A Journey That Began Alone
In the quiet, unassuming village of Bijal, a young man named Vitthalbhai Rathva made a decision that would shape not only his life, but the destiny of countless others.
His home environment was far from spiritual—meat at every meal, addictions in the house, and no space for prayer or devotion. Yet Vitthalbhai did not argue, demand change, or preach. Instead, he chose the harder path: to walk the journey alone, with God as his only companion.
Choosing Devotion Over Comfort
He drew water daily from the river, cooked his own meals, and upheld every spiritual discipline quietly and consistently.
No complaints.
No pressure on his family.
Just silent commitment.
Faith in Action, Not Reaction
Vitthalbhai refused to let negativity dissolve his devotion. His resilience came not from confrontation, but from inner conviction.
“He never raised his voice or demanded change. Instead, he led with quiet love.”
The Turning Point: A Meeting in Bochasan
A Son’s Gentle Plea
In 1997, sensing that the time was right, Vitthalbhai brought his father to meet Mahant Swami Maharaj in Bochasan. He didn’t dramatize his struggle; he simply shared his pain with honesty.
Swamishri listened with the compassion he is known for, then offered a calm, almost surprising assurance:
“You’ll see the result in a few hours.”
Those words weren’t dramatic—they were destiny.
A Transformation on the Way Home
On their return journey, as they reached Dabhoi, Vitthalbhai’s father suddenly turned to him and said:
“From today, no more addictions.”
That very day, the man who once rejected satsang put on a kanthi, embraced purity, and stepped into a new life.
It wasn’t a forced transformation; it was grace responding to faith.
To know more about Mahant Swami Maharaj: https://www.baps.org/About-BAPS/TheFounder%E2%80%93BhagwanSwaminarayan/TheSpiritualLineage-TheGuruParampara/Mahant-Swami-Maharaj.aspx
Mahant Swami Maharaj: An Introductory Film on the Spiritual Leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7s1OeBc3lHw&t=9s
BAPS Website: https://www.baps.org/
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