Living Divine

Accepting Humility just from a Pair of Sandals : A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj

Estimated read time 3 min read

In a world wired for self‑promotion, success often looks like follower counts, luxury labels, and receiving deference from others. Yet on a quiet evening in Ahmedabad, Mahant Swami Maharaj demonstrated that true greatness is found not in the spotlight but in where we choose to bow. On September 4, 2018, he stepped out for a simple stroll through the mandir’s corridors. As he passed the kitchen, he noticed a neat row of sandals—thread‑bare kolhapuris and worn rubber slippers belonging to resident sadhus. They were unremarkable to most eyes, but they halted him in his tracks. Folding his hands, he lowered his head in full [Read More…]

Living Divine

Finding True Value: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj

Estimated read time 4 min read

In a world driven by the allure of the latest gadget, the trendiest outfit, and the next big purchase, it’s all too easy to lose sight of what really matters. We chase after material comforts, hoping they’ll fill the void inside us, only to discover that the emptiness remains. Yet, hidden in the life of Mahant Swami Maharaj is a quiet counterpoint to this relentless pursuit—a story of humility, devotion, and unwavering simplicity that offers a profound lesson for us all. The Tale of a Two-Anna Rosary On November 21, 2016, during his daily cheshta—a ritual of devotion—Pujya Mahant Swami [Read More…]

Living Divine

Seeing Extraordinary in Every Soul: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj

Estimated read time 3 min read

March 16, 2019. Navsari, Gujarat. The evening celebration had just concluded. Mahant Swami Maharaj, having blessed the assembly, quietly made his way to the car waiting to take him back to the Sant Ashram. As the vehicle gently pulled away, his gaze caught something that made him pause. There they were—lined up with innocent smiles and hopeful eyes—a group of young boys, patiently waiting for one last glimpse of their beloved Guru. A sevak sant, noticing Swamishri’s glance, leaned forward and explained, “Swami, these are the boys who performed for you tonight.” Instantly, Swamishri’s eyes welled up with love. These [Read More…]

Living Divine

Beyond Words, Beyond Time: Meeting Mahant Swami Maharaj

Estimated read time 19 min read

Humans are driven by feelings. Long after words have faded, after moments have passed, what lingers is how we felt—how someone made us feel. This is not an account of events. It is not a collection of stories or incidents. This is something far more delicate, far more elusive. This is a reflection on a feeling. A humble, feeble attempt to put into words what can only truly be experienced by the heart. Not just any feeling, but the feeling of meeting Mahant Swami Maharaj. Before you read further, I invite you to pause the whirlwind of your life. Detach [Read More…]

Living Divine

A Lesson of Love and Respect: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj

Estimated read time 3 min read

On the evening of October 9, 2016, in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, the sun had dipped low, casting soft golden hues over the BAPS campus. The air was calm, the atmosphere reverent. Mahant Swami Maharaj, having completed his evening engagements, began his walk back to his room. As he stepped onto the metal bridge connecting the Sabha Hall to the Pradakshina path, a familiar scene unfolded. Devotees—many of whom had stood there countless times before—waited eagerly for his darshan. Their eyes shimmered with devotion. Their hands folded with hope. Their hearts beat with silent prayers. Swamishri paused. He didn’t glance briefly and [Read More…]

Living Divine

Simple Act of Kindness: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj

Estimated read time 3 min read

In the quiet town of Sarangpur, Gujarat, on a seemingly ordinary morning—April 9, 2019—something extraordinary unfolded. It wasn’t marked by ceremony or grand proclamation. It was a small moment, easily missed by most. But for one man, it became unforgettable. Every morning, as Mahant Swami Maharaj stepped out of Sarvasva, his residence, he would make his way down the familiar stairs facing the Sapodilla orchard. And like clockwork, at the same spot, stood a security guard. There were no long conversations, no elaborate exchanges—just a smile, a nod, a small greeting. Yet, in that simple act, there was warmth. Recognition. [Read More…]

Living Divine

Unshakable Devotion: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj

Estimated read time 3 min read

They say true commitment isn’t measured by comfort—it’s revealed in challenge. In September 1997, at the age of 64, Mahant Swami Maharaj embarked on a journey that would push the very edges of human endurance. Not just a journey of miles—but of meaning. In the span of just four days, he traveled over 30,000 kilometers across continents. On September 3rd, he flew from London to Mumbai. The very next night, he departed for Singapore. There was no pause, no time to recover. From Singapore, he continued straight on to Sydney, Australia, arriving on the morning of the 5th. For most, [Read More…]

Living Divine

True Greatness Lies in Humility: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj

Estimated read time 2 min read

They say the truest measure of a person is not in how high they rise, but in how deeply they serve. On November 5th, 2016, in the spiritual town of Gondal, Gujarat, Mahant Swami Maharaj once again exemplified what it means to lead with humility. After completing his morning puja, Swamishri made his way to the Sant Ashram. The air was calm, filled with the quiet reverence that often follows him. Amidst the morning stillness, a cheerful devotee stepped forward. Full of enthusiasm and pride, he introduced himself:“Swami, I am Shri Krishna Pandya. I have received the Best Teacher Presidential [Read More…]

Living Divine

The True Meaning of Giving: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj

Estimated read time 2 min read

The truest measure of greatness is humility. This powerful principle was brought to life on May 14th, 2019, during a Diksha ceremony in Surat. The occasion was significant, but what made it truly remarkable was a simple yet profound act of reverence by Mahant Swami Maharaj, offering a lesson in humility that continues to resonate. During the ceremony, the Santos presented Swamishri with a very unique shawl. This was no ordinary shawl; it was adorned with the images of all the students from the training assembly. As the Santos prepared to drape Swamishri with this special shawl, he immediately stopped [Read More…]

Living Divine

The True Meaning of Giving: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj

Estimated read time 2 min read

October 5th, 2016, Nadiad, Gujarat. As Mahant Swami Maharaj walked toward the morning aarti, the joyful voices of hostel students filled the air—“Narayan Hare Sachidanand Prabhu!” This ancient chant carries deep tradition, often heard during Makar Sankranti, when those in need humbly ask for alms. But that morning, the students playfully directed it toward Swamishri, asking, “Swamishri, what will you give us?” With a gentle smile, he replied, “My whole self.” Simple words, yet deeply profound. A guru is more than just a teacher—he is a living example of sacrifice. Not the kind of sacrifice where one simply gives something [Read More…]