Tag: Mahant Swami Maharaj
Enjoying God’s Bliss
Acquiring the Virtues of the Satpurush – Reflections from Mahesana Introduction At the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Mahesana, Mahant Swami Maharaj’s Sevak Sants gathered for a special episode of Satsang Conversations. Their focus was a vital question raised in Vachanamrut Gadhada I-67: How can one acquire the virtues of the Satpurush? Through narration and an insightful discussion, the Swamis connected the historic words of Bhagwan Swaminarayan with the living example of His present successor – Mahant Swami Maharaj. Shriji Maharaj’s Question On 21 March 1820, Bhagwan Swaminarayan sat in Dada Khachar’s darbār, surrounded by sadhus and devotees. He described the [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…]
From Life to Scripture: Lessons from Gunatitanand Swami
More Than Words on a Page We often open the scriptures seeking peace, clarity, and truth. The verses of the Vachanamrut, the insights of the Swamini Vato, or the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita — these texts are our guides in the journey of life. But pause for a moment and ask: Where did these scriptures come from? Who breathed life into these divine words? Gunatitanand Swami once revealed a profound insight: “The scriptures are the effect; the great sadhu is their cause.” The Cause Behind the Scripture The Sadhu as the Fountain of Wisdom Every sacred book begins [Read More…]
A Moment of True Humility: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
A Sacred Moment in Edison It was September 13, 2017, in Edison, USA—a serene morning filled with devotion and grace. Mahant Swami Maharaj had just completed the murti-pratishtha of Ghanshyam Maharaj, a sacred and joyous milestone for devotees around the world. The rituals were over, and the air buzzed with energy as volunteers prepared the annakut, arranging offerings with loving care. In the midst of this bustle, Swamishri quietly walked toward the gathering area and, without a word, sat down on the carpeted floor. There was no chair.But there was also no hesitation, no discomfort, and no sign of expectation. [Read More…]
The Power of Patient Faith: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
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 [Read More…]
The Strength of Quietly Stepping Back: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
A Quiet Evening, A Profound Lesson It was the evening of May 14, 2018, in Bangalore’s Jalaram Mandir—a day that would leave behind not just memories, but meaning. At the humble invitation of the temple trustees, Mahant Swami Maharaj arrived, greeted everyone with warmth, and with quiet reverence, offered a garland to Jalaram Bapa. He picked up the aarti thali himself and began the sacred ritual. The temple hall was filled with the soft flicker of lamps and the melody of devotion. Yet, within moments, Swamishri’s act took an even more beautiful turn. After a few rotations of the flame, [Read More…]
Celebrating 100 Tribal Weddings: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
When Celebration Becomes Seva Anniversaries are meant for celebration—but at the Himmatnagar Mandir’s 10-year anniversary, celebration transformed into something deeper. It became seva—pure, selfless service—and ultimately, a living expression of divine compassion. From Surat, Guruhari Mahant Swami Maharaj made a quiet yet profound request to Pujya Divyapurush Swami in Gondal. His words carried both simplicity and depth: “Gift each of our 100 tribal couples a cupboard—fill their homes, not with donations, but with prasadi.” In those few words lay an entire philosophy of bhakti in action. For Mahant Swami Maharaj, seva was never about giving from afar—it was about infusing [Read More…]