Shastriji Maharaj said.... 'This is ours, offer it to us'

- Journey from Shantilal to Pramuch Swami

Shantilal was born in the house of Mobhadar Bhaktaraj Motibhai and Diwaliba in a Patidar (Patel) family in Chansad village on the day of Magashar Sud 8th of Vikram Samvat 1978 (dated 7-12-1921).

Shastriji Maharaj, who reached Chansad, blessed the newborn Shantilal and said to his father Moti Bhai: 'This is ours. Offer it to us.'

On just one note of Shastriji Maharaj, in 1939, at the age of 18, he abandoned his home and dedicated his life at the feet of Shastriji Maharaj. Dated by Shastriji Maharaj in Amliwali Pol in Ahmedabad. On 22-11-1939 Parshadi initiated, and in Gondal Akshar Deri dt. Bhagwati took initiation on 10-1-1940 and became Narayanaswarupdas Swami from Shantilal.

On the orders of Shastriji Maharaj, he studied Sanskrit in Bhadran, Khambhat and Ahmedabad instead of earning a living by begging for alms. Shastriji Maharaj addressed him as 'Shastri' due to his diligence in studies. Hence he became 'Shastri Narayanaswarupdasji'.

What was the stain on the tip of Swamiji's nose?

Though a brilliant scholar, the modesty devoted himself to doing the smallest service to the Guru's promise. Atladara Temple - When he joined the service of construction, even forgetting his body consciousness, he served lime, due to which the whole body became hot. Shastriji Maharaj's blessings cured him, but left a red mark on the tip of his nose that would bear witness to the event for many years.

Pleased with his austerity and practicality along with his scholarship, Shastriji Maharaj appointed him as Kothari of the Sarangpur temple at the age of just 24.

Vikram Samvat 2066, Jeth Sud Choth Date. On 21-5-1990, Sunday, Shastriji Maharaj draped the 28-year-old Narayanaswarupdas in BAPS. Swaminarayan appointed the president of the organization in his place, thus he became the 'Pramukh Swami' of everyone. On that historic occasion held at Amliwali Pol in Ahmedabad, Pramukhswami Maharaj made a pledge: 'I pledge today before Gurushri and this meeting that I will do my duty properly and remain completely loyal to your organization without caring about my body.'

From 1951 to 1971, BAPS was under the umbrella of Shastriji Maharaj's successor, Yogiji Maharaj. Swaminarayan made a unique contribution to the rise of the institution.

Dt. After the death of Yogiji Maharaj on 23-1-1971 at the age of 51, he took the helm of Yoga and Kshem of millions of Hari devotees as the fifth Brahmaswarup Gurudev of Lord Swaminarayan's Transcendent Guru Parampara.

With his incessant wanderings from village to village and town to town, he infused spiritual values ​​into the lives of countless people. Societies and individuals made enormous efforts to remove the sufferings of individuals.

Travel to over 17,000 locations

After undergoing many hardships, he has traveled to more than 17,000 villages and cities in fifty-two countries, visiting more than two and a half lakh houses and freeing people from addictions, he is the lifeblood of Satsang life.

Wrote more than seven lakh letters, removed the people's questions and showed the true expectation of their lives.

He created a total of more than 1,100 temples to keep the eternal spiritual values ​​and rituals of Indian culture alive in human life. These temples are becoming the best abode of human upliftment.

Attracted by his spiritual influence, more than 900 well-educated youths dedicated their lives. And by inducting him into sainthood spread a wave of moral and spiritual values ​​through him in the society.

By organizing grand cultural festivals in England, America, Africa and India, he introduced unique Indian culture. He has praised the dignity of Indian culture all over the world.

President in true sense

From constructive gaushala to constructive agriculture, from dowry-free mass marriages to literacy campaigns, from tribals to the upliftment of backward castes, he made unparalleled contribution in every sphere of social service and was becoming a true 'leader' in social-redemptive works.

Due to Swamishri's global talent showing sympathy for all religions, he was invited to UNO in 2000 to convey the message of peace and unity to the world as the representative of Hinduism at the 'Vishwashanti Parishad'. In the holy presence of Pramukhswami Maharaj, who remained unselfish despite creating such a series of unique works, countless people have directly experienced the cool grace and presence of the Supreme Lord, and countless people are doing so even today.

- Dr. Kirit Shelat