Yugapurush President Swami Maharaj

Yugapurush President Swami Maharaj

There is a small village called Chansad near the city of Vadodara in the state of Gujarat. Pramukh Swami Maharaj was born there on December 7, 1921 to Shri Motibhai Patel, an ordinary farmer living in this village and Diwaliben. His childhood name was Shantilal. Chansad village was Swaminarayan Satsangi, different monks used to visit this village frequently. During his wanderings, he used to visit Mr. Motibhai's house as well. Pujya Shastriji Maharaj also frequently visited Chansad. Shastriji Maharaj, while blessing the child Shantilal in the horse, said, "He is ours. In the future, you will offer it to us."

As the child Shantilal grew up, he started going to school. Now after completing his primary school education in Chansad village, Shantilal went to Padra, the urban center of Vadodara district. There was a secondary school here and English was also taught. Even during his student days, his contact with the monks continued. He often had the opportunity to stay with Shastriji Maharaj. Because of his gentle nature, he was beloved among monks. That day 7-11-1939 was Tuesday and Ekadashi. On November 7, 1939, Motibhai received a letter from Shastri Maharaj. On that day, Shantilal was almost completing eighteen years. The message of the letter then was: "The time has come for Shantilal to come to Bochasan (the center of the Swaminarayan sect) to become a monk." Parents gave him hearty blessings: "Go brother, God will be pleased with you. We have full blessings."

Parshad and Bhagavata Deeksha:

Under the guidance of Shri Ghanshyam Swami, Shantilal underwent complete training as a monk. They moved from game to game, mostly on foot. Those were tough days for him. Finally they settled in Bochasan. Shankar Bhagat and Nirgan Swami looked after him. The training lasted from early morning till late night. Parshad is the first step on the ladder of becoming a monk. On Wednesday 22nd November 1939, he became a 'Shanti Bhagat' after being initiated by the Parshad. The title of 'Bhagat' given at the initiation of Parshad is part of the process of transformation. On receiving Parshad's initiation, the initiate has to wear a white turban, a white handkerchief and a white undergarment. Eating everything on a wooden plate is a tasteless meal. Celibacy has to be strictly observed. The training for this phase is also very tough. Intimate training is provided day and night. Shantilal worked hard. Deeply studied the scriptures. Shastriji Maharaj got unique status. Then they were taken to the gondola. Here he met another great spiritual leader Sri Yogiji Maharaj. Shastriji Maharaj here Posh Sud Ekam, Vikram Samvat 1966 and Wednesday, dt. On January 10, 1940, he was initiated as a monk by distributing saffron clothes. He worshiped Akshardevi. Yogiji Maharaj blessed and said, "He will become a great monk." Shastriji Maharaj said "Let us name him Narayanaswaroop Dasji. I want him to study hard and become a scholar. I want him to be a great sadhu of great ability." This time his age was 19 years.

Narayanaswarupdasji then started traveling to many centres. Wandered in many villages. Met a lot of people. Learned Sanskrit and studied scriptures in detail. Six years later, in the year 1946, he was appointed as a 'kothari' in the Sarangpur temple. The position of Kothari Swami is to handle administrative responsibilities along with religious activities. He has to supervise the entire work in the temple and coordinate the various activities.

- Dr. Kirit Shelat