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SPECIAL FEATURE OCTOBER 18, 2024 | The Indian Eye 14

Sharad Purnima: Celebrating the Birth

of Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami

harad Purnima, also known as an assembly, about two hundred peo-
Kojaagari Poonam, falls on Aso ple from a neighboring village joined
SSud Punam and is celebrated them. Though they had initially come
as an auspicious night illuminated for business, they decided to stay and
by the bright full moon. This night listen to Swami’s discourses. Swami
holds immense cultural and spiritual asked the newcomers, “If you want to
significance in Hindu tradition. It is go and settle in another town, would
believed that Goddess Lakshmi, the you just pack your belongings and go,
deity of wealth, descends to Earth and or would you first make arrangements
asks, “Ko jaagarti?” meaning “Who is for a home and livelihood?” One of
awake?” She bestows blessings upon the newcomers replied, “I would nev-
those who keep vigil, worship, and er set out for even a night without
demonstrate their devotion. making any prearrangements.”
This night also commemorates Swami then posed a profound
Shri Krishna’s divine Raas Leela with question: “But when you leave this
the gopis of Vrundavan. The gopis, mortal body, where will you stay?
embodying unwavering devotion, left Have you made any preparations?”
behind societal constraints to experi- The man and all the newcomers fell
ence Shri Krishna’s pure, divine love. silent.
This dance symbolizes the eternal Gunatitanand Swami revealed,
bond between the soul and God. “Satsang will strengthen you and pre-
Just as the night sky of Sharad pare you for the eternal home.”
Punam is clear and suffused with lu- Even the Nawab of Junagadh,
nar resplendence, the aspirant should a Muslim, found profound solace in
similarly endeavor to purify their ‘an- the presence of Gunatitanand Swami.
tahkaran’ (inner self). To do this, one Whenever possible, he sought Swa-
must eradicate body-consciousness mi’s company, and individuals from
and mundane desires, and imbibe various faiths came to listen to his dis-
Brahma-consciousness, in order to in- courses and seek guidance. Swami’s
cessantly experience Parabrahma (the humility and asceticism drew many to
Supreme Being) (Gita 18/54, Shiksha- him, as he demonstrated respect for
patri 116). For this, the aspirant needs all religions.
to seek the Gunatit Sadhu, who is the Gunatitanand Swami’s legacy is
gateway to moksha, as proclaimed in rooted in his intense devotion and
the Bhagavatam (3/29/20): unique connection to Bhagwan Swa-
Prasangamajaram minarayan. Before his passing, his
paashamaatmanaha kavayo viduhu, teachings were compiled into a col-
Sa eva sadhushu kruto lection known as Swamini Vato. This
mokshadwaaram apaavrutam. compilation includes his observations
The sages say that if a person be- and highlights from the discussions he
comes as attached to the Gunatit Sad- wan Swaminarayan referred to Guna- at the Akshar Mandir, built on the frequently held, making it one of the
hu as they are to their body and loved titanand Swami’s greatness numerous sacred site of Gunatitanand Swami’s foundational scriptures of the Swami-
ones, the path to liberation (moksha) times. It was at these times that Bhag- cremation. narayan faith.
will open for them. wan Swaminarayan was establishing The life of Aksharbrahma Gu- Until the age of 82, Gunatita-
In the Swaminarayan Sampra- the importance of His legacy in the natitanand Swami is celebrated with nand Swami dedicated his life to serv-
daya, Sharad Purnima holds a special gunatit sadhu for future generations. deep reverence within the Swami- ing and inspiring countless individu-
significance as it marks the birth of On Sharad Purnima, BAPS dev- narayan Sampradaya, particularly at als, liberating them from their base
Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami. otees gather in large numbers to cele- BAPS mandirs worldwide. His teach- nature and filling them with peace,
Born in 1785 CE (Samvat 1841) in brate Gunatitanand Swami’s birthday. ings, selfless service, and unwavering fraternity, morality, and a profound
the village of Bhadra, Gunatitanand Festivities include singing devotional devotion to Bhagwan Swaminarayan love for God.
Swami is revered as the eternal spiri- songs, offering prayers, and perform- have inspired countless devotees to Through the celebration of Sha-
tual successor and the embodiment of ing rituals such as the offering of dudh pursue a spiritual path focused on rad Purnima, devotees honor the
Aksharbrahma, the ideal devotee or pauva (flattened rice soaked in milk). God-realization. He exemplifies spir- birth of this great spiritual leader and
Gunatit Sadhu identified by Bhagwan Devotees perform five artis, creating itual discipline and the importance of renew their commitment to stay vig-
Swaminarayan. Bhagwan Swamina- a joyous atmosphere where they ex- having a spiritual guide or Guru for ilant, ensuring that the light of devo-
rayan continuously emphasized that tol the life and teachings of Gunati- attaining liberation. tion continues to burn brightly in their
senior sadhus and devotees should tanand Swami. His Holiness Mahant One notable occasion involved a hearts.
spend time with Gunatitanand Swa- Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader devotee hosting Gunatitanand Swami Lenin Joshi
mi. Throughout His lifetime, Bhag- of BAPS, celebrates Sharad Purnima to his village. When Swami addressed BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha

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