asked Shreeji Maharaj whether he could go with him. Shreeji Maharaj placed a request to Devidans' parents and obtained their permission. Devidan was now in the possession of Lord Swaminarayan. Shreeji Maharaj instructed Brahmanand Swami to look after this new devotee of Shreeji Maharaj.

Devidan was given a new name of Abhayadan, after a few days Devidan was given Bhagwati diksha by Shreeji Maharaj and was given the name of Devanand Swami. While staying with Brahmanand Swami he received knowledge of pingal shastra and the divine knowledge of poetry. Devanand Swami was extremely quick to pick up this new knowledge as a result of his previous devotional life.

Devanand Swami was always egoless and never proud of himself even though he had acquired great spiritual knowledge. He also acquired the talent of playing musical instrument such as the Sitar with such great fluency. Devanand Swami was now one of the greatest saints amongst the Swaminarayan sampraday. These saints or Kavis as they became to be known as, took part in various religious discourses with other scholars and saints, they obtained great respect for the advancement of the Swaminarayan religion.

Once Devanand Swami was singing religious songs in Dharampur and greatly pleased the King there, Shreeji Maharaj was very pleased with Devanand Swami and proudly gave Devanand Swami a piece of his garment as an award and prashad for his great efforts. Devanand Swami has wrote thousands of religious songs. These songs contain the knowledge and means of attaining renunciation (giving up this world for the devotion of God), they also contained great knowledge of Lord Supreme. His songs advised the public to lead a true and purposeful life; they inspired even the lowest of the low.

From this great knowledge that Devanand Swami had, he started to teach the general public of the greatness of God, he always insisted that it was the grace of Lord Swaminarayan that gave him this skill. He was given the responsibility of Mahant Swami of Muli mandir for twenty two years, and completed the task of finishing the construction of the temple that Brahmanand Swami had originally started. Brahmanand Swami had left for Akshardham half way through the construction of the Muli temple.

Devanand Swami left his physical body in the year (S.V 1910) 1854 A.D. The place where Devanand Swami was cremated in Muli has now become a religious place of pilgrimage within the Swaminarayan sampraday. Devanand Swami left behind a masterful collection of religious songs, poems, and proverbs. These are constantly used in every Swaminarayan temple across the world.

Sukhanand Swami

Sukhanand Swami lived in Dabhan but he was originally from Naliyaad. He was born in (S.V 1855) 1799 A.D in a brahman family. His childhood name was Jaganath. As a young boy he showed great maturity, understanding and intelligence.

Jaganath was sent to a school in Dabhan for studies, where Shreeji Maharaj's devotees also came to learn Sanskrit. Jaganath was very much impressed by their behaviour and their personality. He found that these devotees belonged to the Swaminarayan sampraday. He became so anxious to see Shreeji Maharaj so he came to Gadhada where Shreeji Maharaj and his devotees were already waiting for Jaganath at the gateway. Maharaj welcomed Jaganath by addressing his name. Jaganath was amazed, he wondered how Shreeji Maharaj knew his name. He was convinced that Shreeji Maharaj really was someone with Divine powers.
Within a few days he recognised Shreeji Maharaj and decided to render service to the Lord. After a short time Jaganath had decided that he wished to become a saint, however he was uncertain on how he should ask Shreeji Maharaj to give him the required diksha. So he asked Somla Khachar, who was in the service of the Lord, to request Shreeji Maharaj. Maharaj advised Muktanand Swami to initiate Jaganath according to the prescribed rituals. In 1816 A.D Jaganath was given diksha and was named Sukhanand Swami. He was an expert writer, so Shreeji Maharaj had requested Sukhanand Swami to aid the writing of the great Vachnamrutam, Satsangi Jivan and many more great shastras. Sukhanand Swami became Shreeji Maharaj's personal secretary and looked after his posting and writing dept.

One day Maharaj wished to test Sukhanand Swami's love for him. Maharaj kept Swami awake for a whole night on writing letters. During the night, the lightened bright candle had extinguished. Shreeji Maharaj through his grace created light from his toes and continued with the letter. The next morning Sukhanand Swami was late in performing the various rituals of a saint, such as having a bath, and the worship of the Lord. He over heard other devotees talking about him waking up so late. Swami did not say a word, he showed great patience and perseverance and kept quite.

The next night Swami was engrossed in the preparation wrote of a fourteen page story to please Maharaj. In the morning Maharaj saw this effort that Swami had made, without delay Shreeji Maharaj tore the pages into little pieces and threw them in the bin. Nityanand Swami who was close by saw this and said to Sukhanand Swam ''Don't you feel annoyed by what Maharaj has done to your work, a sleepless nights work'' , Swami said "What can be more important than seeing Lord Purushottam happy. I only wrote the papers to please Maharaj. If he is pleased by tearing it up than that’s fine. My wish has been fulfilled and that’s all that matters. This was his feeling for. Sukhanand Swami was content as long as Shreeji Maharaj, Lord incarnate was pleased, he wished for nothing else.

Shreeji Maharaj cared very much for Swami too. Once Sukhanand Swami had a bath with freezing cold water from the Gela river. It was early morning, he was shivering and shaking. Shreeji Maharaj saw him in this condition and immediately ordered Dada Khachar to bring some wood. Maharaj fired the wood and asked Swami and other saints to warm themselves up.
Some time after Maharaj had departed to Akshardham, devotee called Bhaguji to come for the darshan of Maharaj. Maharaj asked Bhaguji to call Sukhanand Swami to dictate a letter. Swami wrote the letter, Maharaj then asked him to read it out loudly, while Swami was busy reading the letter Maharaj suddenly in a ray of light disappeared. Sukhanand Swami looked around, but Maharaj was nowhere in sight. This miracle had been witnessed by many devotees and saints.

Soon after, Sukhanand Swami decided to advance his devotion and bhakti. Sukhanand Swami wished to see Lord Almighty as soon as he possibly could. Sukhanand Swami helped with building various temples during the day, and at night he prayed to Maharaj to bestow a virus such as onto him. Sukhanand Swami requested punishment for any unworthy deed that he may have done. He did this for Twelve years and was able to receive blessings from Shreeji Maharaj.

Sukhanand Swami was seventeen years younger than Maharaj, and always performed according to Maharaj's wishes. His time was always spent for the advancement of satsang. Sukhanand Swami although was physically weak, his devotional strength out performed many great devotees and saints.

 

Sadguru Nityanand Swami

 

In the village Dhatia near Lucknow in Northern India there lived Vishnu Sharma and his wife Virkdevi of the Brahman cast. He had been gracefully blessed by Laxmiji, the goddess of wealth and also by Saraswati the goddess of knowledge. Vishnu Sharma therefore had a large reservoir of wealth and knowledge. Vishnu Sharma had two sons, one was named Govind Ram and the other was named Dinamani who was born in the year 1776 A.D (S.V 1832).

At a young age Dinamani was extremely keen to advance his knowledge and showed great enthusiasm in studying various religious shastras. Vishnu Sharma therefore sent Dinamani to Kashi. Kashi is renowned as the centre point of advance religious knowledge in India. Many great scholars have attained their education in Kashi. After completing his extensive education in Kashi, Dinamani had decided to renounce the world and take up life as a celibate. He went to various places such as Badrinarayan, Jagganath, Rameshwar and other great cities in his search for the ideal guru.
Dinamani set out on a pilgrimage to Dwarika, home of Lord Shree Krishna. On his way he passed a village called Vishnagar. There he was told about Sahajanand Swami and his great lectures on devotion and penance. Dinamani was keen to enquire about Sahajanand Swami, he was told by the local village folk that Sahajanand was residing in Northern Gujarat at a village called Unzha.
Dinamani made towards Unzha. Shreeji Maharaj was giving a lecture in front of a large assembly. Dinamani entered the courtyard and obtained the sight of Shreeji Maharaj for the first time. With Maharaj full of luminosity and radiance, Dinamani was greatly impressed by Shreeji Maharaj's appearance, stature and lecture. He became attached in mind, soul and heart to Shreeji Maharaj. Dinamani was convinced that Maharaj was the Guru that he was looking for.

In the town Meghpur, Dinamani gave up his grahasta status and renounced the world. He was given diksha and initiated into the sampraday by Shreeji Maharaj. He was named Nityanand Swami. Maharaj told Nityanand Swami you are very knowledgeable but you must strive to accept much more knowledge. Nityanand Swami hence studied Ved shastras puran and other great religious books. He then came back to Shreeji Maharaj. He informed Maharaj with great satisfaction of all the topics that he had studied.
Maharaj asked Nityanand Swami a question, "What have you learned from your studies of the shastras". Nityanand Swami replied "Prabhu with your strength I have learnt that regardless of greatness, knowledge, yogic status, a man can still be attached to the materialistic elements of the world.” Nityanand Swami explained that there was no other means of obtaining salvation to God's divine heaven than the devotion and bhakti of Lord Supreme. Nityanand Swami lived with Shreeji Maharaj and generated new thoughts and words to use during various satsang sessions. Nityanand Swami's thoughts have been collected in the Nityanand Niyam.

Nityanand Swami has educated through his skills various great saints such as Atmananad, Yogananad, Vasudevanand and other prominent saints. After Shreeji Maharaj had left for Akshardham many leaders of Ahmedabad decided to over throw, destroy and annihilate the Swaminarayan Sampraday. Nityanand Swami came to hear of this and immediately set out towards Ahmedabad with at least forty saints. Nityanand Swami defeated various leaders with his quick thinking, factual phrases and elegant words. The leaders of Ahmedabad were defeated by Nityanand swami single handily beyond all recognition. Such was the power of the Nityanand Swami’s words. This unmatchable intelligence was derived as a direct result of his great devotion towards Shreeji Maharaj.

Nityanand Swami was an outstanding scholar. His extensive knowledge has been encapsulated within various impressive shastras such as Hari Digvijaya, and Shri Hanuman Kavach to name but only a few. These great shastras are continually being referred to within Swaminarayan temples across the world.

 

Shreeji Maharaj's best poet Brahmanand Swami was born in (V.S.1828) 1772 A.D on Vasant Panchmi at a village called Khand Gham in Rajasthan state. His childhood name was Ladoodan Gadhavi, and his Fathers name was Shambhudan and mother's name was Laloobai. Ladoodan was the only son.

One night the parents were told by God to send their son to Bhuj-Kutch for his education. They started looking for someone who could take him to Bhuj, because Bhuj is quite a distance from Khand Gham. The Lord Himself came disguised as a guide brahmin and took Ladoodan to Bhuj. Ladoodan was only 10 years old then and was very intelligent and bright. Within a few years he learnt Pingal, Sanskrit and various other shastras. His teacher Abhaayadanji was so surprised by this. Ladoodan finished his studies at the age of nineteen and was now thinking of going back home. His uncle came to take him from Bhuj. On the way home he won a number of awards by competing with scholars on Sanskrit and poetry. Ladoodan had by now become an expert in every field.

In Bhavnagar he was invited to stay for a few days by a politician called Vajaysinha. Ladoodan sang poetry and entertained the general public. Vajaysinha was very pleased and sent for a goldsmith called Nagdan to order some jewellery for Ladoodan as an award. Ladoodan saw a 'U' shaped mark and a round red dot in the middle of it, on Nagdan's forehead. He asked what religion the symbol belonged to. Vajaysinha said it was Lord Shree Swaminarayan's symbol. "The religion has been spreading quite rapidly in Bhavnagar". He asked Ladoodan to go and find the truth. Ladoodan with his high education said "within a few days I'll dig out the truth and present Swaminarayan to you". On the way to Gadhada he thought what if Swaminarayan is really God. To prove this, Ladoodan made these four wishes for Swaminarayan to fulfil.

1) He should narrate my life from birth to the present day.
2) He should show me the divine symbols on his feet.
3) He should present me with a garland of made of roses, which is worn by him.
3) He should be reading the Bhagvat, placed on a black cloth.

On his arrival all the worries were gone and he felt peace in his mind. He came to the assembly in Gadhada and saw Swaminarayan there; the Lord welcomed him by calling his name, showed him the sixteen symbols and was reading the Bhagvat. Ladoodan began to believe in him, and then and there he sang a song.

Aaj ni ghadi re dhanya aaj ni ghadi,
Mae nirkhaya Sahajanand dhanya aaj ni ghadi. "This is a very special day for me that I've really met God today".

He was so overjoyed, after three days his uncle said "our time is over we should be heading back to Bhavnagar" Ladoodan said he wanted to stay a little longer. He felt so much better.

Shreeji Maharaj was thinking of keeping Ladoodan with him. One day he asked Ladoodan to persuade the sisters of Darbar Dada Khachar, Jivuba and Ladooba to get married. Ladoodan went and started giving a lecture to the two sisters. After he had finished the two sisters said,

"What do you find so interesting in this material world? It's nothing but full of mysteries only fools would like to live here, but someone with more sense will surely go for happiness through the association with God Supreme".

Ladoodan was so moved by what the sisters had said, he knew that they were doing the right thing and decided to become a Saint himself. His uncle again reminded him of Vajaysinha, but Ladoodan said he will not go anywhere now. The uncle tried to convince him that he should think about his parents, but Ladoodan didn't change his mind. Now Shreeji Maharaj named him Rangadas and gave him plain white clothes to wear. Shreeji Maharaj sometimes used to call him Brahmanand because he used to entertain devotees. He used to make a new poem everyday. His uncle arrived at Khand Gham and gave the news to Ladoodan's parents. They were so upset because Ladoodan was their only hope for living in this world. The parents of the girl to whom Ladoodan was proposed to came over. They all decided that they should go to Gadhpur and bring Ladoodan back.

They arrived in Gadhada and went to Dada Khachar’s Darbar where Shreeji Maharaj was staying. The parents saw their son after many years and said how much they had missed him. They told Ladoodan how hard it will be for them to survive without him. The girl Khimbai promised herself that she will only marry Ladoodan and no one else. Brahmanand Swami said “I've also promised to live in this world just for Sahajanand.” The mother said "That’s all alright my son but you won't get mother's love anywhere else", then Shreeji Maharaj came over and said "I'll give him all the love and pleasure he needs", Rangdas pointed at Shreeji Maharaj and said, "Remember mother, when you and father saw a divine image in a dream one day, telling you to send me to Bhuj-Kutch. That was no-one else but Lord Swaminarayan who is standing here right in front of you."

They were now convinced that Ladoodan was at the right place. Everyone agreed to let him be a saint, his father said he was proud to have a son like Ladoodan. Khimbai also decided to spend the rest of her life in the devotion of Shreeji Maharaj and attain salvation.

Shreeji Maharaj sent Brahmanand Swami to a scholar called Moonibawa for further education in sanskrit. Moonibawa was strictly against the Swaminarayan religion. So Brahmanand Swami had to keep his association with Lord Swaminarayan a secret. Within months Brahmanand Swami absorbed as much knowledge as Moonibawa and he was so impressed that he was about to give a scholarship to Brahmanand Swami. Just then Brahmanand Swami told him about the secret and asked Moonibawa to go and meet Swaminarayan. After a few days he agreed to go. Shreeji Maharaj started behaving like an ordinary human being. He said he was hungry and ate roti and yoghurt in the assembly in front of all the devotees and saints, Moonibawa really was annoyed, how was it possible for Brahmanand to believe in Swaminarayan as God. Swami prayed to Shreeji Maharaj not to test Moonibawa any more. The next day he came again. That day Shreeji Maharaj asked for a cushion, he placed it on his finger and rotated it around and threw it back to its place. This time Moonibawa received the divine darshan of Lord Vishnu with the sudarshan chakra in his hand. Moonibawa then knew who Swaminarayan really was and immediately became his devotee.

Sahajanand Swami by now was thinking of building temples across Gujarat with the help of Brahmanand Swami. They started with Ahmedabad where Swami persuaded a landlord to sell them some land to build a temple on. He worked day and night along with other workers to build the temple. Next they started at Vadtal where they decided to build one shikar (tower) but Swami changed it to three. Shreeji Maharaj said they should look at the financial position first, but Swami replied "Why worry about the money, when the owner of the world is right here".

One day Shreeji Maharaj was punishing those who fell asleep during the assembly, when someone fell asleep he used to throw wooden marbles tied to a piece of string at them. Once Shreeji Maharaj threw it at Brahmanand Swami, Swami replied, "What am I being punished for? I was not sleeping but making up a poem". Shreeji Maharaj said sing to us then. Swami started singing.

"Taro chatacka rangilo chhedalo albella re. Tari naval kasumbi pagh rangna rella re."

While the others sang a line, Brahmanand Swami made up another line. Such was Swami's talents.

The time for which Shreeji Maharaj had come to this world was completed. Maharaj was thinking of taking up his place in his divine abode. He called an assembly and told his followers to advance the satsang. Shreeji Maharaj did not say he was leaving but Brahmanand Swami knew he was going. Shreeji Maharaj did not want to leave while Brahmanad Swami was present so he told him to go to Junagadh and finish building the temple. Brahmanand Swami did not want to leave but had to obey Maharaj's order. Later Shreeji Maharaj called up an assembly and told his followers to obey Muktanand Swami, Brahmanand Swami and other great saints. He told his followers not to commit suicide after he was gone. These were Shreeji Maharaj's last words, then there was a light sparkle in the sky and he left his body.

Brahmanand Swami was sent a message, but by the time he arrived at Gadhpur, Shreeji Maharaj's body was burnt at Lakshmi Vadhi. Brahmanand Swami said he could have brought him back to life if the body had not been burnt. Brahmanand Swami went to the idol of Gopinathji and fell to the floor. Shreeji Maharaj appeared in Gopinathji Maharaj and gave Brahmanand Swami courage to stay on earth for a little longer. Swami was very happy to see Maharaj again and was in tears. He went to finish the Junagadh temple.

During the construction they were short of building blocks and did not know what to do. Shreeji Maharaj once again appeared to Brahmanand Swami and showed where to get the blocks from and disappeared again. Swami even now was thinking of joining Shreeji Maharaj in heaven. He called over a few saints and devotees. He advised them to look after the satsang and obey Shreeji Maharaj's orders written in the holy books. One day he said to every "Look Sahajanand Swami has come to take me to Akshardham, so please accept my last Jai Shree Swaminarayan” and he stopped breathing.

Brahmanand Swami has created hundreds of songs about Shreeji Maharaj's activities. Shreeji Maharaj has proclaimed that whoever sings these songs in one day will be able to see my divine form. Brahmanand Swami's songs and poems have been collected in the Brahmanand Kaviya. These songs and poems are renowned even today by great poets and musical experts.

 

 

Sadguru Nishukulanand Swami

 

 

A child was born in the (S.V 1822)1766 A.D, in the district of Saurashtra in the village of Shekhput. He was born in the 'Gujar Suthar' cast. His father was called Ramjibhai and his mother was called Amratbaa. The child was given the name of Lalji. Lalji's family were disciples of Ramanand Swami.
During his travels, Shree Hari, in the disguise of Nilkanth Varni, reached the village of Loj. Muktanand Swami sent a letter to Ramanand Swami who was at the time in the city of Bhuj, requesting him to return to Loj. On reading the letter, Ramanand Swami stood up and announced, "The person for whom I have been waiting for has just arrived Loj, and he is waiting to meet me.

At the time Lalji Suthar was sitting in Ramanand Swami's congregation. With respect he asked Ramanand Swami "Your holiness, the person who has arrived in Loj, is he as great as Ramdas or is he like Muktanand or is he like you." Ramanand Swami answered, "This person is much more important, intelligent and wiser than I am. You will begin to recognise his influence and power in due course".
After some time, on his travels Shree Hari went to Shekhput village. Here he decided to make a visit to Kutch. In those days the roads to Kutch went through dangerous marsh land and forests. It was advisable to be in the company of someone who knew the way. Lalji Suthar decided to take this opportunity by being a guide for Shreeji Maharaj. The journey to Kutch was long, tiresome and passed through unbearable and hazardous desert.

Lalji Suthar had hid some money in his shoes. During the journey they were approached by a band of thieves, who glanced at Shreeji Maharaj and then at Lalji Suthar. They were under the impression that these travellers would not have any valuables so ignored them. Maharaj all of a sudden spoke to the thieves and said, "You don't look like professional robbers. If you look in Lalji's shoes you will find something there". When the thieves looked in the shoes they found some money. Lalji Suthar was astonished and bewildered, he looked at Shree Hari. Shree Hari said "If you have nothing to hide, then you do not have to worry about being robbed.”

Shreeji Maharaj relieved Lalji bhagat from his attachment to money and financial affairs. Lalji Suthar had already freed himself from the desire to attain wealth. He said that the money was only in case it was required for his master Shree Hari. Shree Hari went on to say "a person who believes in God whole heartedly and obeys his commandments by surrendering his life to God does not need to accumulate valuables."

As time passed they came closer to their intended destination. Through the desert they reached a village named Aadhoi in Kutch. This happened to be the village of Lalji Suthar's in-laws. Shree Maharaj decided to test Lalji Suthar and his devotion to him. Shree Maharaj said "Go to the village and collect some alms for food as I am extremely hungry". Lalji Suthar said "Maharaj, if I go as I am, my relatives and in-laws will recognise me. My wife is also here visiting her parents". Shree Maharaj replied "If I was to disguise you so that no one would recognise you, then would you go ?". Lalji Suthar rather hesitantly agreed to the plan. Shree Maharaj shaved Lalji's hair and his moustache, he was dressed as a sadhu and sent to the village for alms.

Lalji first went to his mother-in-laws house for alms. At his mother-in-laws house, Lalji Suthar said "Jay Satchinanand Prabhu". This is common for sadhus when travelling for alms.

As Lalji Suthar entered the compound of his in-law's house his wife came out from the house and on seeing Lalji Suthar immediately recognised him as her husband. She immediately called her children to remind Lalji of his marital status; however he was no longer interested. Lalji Suthar had become deeply engrossed in religion and bhakti towards Shreeji Maharaj that the thought of domestic married life to him became unbearable. So he accepted the alms from his wife without any further response.
When Lalji Suthar returned with the food Shreeji Maharaj was convinced and realised the faith and trust Lalji had in God. Shreeji Maharaj initiated Lalji Suthar as a sadhu with his consent and gave him the name Nishkulanand Swami, at the age of forty four.
Nishkulanand Swami showed great detachment to worldly affairs, his devotion to Shreeji Maharaj was of the highest calibre. He would refuse to indulge in tasty and mouth watery dishes, and hence observed strict penance. Nishkulanand Swami rendered much service to the advancement of the satsang, being an architect he often took an active part in the construction of places of religious significance.

Nishkulanand Swami was not only a mere expert architect; he was a champion poet, and an accomplished writer. He wrote many books and poems of Shreeji Maharaj describing the greatness and glory of Shree Hari. Probably the most famous of the books by this great saint is the 'Bhakti Chintamani' which even today is recognised as a true master piece amongst great scholars, and is regularly read in many temples everyday. Nishkulanand Swami's books transforms the true meaning of detachment, a subject in which he was a champion, they have inspired many devotees towards the devotion towards Lord Swaminarayan.

Nishkulanand Swami finally left this world in 1848 A.D (S.V 1904) at the age of eighty two. He spent thirty eight years as a saint, and during this period he upheld the teachings of Lord Swaminarayan to the highest possible levels. His devotion and dedication to the service of Shreeji Maharaj were of a superior quality. Weak in stature (body) he certainly made up for this by his huge contribution to the Swaminarayan sampraday with his books poems, and his architectural designs. Nishkulanand Swami's last words were spoken in the village of Dholera in Gujarat.

 

 

Sadguru Gunatitanand Swami

 

In Bhadra village in Saurastra district of Gujarat state in the year (S.V) 1841 a child was born to Bhodhanath and his wife Saknerba. They were of the high priest brahman cast. The child was named Mursharma, and right from his early childhood he showed all the qualities of a humble saint, qualities that genarated much respect from all around.

 

Mursharma became a disipline of Ramanand Swami and through Ramanand Swami saw the true form of Lord Purushottam. He used to often meditate and go into samadhi (deep thought) and through this he would see the divine form of Shreeji Maharaj. From this vision he used to give discoureses or lectures on Lord Supreme. Through continous contact Mursharma gave up his grahasta status (household) to renounce the world and became a sadhu, he was now under the umbrella of the Swaminarayan sampradaya.

 

Mursharma was now named Gunatitanand Swami by Shreeji Maharaj because he had the qualities or the gunas of a person with great religious knowledge. The gunas can often be present in some form in every one but Musharma had an exsessive amount of these qualities.

Shreeji Maharaj appointed Gunatitanand Swami as the mahant or head of Junagadh mandir were Shreeji Maharaj had previously installed the idols of Radha Raman Dev.

 

Gunatitanand Swami preached and preached the gospel of Lord Swaminarayan around Junagadh and the surrounding villages, he taught people to realise the meaning of God and to realise themselves as human beings. Swami encouraged people to participate in the devotion of Lord Supreme, and showed people how to be closely attached to God. He performed this task by holding many lectures and discourses over many days, he taught people to cleanse their hearts and minds of everyday dirt that people pick up and to purify their souls. By listening to these lectures people became sincerely interested in the Swaminarayan sampradaya.

 

Many times Gunatitanand Swami showed his great and superior understanding of the teachings of the Lord by giving intelligent answer to questions put to him by the general satsangi folks.

 

Once Shreeji Maharaj was serving food to all the saints including Gunatitanand Swami, Shreeji Maharaj said to all the other saints that you should all eat like Gunatitanand Swami who does not eat food for its taste but obtains the taste of my divine form. Gunatitanand Swami used to ensure that all the other saints ate first and then ate himself, therefore he used to stay half empty. On this half empty stomach said Swami you can only concentrate on Lord supreme, on a stomach full of tasty dishes you cannot expect to realise God fully.

Gunatitanand Swami always set an example to the younger saints. He used to say that the sight of Shreeji Maharaj was enough to fill his empty stomach, such was the devotion of Gunatitanand Swami towards Lord Swaminarayan.

 

Once Shreeji Maharaj and other saints prepared themselves to go to Vadtal for a festival, but many of the saints fell ill, Shreeji Maharaj said that these saints should not be left alone and that someone should stay to look after them, Gunatitanand Swami said that he would stay and look after the saints. Lord Swaminarayan was extremely pleased, in no time all the saints were well again. This shows how caring, loving, and compassionate Gunatitanand Swami was, but most of all it shows that he would accept Shreeji Maharaj's request without hesitation. He was always compassionate to everyone and never insulted anyone, he therefore had all the qualities that Shreeji Maharaj had requested his saints to have if they wanted to be in his sampradaya. To serve a saint or a devotee of the Lord is an act of great charity, the Lord will never forget such helpful people.

 

Once a group of saints were travailing from village to village, at one village they received abusive insults in the form of bad language, had cow dung thrown at them, and sharp spiky plants rubbed against their bodies, they game to Gunatitanand Swami who told them that they should never curse these abuse but should bless them. Gunatitanand Swami was always humble and carm with his thoughts and actions, and at all times the effective teachings of Lord Swaminarayan were present in these thoughts and actions.

 

Gunatitanand Swami was a saint who vigilantly observed the strict laws that Shreeji Maharaj had set. He would never insult anyone but would always instruct his fellow saints on the right path. Many devotees became staunch devotees of Lord Swaminarayan because of Gunatitanand Swami's lectures and discourses

 

 

 

Sadguru Vyapkanand Swami

A resident of a village called Jherna Gham in Utter Bharat, a Haribaghat named Sitaldas, was from the Brahmin caste. Sitaldas went in search for almighty God. In Dwarika he was told that Ramanand Swami is Ishwar or God, who is presently staying in the village of Fareni. When Sitaldas arrived in Fareni Ramanand Swami had already left for Akshardham, however he heard that Sahajanand Swami was now residing in place of Ramanand Swami. So Sitaldas decided to stay with Sahajanand Swami.
Soon after, Shreeji Maharaj started giving all the devotees samadhi, through this Sitaldas found that Shreeji Maharaj was in fact the real Lord Supreme. Sitaldas was also put into a state of deep thought and put in to Samadhi. He was shown the incarnations of Lord Almighty, Ramanand Swami was also seen in this vision. This enhanced Sitaldas's view about the Swaminarayan sampraday stronger, he therefore decided to stay. After a short time he was given dikhsha and was initiated as a sadhu and was given the name of Vyapkanand Swami.

Vyapkanand Swami stayed at a temple in Thangadh village he noticed that there was a picture of women playing raas (a form of dance), Vyapkanand Swami's mind became engrossed in this picture but suddenly realised what he was doing wrong. Shreeji Maharaj had advised his saints never to look at the images of women.

Once, Vyapkanand Swami and a group of saints were travelling from village to village for the expansion of satsang. They arrived in a town called Boatad. The group were welcomed in the Darbar of Daha Khachar. In the Darbar, the family of Daha Khachar were crying at the death of their special horse. Vyapkanand Swami asked why they were all crying for, a servant then told Swami the story. Daha Kacher was so distressed that Vyapkanand Swami thought he might loose faith in the satsang and Maharaj. To prove that we must all have confidence and faith in the Lord, Swami bought the horse back to life by using the soul of a mosquito, and then sprinkled water on the horse and chanted the mantra Swaminarayan. Swaminarayan. Daha Khachar was so impressed that his faith and love for Lord Swaminarayan increased.

On another occasion Vyapkanand Swami brought back from death the son of a brahmin, and made the brahmin very happy.
Shreeji Maharaj knew that this was wrong; a saint should not go around giving life to everybody for no-good reason. When Vyapkanand Swami returned to Gadhpur Shreeji Maharaj described Vyapkanand Swami God in front of all the devotees and ordered a meal for Vyapkanand Swami to be prepared. Vyapkanand Swami asked Shreeji Maharaj why he stated him as a God when he was only the servant of the Lord, Shreeji Maharaj replied "someone who can bring a soul back from the dead can only be called as a God", Vyapkanand Swami was so disappointed and asked Shreeji Maharaj to forgive him if what he had committed was a mistake.

Shreeji Maharaj advised Vyapkanand Swami that we are not here to give people their souls back or to bring them back to live, but to provide everyone the knowledge of God, and to take devotees to Akshardham. Shreeji Maharaj explained that this behaviour could lead to problems so therefore it was wise to preach about the Lord rather then to perform unnecessary miracles. Vyapkanand Swami understood Shreeji Maharaj's explanation and was advised to go to Gadhpur for the expansion of the sampraday there.

Vyapkanand Swami was so entrenched in the devotion of Lord Swaminarayan, he had great bhakti towards Shreeji Maharaj. The strength that Vyapkanand Swami had was as a result of his great bhakti and devotion to Shreeji Maharaj.

There was a man called Veniram, who was forced into an awkward state, either to pay a fine of one hundred thousands rupees, or to become a Muslim. Veniram was not guilty but had false claims put on him. He therefore decided that it was better to commit suicide rather then have to change his religion. He took a dagger with him to the out skirts of the city with an intention of stabbing himself, just then Vyapkanand Swami was passing by, and saw Veniram in this state. Vyapkanand Swami consoled Veniram from committing this unforgivable mistake. Vyapkanand Swami said that this life has been given by the Lord, and to take life of any sort is only in the sole hands of the Lord. Veniram was convinced by Swami's words and then and there decided to find refuge in Lord Swaminarayan.

By remembering saints such as Vyapkanand Swami and being in constant company of such great saints, our minds and souls will become stronger and will be able to recognise God and his true greatness.

 

Mulji Brahamchari

 

Muljibhai a humble person full of bhakti and devotion lived in a village called Matchyav in Suarashtra district. He was a disciple and a staunch follower of Ramanand Swami. Ramanand Swami initiated Muljibhai as a Brahmachari and gave him the name of Mukundasji. However the local folk still referred to Mukundasji as Muljibhai.

Later he became an honest and forthright devotee of Shreeji Maharaj. A devotee who had sincere affection, and love for Lord Swaminarayan. Once Shreeji Maharaj was going to Bhuj in Kutch district. During their journey Maharaj wanted to test Mulji Bramhachari's affection and devotion, he told Mulji Brahmachari "What if I was to inflict bodily harm upon you", Mulji Brahmachari said "Why Maharaj I would prefer a ladoo, but I will accept whatever you wish". Shreeji Maharaj, being Lord Supreme the almighty, the knower of all knowledge, transformed him self in to an old lady. He told the local cow herders that this sadhu was harassing him. The cow herders went to their houses and collected sticks and axes. Mulji Brahmachari asked Maharaj why he incited the cow herders to insult his dignity and pride, why not Lord Almighty himself. He said that it would be an honour to be abused in any shape or form by Lord Supreme. Such was the affection Mulji Brahmachari had for Shreeji Maharaj. Shreeji Maharaj finally showed his true form to the cow herders. Mulji Brahmachari had passed his test with flying colours.

Mulji Brahmachari would do anything and give up anything if it were to please Shreeji Maharaj. Laduba and Jivuba of the Khachar family and staunch devotees of Shreeji Maharaj asked Maharaj what they could do to further expand the Satsang amongst the females in Gadhada. Shreeji Maharaj sent Mulji Brahmachari to advise Laduba and Jivuba to read and advise the teaching of the Ramayan and not to advance worldly gossip. Mulji Brahmachari mistakenly told Jivuba and Laduba to perform a Katha on worldly gossip, and not on the Ramayan as advised by Maharaj. Jivuba and Laduba could not understand this. Mulji Brahmachari was so engrossed in thoughts about Shreeji Maharaj that he often made mistakes such as this. His thoughts always concentrated on singular devotion to Lord Swaminarayan.

Once at a religious meeting full of great Saints and devotees Mulji Brahmachari fell asleep during the discourses. Shreeji Maharaj found this out and asked Mulji Brahmachari why he had fallen asleep. Mulji Brahmachari said "Maharaj I had a dream that you were attending to a devotee at his house, the house became an inferno, gulfed with fire all round. I had to carry you and take you to a safe place". Maharaj heard this and could not console his joy and admiration for Mulji Brahmachari, even though asleep, his dreams and thoughts were entrenched in Shreeji Maharaj such was the exceptional devotion of this great saint.

Once during a visit to Bhadra Gham Maharaj gave Mulji Brahmachari his shoes to polish and advised not to allow anyone else this task. A devotee by the name of Vishrambhai saw Mulji Brahmachari and immediately grabbed the shoes and started polishing the shoes himself. Maharaj became aware of this and in an angry mood told Mulji Brahmachari "You are ex-communicated from the Sampraday". Maharaj told Mulji Brahmachari not to wear shoes, eat sweets or oily food as of today. Even though Mulji Brahmachari was rejected by Maharaj he still had love, affection and admiration for the Lord. During his exile from the Sampraday Mulji Brahmachari observed Maharaj's requests vigilantly. Maharaj finally accepted Mulji Brahmachari at the request of a lady devotee. Mulji Brahmachari was overjoyed to be in the service of Maharaj again.

Once, Maharaj was resting with other saints, Mulji Brahmachari was also resting on the top floor of the building. Maharaj shouted out for some water, at an instance Mulji Brahmachari jumped down from the top floor with no regard to him self at all and gave Maharaj the required water. This shows that Mulji Brahmachari was always at the service of the Lord. He entrusted his life and health to Maharaj with total faith.

After Shreeji Maharaj left this world, Mulji Brahmachari was never himself, he would continuously think of the Lord. Some time later he had decided the day had come to leave this material world and accept his place in Akshardham. However the eclipse of the Sun was to fall on this particular day. It has been considered unfortunate to die on the day of an eclipse. As Mohksha or, Salvation cannot be attained. Mulji Brahmachari could not stay away from Shreeji Maharaj any longer. He had been deprived of Maharaj's darshan for long enough, and hence had made his mind up to leave for Akshardham on this day. Shreeji Maharaj, as Lord Almighty, Supreme incarnation, delayed the eclipse of the sun until Mulji Brahmachari was safely with Shreeji Maharaj in his divine abode, such was the faith in Mulji Brahmachari, and such was his love and deep affection for Shreeji Maharaj that Lord Swaminarayan had to postpone a natural and defined occurrence of an eclipse.

What is amazing and what we must all learn from Mulji Brahmachari is that he was not a singer, a poet, a scholar or had great knowledge of the scriptures but he was still totally attached to Lord Swaminarayan. He would think of Lord Swaminarayan day in, day out, during the night he would have sweet dreams of Sahajanand Swami.

If there was ever a devotee of Lord Swaminarayan, who in every minute of the day, and night thought of God it was Mulji Brahmachari. He is an idol of Brahmacharis, and has set examples of how we should love God. Shreeji Maharaj was never without Mulji Brahmachari; he was Maharaj's shadow and hence followed Maharaj wherever Maharaj went. A Saint whose total innocence led him to greater heights of devotion.

 

Dada Khachar

 

Dada Khachar was born in the year V.S 1857, his fathers name was Abel Khachar, and mothers name was Somadevi. They lived in the village of Gadhada. Abel Khachar was originally a devotee of Ramanand Swami and later became a close devotee of Lord Swaminarayan. Dada Khachar’s family was also very religious; he had four sisters, one aunty and two mothers. When Abel Khachar left this world Dada Khachar was only sixteen years old at the time.

Dada Khachar had great love and respect for the Lord, he showed much faith in the Lord, and was affectionate. He offered Shreeji Maharaj what ever Shreeji Maharaj requested, he showed great generosity in all forms. Shreeji Maharaj made the home of Dada Khachar his own home and blessed Dada Khachar with his divine presence. Shreeji Maharaj stayed at Dada's Darbar, and the room where Shreeji Maharaj stayed was known as the akshar ordi.

Dada Khachar was an ideal devotee; a devotee that Shreeji Maharaj was always pleased to be with, he always listened to Shreeji Maharaj and always accepted the words of Maharaj with due honour and respect. Once at the request of Shreeji Maharaj Dada Khachar gave all his property and possessions to his sisters Laduba and Jivuba, whom were sanyasi’s. Dada Khachar did so without any hesitation at all or any ‘don’ts’ in his mind what so ever. Shreeji Maharaj was testing Dada Khachar to see how deep his love for Shreeji Maharaj really was. Dada Khachar had hence passed the test with flying colours. Dada at this stage left for Bhavnagar to attend to his other piece of land. Maharaj then at a later date recalled Dada Khachar back to Gadhada and Dada Khachar had passed the test.

Once an old lady stole two hundred and forty rupees from Dada Khachar's Darbar, she started walking out of the village, as soon as she reached the out skirts of the village she began to see more of Gadhada, the village seemed never ending. The old lady was eventually captured and brought in front of Shreeji Maharaj and Dada Khachar, Shreeji Maharaj ordered Dada Khachar to cut the old lady's head off, but Dada Khachar was a compassionate and a kind man, he fully understood the dharmas that Shreeji Maharaj had laid out in the Shikshapatri about not killing people, he declined to obey Shreeji Maharaj's order. He said to Maharaj that "this lady is your devotee how can I commit murder of a devotee of Lord Swaminarayan". On hearing this Shreeji Maharaj was extremely pleased, and respected Dada Khachar's understanding, Shreeji Maharaj gave Dada Khachar a garland of flowers as a prashad.

Kunverbai was Dada Khachar’s first wife but was unable to bare any children and he did not want to get married again, as he did not want the worries of a grahasta, however there was no-one to look after his estate and other properties after his death, so Maharaj asked Dada Khachar to get married again, Dada Khachar did not think of refusing Maharaj's request.

In Dada Kachers wedding procession Lord Swaminarayan was the driver of the rath (sarthi) or cart, various saints and haribhaktos had also been present with Shreeji Maharaj. The wedding procession had travelled to Bhatvadher, with crackers and fireworks and met darbar Nagpal Varu who was to be Dada Khachar’s father-in-law. Dada Khachar’s wife was Jasuba. The heat of the day made everyone extremely thirsty and hence they wished to drink some water, Shreeji Maharaj ordered Nagpal Varu to dig a hole in the earth at a particular spot, at an instance a fountain of sweet water appeared from the ground, such was the power of Lord Swaminarayan. Even during a season of drought Shreeji Maharaj was able to generate water from dhartimata (mother earth).

During the wedding the atmosphere was a very happy and jolly one, fireworks went off and songs were being sung. The brahmin who was conducting the wedding ceremony got the couple to en-circle the fire four times as is hindu tradition, having performed the various rituals the couple bowed to the idol of Lord Ganesh with respect and also Shreeji Maharaj. Shreeji Maharaj gave Dada Khachar a gold necklace and Jasuba a uttari worth three hundred rupees at the time.

The procession began to leave for Gadhada, Shreeji Maharaj comforted Nagpal Varu and said "do not worry about your daughter, your daughter is my daughter" Shreeji Maharaj was overwhelmed by Nagpal Varu's love and devotion towards Lord Swaminarayan.

Through the grace of Lord Swaminarayan, Jasuba had given Dada Khachar two sons Bava Khachar and Amra Khachar.
After Dada Khachar had left this earth Shreeji Maharaj built a temple and installed the idols of Gopinathji Maharaj in Dada Khachar’s Darbar. Dada Khachar was an ideal devotee, he gave everything to the Lord, and Dada Khachar considered Lord Swaminarayan as the only giver and taker of everything.

Over One hundred and eighty four sections of the holy Vachnamrutam where set in Dada Khachar’s Darbar at Gadhada out of a total of two hundred and sixty two. This shows the great love that Shreeji Maharaj had for Dada Khachar

 

 

Jeenabhai Darbar

 

Jeenabhai Darbar was born in small village called Panchala in India. His mothers name was Gangaba, and his father's name was Manubha, he also had sister's name was Abida. He was Ramanand Swami's shisya. Ramanand Swami came to Panchala with Nilkanth Varni, and gave his blessing to Jeenabhai for the first time.

After the death of Ramanand Swami, Jeenabhai became a devotee of Shreeji Maharaj. Gangaba and Abida also became followers of Shreeji Maharaj.

Jeenabhai had great respect towards the satsang. Despite being a Rajah Sahib (ruler) he followed very strict rules according to principles of Maharaj. He was always careful to ensure that he did not get attracted by other matters in life other than the devotion of Shreeji Maharaj.

Once there was a party at the Nawab's office. There were many people present at the party. Some were drinking alcohol, others were singing and dancing. While enjoying the party the Nawab saw some one in the corner looking down trying to hide his face. The Nawab came over to the corner and was very surprised to discover Jeenabhai Darbar trying to hide his face from the party. The Nawab said to everyone present at the party that Jeenabhai must be a devotee of Shreeji Maharaj as he refused to take part in the party.

Jeenabhai spent most of his income expanding various religious functions, and helping followers of Shreeji Maharaj. He respected Maharaj very much and where ever possible he would go and stay with Maharaj. Once a year he would invite Maharaj and various saints to Panchala for a Katha Parayan. He would then spend large amounts of money in organising such events.
In 1813 A.D Shreeji Maharaj warned his followers in advance that there was going to be a drought in India. He also told Jeenabhai of this. With Shreeji Maharaj's advice Jeenabhai sold all his animals and collected rations, during the drought period Jeenabhai helped devotees and poor people by giving them various items of alms.

Jeenabhai once invited Shreeji Maharaj, saints and disciple to Panchala, and also requested the presence of Jivuba and other ladies. To this Shreeji Maharaj refused and started his journey to Panchala without the women. Later, Jeenabhai with some ladies met Maharaj on the way to Panchala. Maharaj found out about this, he was disappointed with Jeenabhai and turned back. Jeenabhai apologised but Maharaj did not accepted it, just then Sura Khachar and other devotees tried to persuade Maharaj, despite the apology Maharaj did not go to Panchala.

Jeenabhai was hurt because Maharaj did not go to Panchala. He realised that it was his mistake to take ladies with Maharaj to Panchala. God is always forgivable, he forgave Jeenabhai and went to Panchala soon after.

Jeenabhai paid his utmost attention towards the satsang, and his day to day life therefore involved taking charge of various functions. As he was very strict about the rules laid down by Maharaj, other disciples were not very happy with Jeenabhai; a sense of jealousy was in the air. If the other disciples broke any of the rules Shreeji Maharaj would call Jeenabhai to tell them off. Maharaj respected Jeenabhai very much and honoured his love towards Maharaj.

In 1823 Shreeji Maharaj went to Panchala to take part in a festival. Thousands of saints and disciples were invited. Temporary accommodations were provided by Jeenabhai for the festival. The proceedings were very successful, everyone had enjoyed themselves. Jeenabhai prepared a large variety of dishes everyday. Shreeji Maharaj made everyone happy by giving lectures and discourses on the benefits of satsang to the human soul.

On that day Shreeji Maharaj gladly organised to play raas. Maharaj with his devotees went outside the village in a large open place. Maharaj was wearing silky clothes and jewellery. To please his devotees Maharaj created nine circles. On the inside circles were saints and then parsads, and on outer circles were all the devotees. Saints started reciting hymns with musical instruments. Maharaj changed into many of his divine images; he played raas with every devotee. Maharaj pleased everyone that they lost track of time. Maharaj at last ended the raas at 2am in the early morning.

Jeenabhai used to go to Gadhada often to see Shreeji Maharaj. Once he stayed for nine months in Gadhada, and therefore received many letters from Panchala telling him to come home. Jeenabhai never used to read his letters instead he would put them under his pillow. After some time Shreeji Maharaj received a letter from Panchala asking him if Jeenabhai was with him or not. Shreeji Maharaj told Jeenabhai of this, Jeenabhai said "I have received many letters but I have not read any, when I read them they remind me of my home and that does not give me any". Jeenabhai was entrenched in bhakti, he found refuge in Maharaj. Maharaj ordered Jeenabhai to go and see his family at Panchala. Such was the strong attachment to Maharaj that Jeenabhai had.

Some time later Jeenabhai became very ill while at Junagadh. The news reached Shreeji Maharaj in Gadhada. Maharaj immediately went to Junagadh by Mankigodi in the middle of the night. When he arrived in Junagadh everybody woke up from the sound of the Mankigodi's footsteps and started shouting "Maharaj has arrived", "Maharaj has arrived". Shreeji Maharaj went to the palace and sat on Jeenabhai's bed. Jeenabhai was very pleased to see Shreeji Maharaj.

Maharaj asked Jeenabhai "are you guiding your son Hathisingh in the right direction"? Jeenabhai said "if he becomes your devotee no doubt that you will look after him without my guidance, and if he does not become your devotee you will not look after him even if I guide him.” Maharaj was concerned about Hathisingh's future well being. Maharaj had enormous love for Jeenabhai and his family.

Maharaj asked Jeenabhai for the second time, “Do you wish anything?” Jeenabhai said that he wished for the construction of temple within the Surat district of India for the welfare of the local villagers.

Maharaj asked for the third time, "Which heaven do you want to go to? To Badrikasham, Sweetdeep, Waikunth, Golokh or Akshardham?” Jeenabhai replied "Maharaj keep me as your servant like Bhaguji, Miyaji and Mulji Brahmachari". Listening to this Gangaba was concerned. Maharaj asked Gangaba "what if we gave control of Junagadh to Jeenabhai". Gangaba was overjoyed.
In this conversation Maharaj said to Gangaba "what if we give control of Vadodara? What if we give Indra' s rule? What if we give Brahma's rule? What if we give Prakruti's rule?” Listening to these words Gangaba felt very proud. Finally Maharaj said "I want to send Jeenabhai to Akshardham". On listening to these words from Maharaj, he closed his eyes.

All the relatives were informed and prepared for Jeenabhai's funeral. At the beginning Maharaj gave his hand to carry Jeenabhai's coffin. Once out of the street other disciples took over from Maharaj. Many people were surprised to see Maharaj carrying the coffin because when Iccharamji died Maharaj did not carry his coffin so Muktanand Swami asked Maharaj to clarify this.
In clarifying Maharaj said "Jeenabhai carried Kamalsi Vanza's coffin, therefore I carried Jeenabhai's coffin. I walked twice as many steps as Jeenabhai did when he was carrying Kamlasi's coffin". Maharaj explained that in looking after Gods devotees God himself comes down on earth to take his dearest devotee and take him personally to the divine abode – Akshardham.

 

 

 

 

 

Jobanpagi

 

Nilkanth's youth, slim body and shiny brilliant long hair and his face full of radiance. He was sitting near a lake only wearing cotton underwear. Jobanpagi came over to the lake thinking that this might be a great sage. He bowed and touched the sage's feet. Jobanpagi thought that it would be nice if such a sage came to stay at my house. He asked the sage if he could provide accommodation for the night.

Nilkanth said "I am on a pilgrimage visiting holy places across India, on my return I shall stay in your village. After the conversation with others it was discovered that this young sage had come here from his visits throughout India via Umreth. Jobanpagi requested Nilkanth Varni to have some food. Nilkanth Varni went to Jobanpagi's house and cooked some food; he ate after offering the food to God. After the dinner Nilkanth went to Devkaran's house to rest, as he found it peaceful there. The next morning, he told Jobanpagi that he would come back to see him and continued with his journey.

In Vadtal Maharaj gave darshan to Jobanpagi but he did not realise the true supremacy of the Lord. Jobanpagi was a hardened criminal (like Ghabar Singh) and as a result of his activities he was not able to realise the Lord.

At that particular time in Gujarat everybody was frightened of Jobanpagi. Some of the rulers of Gujarat were also petrified of him. Jobanpagi used to travel up to one hundred miles to terrorise ordinary people, he robbed villagers in broad daylight without fear of being caught by the police. Jobanpagi had three brothers, Sundarpagi, Shakropagi, Dalopagi. These four brothers were very close to each other and extremely united in their efforts to cause chaos all over Gujarat.

On one occasion Joban said to his younger brother Sundarpagi "a sadhu has come to Bapujibhai's (a devotee of God) house. Everybody thinks very highly of him. Shall we find out what kind of God he really is, he has a nice Mankigodi (mare). You go and steal the Mankigodi, we shall take it far away and leave it there stranded. We will then see what sort of God he is.”

Sundarpagi absolutely refused to do this, he said "I have seen this Sadhu he is a very powerful magician and a clever person, I believe he has powers similar to God, I am not prepared to make fun of this Sadhu. I am frightened of him".

Jobanpagi disapproved of what Sunderpagi had said. So Jobanpagi woke up in the middle of the night and went to Bapujibhai's house to steal the Mankigodi. He opened the outside door very quietly but it still made enough noise to wake up Bapujibhai's son Rapji who heard this noise and woke up. He grabbed hold of a large knife, opened the window and in front of him lay no other than dangerous Joban. In anger Rapji confronted him; Joban said "I only wanted to see your guru's high powers.” Joban returned to his house frustrated as Rapji had opposed him.

Within a few days Maharaj went to a neighbouring village. Maharaj frequently visited Vadtal, many people became devote satsangi's.

After a few years Maharaj performed a yagna (festival) Dabhan, thousands of disciples took part in this. Present were great kathi darbar's and their expensive horses. These were carefully assembled in specially built stables. Lord Swaminarayan's Mankigodi was also residing there. Joban thought, if I had Mankigodi I could go through many villages in one night and would be highly successful in my activities.

Joban was waiting for night to fall. Within a short time it was dark all round. Very slowly Joban entered in the stable near an overgrown tree. He went near Mankigodi to steal her, all of a sudden he saw sharp rays of glittering light. He looked up and saw Swaminarayan the almighty. He took his hand back from Mankigodi and started to walk backwards so he can escape, hiding from Maharaj. Joban saw Maharaj caressing every horse in the stable, how could this be. Joban tried this for three nights, with the same result. Jobanpagi, the deadliest criminal of his time realised that Swaminarayan is no ordinary sadhu. He said that if this sadhu really is God then when I enter his conference he shall welcome me with my name, and honour me.

On the third day, thousands of devotees were sitting in the yard. It was so quite that one could hear the sound of a pin drop. An unknown person came into the conference, everybody, in great surprise looked at Maharaj. Maharaj welcomed Joban by announcing his name. Joban jumped to the high platform where Maharaj was sitting, bowed down to Maharaj and touched his feet. Maharaj went to lift Joban up by holding his shoulders. Suddenly he fell back on the platform; he did not move and started crying. With water from his eyes he soaked the divine feet of Maharaj's. Jobanpagi got up very slowly and apologised to Maharaj very sincerely.

He said "Prabhu! Muktanand Swami told me about you, but I did not comprehend your greatness. I came in the night to steal your horse and every time I tried I encountered you. I did not recognise you, please bless me and free me from my sins". Shreeji Maharaj listening to Joban patted him on his shoulders and decided to forgive him. Maharaj explained to Joban the rules of the Swaminarayan sampraday and Hinduism, and told Joban to end his terror campaign. Gujarat's most wanted gangster and terror hawk had suddenly changed his entire life. Shreeji Maharaj had steered this hardened criminal into a devote satsangi.
Joban and his brothers stayed with Maharaj as bodyguards to look after him and travelled with Maharaj all over Gujarat. Once, Maharaj returned from Dharmpur to Vadtal. Maharaj said to Joban "In our journey you have done your best in looking after me. I am very pleased with you. I want to give you a boon". Joban holding his hands said to Maharaj, "Prabhu since I meet you, I have had no other desire then to be in your service. However I have one request to make, that you hold festival of Holi here, and invite thousands of devotees. Please give us the opportunity to serve you". Maharaj accepted Joban's request and ordered everyone to prepare for the festival.

To fulfil Joban's wishes Maharaj invited disciples from all over India. Nishkulanand Swami made a very attractive Hindola with twelve doors. The Hindola was placed between two mango trees. Maharaj sat in the Hindola wearing colourful and delightful clothes, embraced with various types of jewellery. Muktanand Swami swung Maharaj's Hindola. To please Joban and the other devotees, Maharaj manifested Himself twelve times and gave the divine darshan standing at the each of the twelve doors of the Hindola, to Joban and the other devotees.

Shreeji Maharaj once performed a festival of Holi in Vadtal with his followers, and stayed at Joban's house. Maharaj was sleeping peacefully at night while Jobanpagi and Hamir were acting as body guards for Maharaj. During the dark cold night they both fell asleep. At that time Khodabhai (a devotee) of Budhej came to ask Maharaj to bless him with his presence at Budhej. Maharaj hesitated, he knew that Vadtal's dearest devotee (Jobanpagi) will not let him go from here for some time yet, therefore it would be better if he left now. He left with Khodabhai in his cart. From the noise of the cart Joban woke up, Joban half asleep did not recognise or realise Maharaj leaving. In the dark, cold night Maharaj and Khodabhai proceeded towards Budhej.
The next day the various disciples came to have darshan of Maharaj. Joban said "Maharaj was tired and is still asleep". After waiting for a little while Joban went to Maharaj's room and saw an empty bed. Everybody was upset and told Joban off. Later it was discovered that Maharaj had left with Khodabhai in the night. They all went to Budhej to inquire. When they met Maharaj he started to laugh and explained to all the disciples the reason for leaving in the middle of the night. Maharaj was certainly moved by Jobanpagi's concern for Maharaj and his well being.

To build a temple in Vadtal, Joban had given a plot of land, and other disciples told Maharaj that they will help one way or another. Maharaj performed the installation of the idols at Vadtal temple. Maharaj asked Joban for more help towards the building of the temple. Joban said "Maharaj you have stopped us from our work of robbing people, we robbed as far as Pune and anybody that came in our way. Now that we have ended this how can we help you with the money?” Maharaj replied "who ever obeys the command of the Lord is considered as a grand person".

Without money nobody becomes small. Some people spend a large part of their income on building temples but if they do not follow the basis of the religion then they will never benefit from their good doing. Unfortunately the wealthy need to be recognised more, however Shreeji Maharaj prefers devotees who perform their religious duties just to please the Lord. "I am not happy with people who try to please me by using their wealth, which may have been earned unlawfully. I am very disappointed with such devotees"

Shreeji Maharaj prefers hard working devotees, who use their wealth for the advancement of dharma and fulfils tier rightful duties, rather then devotees with plenty of money and no dharma". Jobanpagi and his brothers gave their word to help in the construction programme in any way they could. They also requested Maharaj to ensure that generations of the Pagi families would worship Shreeji Maharaj.

Once, Joban had to go to Vaso village to get basic essentials. There Kashiyabhai was sitting outside his house and saw Joban go past, he thought, there was a time when everybody was frightened of Joban. In the streets of Vaso people used to shut the doors, children would stop playing and not make any noise. The person that local villagers were terrified of, today was walking in the streets of Vaso. Further more with a tilak on his forehead, a kanthi (a wooden rosary) around his neck and a mala (rosary) in his hand. What is he up to? In reality Kashiyabhai was not a follower of the Swaminarayan sect but he was surprised to see Joban in that outfit. Kashiyabhai nervously spoke to Joban "aye Joban what have you found in Swaminarayan that you are walking around with a large tilak, kanthi and mala? Can Swaminarayan make a cow from a donkey with his magic?”

Joban said in a very high but polite voice "Kashiyabhai do you still want to see the magic? Normally you could not talk to me, I was the captain of robbers and Swaminarayan made me his disciple, gave me kanthi and mala. Did he make me a cow from a donkey or not?" Kashiyabhai was shocked and said to Joban "yes brother yes", shaking his head in shear amazement.
After Maharaj returned to Akshardham, Joban was not interested in life. He wished for nothing more than the sight of Maharaj, Joban's health deteriorated, various saints advised him to show perseverance and patience.

Joban started to eat sand which was collected earlier from the foot steps of Maharaj's, every day Joban would take a little sand as prasad with his dinner. He often thought of Maharaj, this gave him the strength to see the day through. Once Joban sat down for his dinner there was a chapatti and butter milk placed in his plate, he asked for his prasad of sand. The maid slowly replied "the sand has now finished". Joban was shocked listening to these words. Joban experienced difficulty in breathing; his eyes were wide open, as his soul left his body. Joban finally went to Akshardham to be with Shreeji Maharaj.

Jobanpagi was an ideal example of the kind of work Lord Swaminarayan had come to accomplish. He was able to turn hardened criminals into law abiding, and harmless devotees of the Lord. As a result of Jobanpagi, many criminals during Maharaj's time left their professions and found refuge in Maharaj.

 

 

Parvatbhai

 

Parvatbhai was from the family of kanbi farmer. He lived in a small village named Agatrai near the city called Keshod. The family were introduced to Sahajanand Swami by Ramanand Swami.

Once, Shreeji Maharaj and the devotees planned to gather some grains of food to give to the poor. They went from village to village and collected grains. Parvatbhai offered one hundred full sacks of grains and delivered it by his own ten carts at the place Shreeji Maharaj requested. Maharaj asked if he had left any for himself, Parvatbhai said "your the one who gave me all this, so the first right is yours. If you want them for something you have it, I will look after myself but save those who really need the food.” Parvatbhai had great faith in Shreeji Maharaj's capabilities.

Parvatbhai and his wife decided to go to Gadhada for a while, to spend more time with Shreeji Maharaj and partake in all the religious festivals. Slowly he became deeply involved in satsang and forgot about going home.

Once he sat in the sabha for seven days without any food or drink. His wife was under the impression that Maharaj must be providing the meals, while other devotees in the assembly thought that he was going home to dine. The only person who knew about this was Sahajanand Swami. He sent Mayaram Bhatt to ask Parvatbhai's wife where he was staying these days. His wife obviously found out that he had not eaten for seven whole days or even slept properly. She learned how much he was attached to the devotion of the Lord, so much that he did not even feel hungry. Such was Parvatbhai's desire to attain religious knowledge.

Maharaj praised Parvatbhai in front of all the devotees and said that he was even greater than Parikshit Raja who once did not eat or drink for seven whole days while concentrating on listening to the Bhagvat.

Another devotee Mayaram Bhatt was extremely close to Parvatbhai and asked him how he performs his darshan and puja to the Lord. To this Parvatbhai replied that he has the idol of the Lord in his mind and does the mala, he also chants the mantra Swaminarayan.....Swaminarayan. Mayaram suggested an additional means of performing puja, this was to pray five times a day and follow the various daily routines respectively.

One day Parvatbhai made a wish that he wanted to see the Lords Narsingh swarup (half lion, half man) he always kept thinking about it and wondered what it would be like. On one occasion he came to see Maharaj and expressed his thoughts to him, immediately Shreeji Maharaj, Lord almighty showed Parvatbhai his swarup of the twenty four incarnations. Narsingh was one of the incarnations shown to Parvatbhai. It was an extremely bright and luminous image.

Most of the time, Shreeji Maharaj used to praise Parvatbhai, in front of many devotees. These devotees let their jealousy overcome them. The jealous devotees wondered what Maharaj saw in Parvatbhai. So all the darbars came to Shreeji Maharaj and said they wanted to see Parvatbhai. Maharaj with the darbars all went to Agatrai.

Parvatbhai welcomed them and offered a seat to Shreeji Maharaj. Parvatbhai did not care about the others even though they were darbars and sat beside Shreeji Maharaj. The darbars were so annoyed and became aggravated that they whispered to Maharaj "what kind or person is he," Maharaj relayed a message to Parvatbhai. Parvatbhai got up and proclaimed that when the owner of the world was present why should mere servants have anything to worry about. Parvatbhai showed the darbars where the food was stored. The darbars thought that this was their only chance to humiliate Parvatbhai. They abused the food and made a mockery of Parvatbhai's house. The look on Parvatbhai's face did not change at all. He was still in a happy and joyful mood, and was deeply engaged in discussion with Maharaj.

Maharaj saw what was happening, he ordered all the darbars to gather round at once and said, "Parvatbhai has announced me as the sole owner of this residence, so anything you do to this house or the contents will be taken as an insult to me". He told them to retrieve everything and proclaimed that my devotees are part of me, so anything you do to them will affect me. The darbars were ashamed and accepted Parvatbhai as a great devotee.

Maharaj has claimed that, when a devotee suffers pain or distress of any kind, then he himself feels pain. Such is the feeling that Shreeji Maharaj had for Parvatbhai.

Once, Shreeji Maharaj sent Mayaram Bautt to Parvatbhai to give a message to come immediately. Mayaram gave him the message and later found out that Parvatbhai's son was very ill and close to death. Mayaram tried to convince Parvatbhai to stay with his son and it was important that he should stay. However, Parvatbhai said that Maharaj's message was important too and left for Gadhada. About half away to Gadhada, he received a message that his son had diedd. He still did not return. He took a bath, as it is a custom, and continued with his journey towards Gadhada. He got to Gadhada the next day and went straight to where Maharaj was residing. Maharaj mentioned the death of his son's, and asked if Parvatbhai was in sorrow. The devotee answered "you've taken him to heaven, what could be better then that". Shreeji Maharaj was pleased and overwhelmed with Parvatbhai faith, and blessed him.

Believing just in Maharaj was not all; Parvatbhai also shared happy and sad moments with saints. Once, a few of the saints were accused of stealing sugar cane by nasthiks and opposers of the Swaminarayan sampraday. So Maharaj ordered all the saints not to eat sugar cane any more. Parvatbhai also did the same. He would not eat until Shreeji Maharaj took his order back and allowed the saints to eat sugar cane again. Parvatbhai knew that the saints were innocent, and could not understand why they where being punished for.

Such was the care Parvatbhai offered various saints. He was also extremely compassionate towards devotees as well. Parvatbhai was an ideal devotee of the Swaminarayan sampraday, full of compassion, love and respect towards Maharaj, saints, and devotees.

 

 

Mayaram Bhatt

 

Mayaram Bhatt lived in a village called Manavadar and he was from the Brahmin caste. He was a pupil of Ramanand Swami. Once he was offered a marriage proposal by his relatives, so he came to Ramanand Swami for advice. Swami suggested to him to join the family affairs but do something for the religion, and render service to God.

Later Mayaram and other students were asked to be students of Swaminarayan when Ramanand Swami announced him as the leader of the religion.

One day in Mangrol Shreeji Maharaj told all the students to chant the name Swaminarayan in peace. The idea was to give them samadhi.

Mayaram was also there among these people chanting the name and started feeling drowsy. He quickly got up to wash his face and join the group again. This happened about three or four times, which made him feel that Swaminarayan was using black magic. He left to find out about this from a student of Muktanand Swami. The student told Mayaram that he should see Muktanand Swami for a full explanation. Swami was in Kutch at the time, which is a fair distance from Mangrol.

He decided to begin his journey towards Kutch. He arrived there within a few days and met Muktanand Swami. Mayaram told Swami that Shreeji Maharaj has started giving samadhi but it seemed to me as if he is using black magic because people such as devils and the untouchables are also getting the samadhi, which simply does not make any sense. Lord Swaminarayan welcomed anyone and everyone to his sampraday without any prejudice.

These comments also sent Muktanand Swami into confusion, he doubted Swaminarayan as God. He packed up and left Kutch for Mangrol. He told Maharaj to stop doing such things. However Muktanand Swami and Mayaram were both given samadhi and were shown some peculiar things which gave them faith in Swaminarayan as the Supreme Lord.

Mayaram's mother also believed in Swaminarayan and started praying day and night to see the Lord. Lord Swaminarayan was pleased with her devotion and gave her divine darshan of him self. Mayaram also had the divine darshan which made Mayaram's faith even stronger. Since then he started persuading people to become devotees of Swaminarayan and chant the great maha mantra "SWAMINAYAYAN".

Mayaram's younger brother Govindaram was worried about the financial situation in their home. He suggested that Mayaram should do some merchandising of grains. Mayaram had learnt that getting involved in a business like this would mean having very little time for the devotion of God and sometimes not at all. So he refused to do business. Mayaram was willing to give up his life to the service of Shreeji Maharaj.

Once a woman had borrowed some money from Mayaram and in place left one of her leg's jewellery as a deposit. He stored this in a safe place and forgot about it for a couple of years. One day he was looking for something and saw the jewellery. He remembered the woman and started looking for the other pair because he thought there should be two pieces to this jewellery. He could not find the other pair, and so he went to the goldsmith to have one made for her. After a few months the same poor old lady came to return the borrowed money and take her jewellery back from Mayaram. The woman saw that there were two of pieces, she was completely surprised and amazed. She asked Mayaram how come he was giving her two pieces back as only one was left for deposit. The woman took one of her jewellery and left one with Mayaram.

It was the association with Lord Swaminarayan that this lady was able to speak the truth. Devotees of Lord Swaminarayan are honest, and trustworthy.

When Shreeji Maharaj was writing Shikshapatri he mentioned Mayaram Bhutt in slokha 4 as the best devotees of the house holders. Another devotee called Dinanath became jealous by this, not just that but he even decided not to go to darshan any more. Few days later Dinanath's daughter started acting very strange and she would ask for non-vegetarian food. The parents thought someone has cursed her with an evil spirit. They did so much but nothing could cure the problem. One day one of Shreeji Maharaj's devotees met Dinanath and advised him to go to Shreeji Maharaj. His wife also showed much pain in saying that she could not watch her daughter suffering from such an illness, but he would not leave his jealousy aside. Some time later Dinanath had no choice, so he went to Shreeji Maharaj and told him that Mayaram was good enough to scare the devil spirit away and solve the problem. So he asked Mayaram to be his guest for a day. Mayaram went there purified himself and performed pooja and at the same time they heard the daughter screaming that she was burning to death. After a while she was all right and her health returned to normal.

Dinanath saw this with his own eyes and his jealousy and aggression went away, he realized what power of devotion Mayaram had. Now he also understood why Shreeji Maharaj chose Mayaram as the best devotee of the householders.

Mayaram was someone who always had total satisfaction, all the time. He did everything without any selfish thoughts. His wishes were just to please God and his devotees. He preached to so many people to become devotees of Swaminarayan. He never had any need for material objects such as expensive clothing, tasty dishes, and so he had the power to recognise God and to understand God's glory.

 

 

Jivubai and Laduba

 

Jivuba and Laduba were born in Saurastra district, in the village Gadhada near the town of Bhavnagar. They took birth in the family of darbars. Their father was named Abhel Khachar and their mother was named Somadevi. They had a brother called Dada Khachar. Jivuba was the eldest of the two sisters.

Both sisters from an early age were devoted to divine worship. Like Meerabai, both sisters had decided to spend their life in the holy service of God. In recognition of their devotion His Holiness Lord Swaminarayan spent a major part of his life in Gadhada. The deep devotion of King Abhay, also known as Abhel Khachar, and that of his family to the faith attracted Lord Swaminarayan to remain with the devotees at their residence.
In their childhood Jivuba and Laduba were known by the names Jaya and Lalita. Due to the teachings of Lord Swaminarayan the sisters renounced domestic life to take up life as sankhyogis in the service of God.

For the pleasure of Lord Swaminarayan the sisters used to celebrated Janmashtmi, Vasant Panchmi, Probodhini Ekadashi and many other such festivals. The dates in the bright half of the lunar month were organised by Jivuba and the dates falling in the dark half were organised by Laduba. Every celebration was marked by a great festival attended by thousands of disciples and worshippers. Many kinds of dishes were prepared by Jivuba and Laduba.

By the kind grace of Lord Swaminarayan the sisters were able to see and hear every discourse given by Lord Swaminarayan where ever it was. They were able to sense Maharaj returning to Gadhada and would begin to prepare for his welcome.

They would pay penance by fasting if a man came within five yards of them. They also refrained from touching any woman carrying a male child. They strictly observed the laws of a celibacy, and non-attachment to worldly objects.

The sisters would only eat a basic meal consisting of daal, millet bread and water. The amount was just enough to sustain their day. They would get up before dawn at four o'clock, wash themselves, meditate upon the Lord and perform pooja, before spending the rest of the day worshipping Lord Swaminarayan.

During a discourse given by Lord Swaminarayan a question was raised by some listeners in the audience. This was concerning the reasons why Lord Swaminarayan showed greater respect towards Jivuba and Laduba over other devotees and why he preferred to preach in their palace. To explain this to the devotees, one day Lord Swaminarayan summoned the Sisters in the middle of a large congregation. He asked them, "Will you give me all that I ask for?" Both Sisters replied, "Yes my Lord. We will give you whatever you ask for" Lord Swaminarayan said "Will you give me your kingdom, wealth, property and all other belongings?". The Sisters replied "Yes my Lord". Lord Swaminarayan ordered "Then leave me what I have asked for and go outside from this kingdom". Laduba and Jivuba together with their younger brother Dada Khachar started to leave the palace. At that instant Lord Swaminarayan told them to stop and provide in writing, on a legally binding document, everything he had asked for and then leave. The Sisters signed the appropriate documents and left. As they were walking out towards the borders of the kingdom they were met by Sura Khachar. He asked the Sisters where they were going. The Sisters told them their story.

Sura Khachar a staunch and loyal devotee of the Lord was saddened by the tale. He asked them to wait under the shade of a nearby tree while he went to Lord Swaminarayan to request him to call back the sisters and return their kingdom and belongings. To this Lord Swaminarayan told Sura Khachar "Go to them and tell them that Maharaj has called you back, they will return immediately". Sura Khachar went to Jivuba and Laduba and brought them back to the assembly, and in front of Lord Swaminarayan.

Lord Swaminarayan told Jivuba and Laduba "I have called you back because the papers that you have signed can fade or get damaged and then you could reclaim everything back. So I want you to sign an engraved copper plate which will not fade or get damaged." To this Jivuba replied "My Lord, why just on a copper plate, if you wish I will promise you everything engraved on my heart and hand it to you". Lord Swaminarayan turned to the audience and asked "Is there anyone in this congregation who has any doubts about why I have such a great respect towards Jivuba and Laduba."

The doubters came forward and asked for forgiveness from Lord Swaminarayan and promised that they would never raise such question of trust and loyalty again.

The moral of the story is that, Jivuba and Laduba would if requested by Maharaj hand over their lives. They had deep and sincere faith in Shreeji Maharaj. They would entrust everything to Maharaj.

On one occasion Jivuba was travailing from Kariyani to her home in Gadhada. During her journey she came across a saint seated under a lust green tree. The saint was in much distress. The saint, Akhananand Swami was sick and needed immediate help. Jivuba could not pass any saint or devotee in distress, and hence offered Swami a ride back to Gadhada. She returned to Gadhada on foot.

Jivuba and Laduba were ideal female devotees of the Lord. They have set an example for all females to follow. Their devotion has been proclaimed by the Lord as the highest form. The sisters had been engrossed with divine spiritual knowledge. Their constant contact and love for the Lord ensured that their hearts and minds were fully nourished with the fruits of devotion. The sisters would not have spared themselves from pain or discomfort if their actions would fulfil Maharaj's request or desire. Their love for Maharaj was ever expanding and flourishing; they would pass their knowledge to other females and hence generated greater religious awareness amongst the women folk.

 

 

 

Kadhvibai

 

Two hundred years ago, the village of Jethpur in Gujarat state was privileged enough to bare the birth of a person who would later in life, up-hold the flag of the Hindu religion, with defined levels of morality and humanity. A brahman named Jivajasi and his wife Pathadhibai lived in Jethpur. They were disciples of Ramanand Swami. They had two sons named Goverdhan and Shiva. The couple also had a daughter by the name of Kadhvibai.

When Kadhvibai was old enough for marriage Jivajasi got her married in Jethpur. Even at her in-laws she strictly observed the laws of the Swaminarayan sampraday. She would always offer food to the Lord before eating her self and would filter liquids such as ghee, water, milk before drinking.

In the evening Kadhvibai would read the Shikshapatri and observe the strict dharmas according to the rules of the sampraday.
Kadhvibai's observation of religious vows, were often opposed by her in-laws and her husband. Sometime the in-laws would put onions and garlic into the prepared food, on such occasions Kadhvibai would abstain from eating the food and fast. The immorality did not stop at that, the in-laws would place slices of onions in the water pot, on such occasions Kadhvibai wouldn't drink even a drop of water. Even though she carried all her duties at home, everyone use to abuse Kadhvibai and insult her religious opinions and practices. However Kadhvibai's faith was so strong, that she was un-moveable in her devotion to the Lord.

One day Kadhvibai went to fetch some water from the river, there she saw at least twenty five men watering their horses. Kadhvibai at this stage saw the divine form of Shreeji Maharaj. Kadhvibai in an excited voice said "oh this is Maharaj himself". She could not control the joy of having darshan of Maharaj for the first time. Kadhvibai left her water pot on one side and ran over and fell at Maharaj's feet. Maharaj said "Kadhvibai, you, what are you doing here", Kadhvibai said that she came to fetch some water from the river. However she considered herself extremely fortunate that she had the sight of Maharaj.

Maharaj asked Kadhvibai "are you alright my daughter". Maharaj always addressed his dearest devotees by such affectionate means. Maharaj asked this question to Kadhvibai because he was fully aware the distress that she was suffering. However, how could Kadhvibai transpose her feelings to Maharaj, tears fell from Kadhvibai's eyes. From these tears Shreeji Maharaj sensed and understood the real pain that Kadhvibai was going through. The tears spoke for themselves. However Shreeji Maharaj wanted to test Kadhvibai's determination, and devotion further.

Maharaj saw the tilu on Kadhvibai's forehead, bangles on her hands and a line made from kum kum powder on her head denoting her marital status, and a necklace. Maharaj said that these items were all obstacles in the way of devotion to the Lord. At in instance Kadhvibai had sensed Maharaj's intentions. Shreeji Maharaj was trying to persuade Kadhvibai to give up her marital status and renounce the world. Maharaj knew that this would be the only answer for total happiness. After a while they both went on their ways.

Kadhvibai came home, placed the water pot on the floor and started to remove the tiloo, and red kum kum from her forehead. Kadhvibai's mother-in-law asked what she was doing; Kadhvibai rather horridly replied "you would not understand what I am doing". The mother-in-law was astounded and outraged by the reply. Kadhvibai also took of her bangles and the necklace, much to her mother-in-laws anger. The mother-in-law hurled verbal abuse towards Kadhvibai, but Kadhvibai did not utter a word in response. She had made up her mind about renouncing the world. Later Kadhvibai called a barber and had her long hair shaved off, she then put on an outfit befitting a widow. At this action Kadhvibai's husband and in-law's spoke unspeakable words; they insulted Kadhvibai to the limits of decency and human morality. Her husband was particularly annoyed as she had assumed the form of a widow, when he was still alive. Kadhvibai's husband physically abused her by repeatedly assaulting her. However, with all this abuse, beating, and insults she was determined as ever to live according to Shreeji Maharaj's requests. She was willing to suffer much more pain if it would mean her being in the divine presence of the Lord. She found peace and tranquillity in resorting and abiding by the dharmas of Lord Swaminarayan.

Many people from the village tried to reason with Kadhvibai, but she would not move an inch, the height of her devotion was as high as the highest mountains. During the hard and painful times Kadhvibai took refuge in Shreeji Maharaj, she continually had Shreeji Maharaj in her heart and mind. She never thought of asking the Lord for help of any sort. She was determined to see through this pain.

Shreeji Maharaj could not bare to see Kadhvibai's ordeal any longer, and impatiently presented himself in the room that Kadhvibai was sleeping. The room was illuminated with bright sparkling rays of Shreeji Maharaj's luminosity. Kadhvibai woke up and fell at Shreeji Maharaj's feet. She was relieved to see the sight of Maharaj. Tears fell from her eyes at an alarming rate. Shreeji Maharaj comforted Kadhvibai and told her that she had endured much pain, pain that great saints and scholars could not accept. He said Kadhvibai "you would no longer have to suffer this anguish any more".

Shreeji Maharaj devised a plan to release Kadhvibai from her in-laws; Kadhvibai was overjoyed at hearing this. The plan is as follows. The next morning Kadhvibai went to the river to fetch some water, as advised by Maharaj. The river was extremely violent after heavy rain had fallen during the night. The stormy river took Kadhvibai away with it. Maharaj had been waiting for Kadhvibai in the river to take her away safely. Kadhvibai's in-laws were under the impression that she had drowned in the stormy river. Maharaj took Kadhvibai to Gadhpur to spend her life with Jivuba and Laduba. Maharaj explained to Jivuba and Laduba that Kadhvibai had accepted much pain and suffering to please him. Later Kadhvibai was initiated as a sankhyogi, the name she was given after initiation was Mohta Rambai.

Kadhvibai was an ideal example of a devotee of Lord Swaminarayan. She was convinced that the devotion to Lord Supreme was the only, and the best means of attaining salvation. Furthermore, she accepted the various tests that Maharaj had put her through, and passed them admirably. Kadhvibai was put through unacceptable distress, torture, physical suffering, misery, and heartache in her life, but she stood firm in her devotion to the Lord.

 

 

Dhanbai Fai

 

In the district of Kutch there is a village called Rampur. Dhanbai's great-great-grandfather lived there. His name was Lakshmanbhai and was a great devotee of Mahadeva (Lord Shiva). Lord Mahadeva was pleased with his devotion and asked Lakshmanbhai to make a wish, Lakshmanbhai said "he wishes to see the swarup of Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva said "God is currently enjoying his childhood in Chappaiya at the moment, but in a few years, he will come to this part of India and your wishes will be fulfilled by him.”

After a few years Lord Swaminarayan came to Lakshmanbhai's farm disguised as a priest. Lakshman did not recognize the Lord. The Lord said that he was hungry, so Lakshmanbhai gave him some rotalo to eat. A few minutes later Lord Swaminarayan said he was now thirsty and wanted some water to drink. Lakshman this time ignored him, so the Lord expanded his hand and got some water from the deep well. Lakshmanbhai saw this and remembered the wishes he made to Mahadeva. He now realised that it is Lord Supreme himself who has come. He quickly ran and bowed down to the Lord with great reverence. Lord Swaminarayan blessed him and said "a great devotee will be born in your family in the near future, who will be known as Dhanbai.”

Mother Jivubai and father Hirjibhai in Rampur had four sons and after them was born Dhanbai in 1881 (kartika sud purnima). Her childhood was completely different from the other children in her family. She never cried, always had a smiling and a cheerful face. The parents were overjoyed by watching her pleasant nature.

At the age of four, she started behaving like an adult. She prayed for long periods in the morning, she never went out to play with the other children but spent her day at home learning songs and poems about God. She always kept telling her parents that she did not want to get married but instead wished to render service to God by staying single. However, when she was fifteen her parents engaged her to a young man in Baladia Gham and arranged her marriage. Dhanbai was so disappointed by this that she prayed to God to save her from this misfortune. She went on a fast and became so weak that she became very sick. Even in this condition she was married and sent to her in-laws in Baladia.

Dhanbai's in-laws were not religious at all and ate onions and garlic; they also forced Dhanbai to eat these items as well. She was so annoyed by their behaviour that she stayed without food for fifteen whole days.

Later Shreeji Maharaj gave her darshan and told her not to worry, as he would save her from this pain and distress. The Lord gave her ladoos to eat as prasad and disappeared in the limelight. After a few days Shreeji Maharaj was very pleased with her devotion (and vairagya), that he took her away from the family and gave Dhanbai permission to join the satsang. It was quite clear that even though she got married she never touched her husband and stayed pure throughout her married life.

Dhanbai was given sankhyogi status in 1898 at the age of seventeen by a great Fayaba called Surajba. Surajba's devotion and faith in the Lord was remarkable. She had the power to see the divine form of Shreeji Maharaj through the power in her eye sight. Dhanbai rendered good service to Surajba and gained great pleasure off her. After Surajba's death, Dhanbai was given the leadership of looking after the satsang. Surajba told Dhanbai just before she died about the power she was given by Lord Swaminarayan. Once she went to Gadhapur for Lord's Darshan and asked Maharaj to do something to expand the Satsang in Kutch. At that time, people in Kutch ware uneducated, poor and unaware of God's existence. Shreeji Maharaj was pleased with her request and gave her everlasting five hands full of grains and five Kori. With this she was told to give poor people alms, feed them and perform Parayans to give the local people knowledge of Lord Swaminarayan. Surajba passed this power to Dhanbai and asked her to continue the job of expanding knowledge.

First of all, Dhanbai organised seven days of Parayan for Surajba, carrying out the nessecery rituals. She then planned a big celebration for Tulsi Vivah and invited people from all twenty four villages of Kutch to join in the festivals. Over seven hundred Kori was spent on this occasion by Dhanbai. Almost every year she used to plan for an occasion to have a Parayan, to give people the required knowledge of God. Meals were always provided on these occasions for the duration of the festival. She tried to make people happy and healthy, her motive was always to help people to realise the greatness and true glory of Lord Supreme.

Many people started believing in God and started to attend satsang at the temple everyday. At one point the temple became too small for the local population, so Dhanbai decided to build a larger temple. At the same time Saints were rebuilding the assembly hall in Bhuj so they told Dhanbai that it would be wise if she delayed the construction of the temple after the hall at Bhuj was completed. In reply Dhanbai said "I will not ask for any help from Bhuj or other villages, if that's what you are worried about". She will build the temple with the help of Rampurs. Dhanbai later give permission to start the construction of the new temple. Approximately 2,000 Koris was spent on this temple. For the opening (Murti Pratishtha) and one day meal for the people of all the twenty four villages over seven days parayan, approximately 30,000 Kori was used.

The Rampur Ganga where Shreeji Maharaj himself had been for snan (bath) was rebuilt and expanded by Dhanbai. Five main Deities, Vishnu, Shiva, Ganapati, Parvati and Surya were installed. A Parayan of seven days was held at this place and given the name of Mahatmaji of Gangaji. On this and other Parayan's, religious shastras such as Shikshapatri Bhashya, Satsangi Jivan, Shree Hanuman Kavatch, Sudha Sindhu, Dhanbai spent 140,000 Koris. Later a big Bhakti Parayan was set up, when all the Kutchi's were invited for the seven day celebration.

All together about 550,000 Koris was spent on Parayans, yatras, funds for building temples in various villages, the Lord's meals and garments, saints meals, and on helping the poor and needy. When Dhanbai went to Akshardham her death ceremony attracted thousands of people from all over Kutch. When her body was cremated many people saw Lord Swaminarayan welcoming Dhanbai to Akshardham on his divine rath (chariot).

Even though Shreeji Maharaj had passed away to Akshardham during Dhanbai Fhayas life, she had excessive devotion, faith and sincere love for the Lord. She often saw Shreeji Maharaj through meditation. Dhanbai has set an example for all satsangis to follow.

Surajba

 

Surajba was given diksha at the tender age of 17 in (S.V) 1889. She was from the family of Brahmans and lived in Bhuj, the capital city of Kutch district.

Once, Shreeji Maharaj was travelling through the villages of Kutch, in the company of saints and devotees. He came to Bhuj to stay for few days. Surajba had rendered exceptional service to Shreeji Maharaj. Lord Swaminarayan was very pleased with her devotion and asked Surajba to make a wish. Surajba said she wished Shreeji Maharaj to stay in Bhuj so that she could have the divine darshan of him continuously. Surajba was keen to be in the presence of the Lord at all times and witness his great activities. Maharaj pleased with Surajba's request said that he was not in a position to stay for long in Kutch. However, how could the Lord refuse to grant such a wish from a dear devotee. So Shreeji Maharaj gave Surajba the benefit of super divine eye sight. With this Surajba would be able to witness Shreeji Maharaj when ever she so desired, and hence could have the benefit of his divine activities.

Surajba through her profound and sincere love for the Lord expanded the Swaminarayan satsang within the Kutch district. She performed parayans and festivals with great pomp and joy. Once while serving the icons installed in the temple at Bhuj Shreeji Maharaj appeared and said to her, "I am very pleased with your devotion and service". Maharaj told Surajba that she would find him at her side when ever she needed help for the expansion of the satsang. Such was the respect Shreeji Maharaj had for Surajba's great devotion.

Once Surajba went to Gadhada, she saw Shreeji Maharaj feeding the doves in the court yard. Surajba was very surprised and said, "how is it, that you are doing a job like this, there are many others to do this job". In reply to this Shreeji Maharaj said that the doves he was feeding were no ordinary doves. They will be born as devotees in their next life. Shreeji Maharaj said that these doves will be born in Kutch district within the family of Kanbi's and will perform satsang of an extremely high standard. Shreeji Maharaj gave her some grain and 5 Koris. With this Maharaj said that she would be able to feed as many devotees as she wished, but the 5 Koris would never run out.

With the 5 Koris she will be able to give alms and financial assistance to the poor and needy. Shreeji Maharaj blessed Surajba and instructed her to perform various yagnas and parayans to give people religious knowledge. Surajba again insisted that it would much better if Shreeji Maharaj himself stayed in Kutch. Surajba's faith and love for Shreeji Maharaj was unmatchable. Shreeji Maharaj was moved by Surajba's exceptional devotion. With this Shreeji Maharaj gave great powers to Surajba, she was given super human powers that had the potential to influence people. Surajba promoted satsang amongst devotees with these great powers.

Surajba did as Shreeji Maharaj advised her. The sampraday expanded at an alarming rate. However the 5 Koris that Maharaj had given was not used for the purpose for which it was given. The local Kanbi folk refused to take anything from a brahman. So when the time of leaving this world came, she called Dhanbai of Rampur and gave her the 5 Koris. Surajba told her to perform great yagnas and give alms to deserving people without any limit and, also to expand the knowledge of our sanctified satsang. Surajba told Dhanbai that she would never find any shortage in money as Lord Swaminarayan will always be there to help her, and to direct her in all her activities. So Dhanbai carried on the great work that Surajba had started.

Surajba was one in a thousand. Shreeji Maharaj had installed great powers in her, and only because of her deep faith, sincere love, strong devotion high bhakti towards God, and her affection to fellow devotees.