Tag: BAPS
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 Mumbai Mandir, his life 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 communal 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 struck none [Read More…]
The Silent Compassion of a Saint: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
In 1989, in the town of Bharuch, a grand celebration had just concluded. The occasion was the birthday of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, and the festivities had gone late into the night. By 1 a.m., the grounds had quieted. Mahant Swami, having just completed his decorative seva, was walking back with another sadhu—his body tired, his eyes heavy with sleep. But as they passed under the mandap, he noticed something that made him pause. A few volunteers, who had selflessly served all day, were now fast asleep on the cold ground, shivering in the chilly night. Without a word, Mahant Swami [Read More…]
A Moment of True Humility: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
On a serene day in Edison, USA, on September 13, 2017, Mahant Swami Maharaj had just completed the sacred murti-pratishtha of Ghanshyam Maharaj. The rituals had concluded, and the air was thick with devotion as the annakut preparations began. Amidst the movement, the arrangement of offerings, and the reverent chatter, Swamishri quietly sat down on the carpeted floor. There was no chair. But there was also no sign of discomfort, no request, not even a glance. With eyes closed and heart immersed in divine reflection, he remained composed and content. That moment etched itself into the hearts of everyone present. [Read More…]
The Power of Patient Faith: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
In the quiet village of Bijal, a young man named Vitthalbhai Rathva chose a path not often taken—one of silent strength and unwavering faith. His home was far from spiritual: meat was a staple at every meal, and prayer had no place. Yet, without complaint or confrontation, Vitthalbhai committed to a personal journey of devotion. For three years, he drew water from the river, cooked his own meals, and upheld his spiritual discipline in an environment that offered no support. He never raised his voice or demanded change. Instead, he led with quiet love. In 1997, he took a simple [Read More…]
The Strength of Quietly Stepping Back: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
On the evening of May 14th, 2018, at the humble invitation of trustees, Mahant Swami Maharaj visited Bangalore’s Jalaram Mandir. Upon arrival, he warmly greeted each devotee and gently offered a garland to the revered Jalaram Bapa. With humility, he began the aarti himself, gracefully initiating this sacred ritual. Yet, as effortlessly as he stepped forward, he quietly handed the aarti thali to a trustee, encouraging others to lead the worship. One by one, trustees approached, their devotion illuminated by the glow of the flame. With each trustee who stepped forward, Swamishri subtly moved back, first one step, then another, [Read More…]
Singing the Glory of God: The Deeper Meaning Behind Hari Gun Gata
In the vibrant tapestry of the Swaminarayan Sampraday, kirtan bhakti—devotional singing—holds a sacred place. Far more than a melodic performance, it is an act of spiritual elevation, a way of expressing the soul’s yearning for God. Among the many devotional songs that inspire reflection and devotion, the kirtan Hari Gun Gatha stands out as both a lyrical and spiritual masterpiece. A Kirtan of Legacy and Devotion Hari Gun Gata is the first of four parts, a Chosar, composed by the great saint-poet Muktanand Swami. These kirtans are not mere songs; they are revelations that flow from deep spiritual realization and heartfelt love for God. Singing Hari Gun Gatais akin to [Read More…]
The Secret of Success lies in Steady Steps: Lessons from the Vachanamrut
A single drop is easy to overlook. Yet let that drop fall, unhurried and uninterrupted, and soon it becomes a stream, then a pool, then a lake that carves its own landscape. We see the same quiet power in the Great Wall of China: 13,000 miles long, but laid brick by patient brick, day after day, dynasty after dynasty. No one celebrated any single brick; together they formed a wonder visible from space. Life—yours and mine—unfolds in just the same way. Bhagwan Swaminarayan distilled this truth beautifully: consistent, wholehearted effort turns the ordinary into the extraordinary. Imagine giving your body [Read More…]
Accepting Humility just from a Pair of Sandals : A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
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…]
Finding True Value: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
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…]
Beyond Words, Beyond Time: Meeting Mahant Swami Maharaj
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…]
The Power of Peaceful Response: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj