Tag: Sant
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…]
Celebrating 100 Tribal Weddings: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
At the Himmatnagar Mandir’s 10-year anniversary, celebration became service—and service blossomed into sheer grace. From Surat, Guruhari Mahant Swami Maharaj phoned Pujya Divyapurush Swami in Gondal with a quiet but radiant request: “Gift each of our 100 tribal couples a cupboard—fill their homes, not with donations, but with prasadi.” Soon, entire truckloads of essentials arrived, every item first sanctified by Swamishri’s loving touch. He personally blessed each mangalsutra and every piece of jewelry, pausing when he noticed ceiling fans among the gifts. “Someone must install these,” he whispered to the sadhus—reminding everyone that real compassion finishes the task it starts. [Read More…]
Who comes to him with heart sincere…
There is a special hush that falls over the heart whenever we meet a genuine sant — one of those rare souls who lives so naturally in the presence of the Divine that even ordinary conversation feels lit from within. “Balihārī maĩ aise sant kī… I offer myself to such a saint,” runs the opening line of the Braj couplet above, and the sentiment is as timeless as it is direct: when we encounter real holiness, gratitude is instinctive. The composition goes on to sketch three hallmarks of a true spiritual guide. First, he “speaks no waste, no idle sound.” [Read More…]
Compassion: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
On November 10, 2018, in the village of Bhadra, India, the mandir corridors overflowed with anticipation as devotees queued for a moment of grace with Mahant Swami Maharaj. That afternoon alone he blessed 1,182 seekers, his smile as serene on the last blessing as on the first. Amazed by this unbroken flow of compassion, Dharmakuvar Swami eventually voiced the question on everyone’s mind: “Swamishri, you bless more than 1,200 devotees in an hour. Don’t you get tired?” Swamishri’s eyes sparkled as he answered, “No—I enjoy it.” When Dharmakuvar Swami admitted he would have collapsed from exhaustion, Swamishri offered a disarming [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…]
A Lesson of Love and Respect: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
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…]
Lyrical Reflections: For the realized soul, all grief has flown…
In a world dominated by appearances, expectations, and endless cravings, the teachings of the great poet-saints of India offer not just solace but awakening. Muktanand Swami, a beloved paramhansa of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, was one such spiritual luminary. His bhajans are not mere verses—they are the lived wisdom of one who had tasted the Divine. In this reflective composition, Muktanand Swami speaks of the anubhavi, the realized soul, and paints a portrait of what it means to live from within rather than react to the world outside. “Anubhavine apda antarthi bhagi re…”For the realized soul, sorrow no longer holds sway. Why? [Read More…]
The Strength of Quietly Stepping Back: A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj