Category: Living Divine
The Spiritual Power of Seva: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
The Moment That Moved a Guru A Glimpse into True Devotion January 2nd, 2023 — Bal Din (Children’s Day) — was a day of joy and celebration in Ahmedabad, India. As thousands gathered for the occasion, Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, made his way back to his residence in a golf cart after the festivities. Along the path, devotees lined up, offering folded hands and smiles. But what caught his attention was not the crowd — it was a small group of volunteers and sadhus standing quietly in the background. A Leader’s Blessing His attendant [Read More…]
When Compassion Silences Pain: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
Can you imagine your heart being so absorbed in someone else’s pain that your body forgets its own? On 4th January 2020, news broke of a devastating wildfire in Australia. The flames raged across millions of acres, claiming the lives of over 500 million animals and displacing thousands of people. The world watched in horror, and grief swept through homes and hearts alike. That evening, Mahant Swami Maharaj joined the routine prayers as usual. Yet those who were present noticed—his body was in the room, but his mind was far away. It was with the animals, the forests, and the [Read More…]
One Glance That Changed a Life: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
In the quiet village of Lavarpur, near Gandhinagar, lived Rakeshbhai Patel — a man whose life had been chained by addiction for more than three decades. Alcohol and tobacco had slowly consumed him, draining not just his health but also his wealth, his land, and nearly his family. His addiction ran so deep that even his son, Karan, began walking the same painful path. Rakeshbhai believed there was no turning back — that this was just how life would be. But destiny had a different plan. In 2022, Rakeshbhai visited the Pramukh Swami Maharaj Centenary Festival in Ahmedabad. He didn’t [Read More…]
A Love That Endures Pain: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
Would you endure pain every single day, just to bring comfort to others? On 1 February 2020, in Navsari, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj showed what true selflessness looks like. His schedule was filled with back-to-back personal meetings. Even though he had arrived earlier than expected, time slipped away as countless people waited for his blessings. One by one, they approached him. And one by one, he gently placed his hand upon each head, offering them blessings and peace. A simple gesture, yet filled with so much warmth and love. This is what those devotees traveled miles to receive. But [Read More…]
Mahant Swami Maharaj’s Silent Lesson on Simplicity: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
In a palace of gold and grandeur, where every corner whispered luxury, a quiet yet profound lesson unfolded. On 17 February 2020, Mahant Swami Maharaj arrived at the famous Lakshmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara, warmly welcomed by the royal family. The atmosphere was filled with reverence and tradition, and after the formal welcome ceremony, the host offered him a refreshing glass of sharbat—thoughtfully prepared, perfect for his health. But as Mahant Swami Maharaj reached for the drink, something gave him pause. It wasn’t the sharbat. It was the glass. The vessel in which it had been served was no ordinary [Read More…]
Sometimes Love Means Breaking Your Own Limits: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
When Comfort Meets Compassion On a quiet February morning in 2020, in the city of Anand, India, something profound unfolded. Mahant Swami Maharaj—the spiritual guide for millions—was unwell, nursing a persistent cough. His doctor had been clear: no exposure to the cold, no outdoor darshan.That morning, Swamishri followed the advice dutifully, performing his morning prayers within a glass cabin, wrapped in a woollen cap. But outside, hundreds of devotees had gathered—some travelling hours just for a glimpse. When his attendant gently reminded him of the doctor’s orders, Swamishri paused. Then, softly but firmly, he stepped out into the biting winter [Read More…]
Mahant Swami Maharaj’s Silent Lesson in Tolerance: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
On June 25, 2019, Mahant Swami Maharaj was in Ahmedabad. On this day he demonstrated what true tolerance looks like. Not through words, but through observance. While having his lunch, his attendant, Sadhu Vinaypriya Swami, noticed a strange crunching sound as Swami ate his broccoli. Concerned, he quickly removed the remaining pieces and asked, “Swami, was there dirt in the broccoli?” Swami calmly nodded, “In every bite.” Surprised, the attendant said, “Then why didn’t you say anything? I would have removed it immediately!” But Mahant Swami Maharaj remained at ease. And in that simple choice, he taught us what tolerance [Read More…]
The Joy of True Selflessness: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
On 25th August 2018, Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj demonstrated, in the most natural way, what it means to live selflessly. That morning, after taking just a small portion of his breakfast, Swamishri began sharing with the sadhus around him. From his own bowl, he offered blueberries to Bhaktavatsal Swami. Surprised, Bhaktavatsal Swami said, “Swami, you had quite a few blueberries today.” Atmaswarup Swami, who was also present, lovingly added, “Why don’t you complete the whole bowl?” Still, Bhaktavatsal Swami insisted, “Swami, you can eat more. These fruits are really healthy for you.” With a gentle smile that carried the wisdom [Read More…]
The Power of Peaceful Response: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
In the days when Mahant Swami Maharaj was serving as the head of the BAPS Mandir in Mumbai, his daily routine was filled with countless responsibilities. As the Mahant, he cared for many sadhus and devotees, each with their own unique personalities and needs. Among them was one individual known for his difficult nature and strong dislike for a particular dish. One day, during a meal with the sadhus, this very dish was mistakenly served to him. Unable to control his anger, the man not only complained but went so far as to hurl the food in frustration. The plate [Read More…]
The Silent Compassion of a Saint: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
A Night in Bharuch It was 1989 in the riverside town of Bharuch. The grand celebrations for Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s birthday had just ended. The night had been filled with devotion—bhajans, garlands, lights, and the joy of thousands of devotees gathered in love and reverence. By the time the festivities quieted, it was 1 a.m. The grounds were still, the mandap half-lit by fading bulbs. Among the last to leave were Mahant Swami Maharaj and another sadhu, returning after completing their late-night decorative seva. They were exhausted, their bodies heavy from a long day of serving. But as they passed [Read More…]