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SPECIAL FEATURE NOVEMBER 24, 2023 | The Indian Eye
The Indian Eye 39 5

Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan

(April 3, 1781 - June 1, 1830)

Bhagwan Swaminarayan is the central deity at the BAPS Thereafter, he became popularly known as Bhagwan Gunatitanand Swami and presently, Mahant Swami Maharaj.
Swaminarayan Akshardham. Born on April 3, 1781, in Swaminarayan. He led a spiritual resurgence across Gujarat Shastriji Maharaj founded the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha
Chhapaiya, India, his childhood name was Ghanshyam. He from ages 21 to 49. in 1907, reinforcing the Akshar-Purushottam philosophy.
demonstrated prodigious intellect by completing the study Bhagwan Swaminarayan was a social reformer, He established five temples, focusing on the worship of
of Sanskrit grammar, the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad advocating against animal sacrifice, meat-eating, the caste Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Aksharbrahman Gunatitanand
Gita, Dharmashastras, Puranas, and Shad-Darshans within system, untouchability, and the maltreatment of women. Swami. Successive gurus, including Yogiji Maharaj and
three years winning a debate with the scholars at the age He was known for transforming notorious individuals Pramukh Swami Maharaj, expanded BAPS globally,
of eight. At 11, he renounced home to guide and elevate into devout followers and wrote the ‘Shikshapatri’, a leading to the construction of hundreds of temples. Mahant
mankind, adopting the name Neelkanth Varni during his scripture outlining ethical conduct. He emphasized moksha Swami Maharaj continues this expansion, with the BAPS
8000-mile, seven-year spiritual journey throughout India. (liberation) as life’s ultimate goal, establishing six temples Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, NJ, serving as
He found His mentor in Ramanand Swami, who initiated for devotion and prescribing the association with a God- a tribute to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and a symbol of Hindu
him as Sahajanand Swami and later handed over the realized Sadhu. values for human upliftment. The Akshardhams and BAPS
leadership of the sect to him. Sahajanand Swami gave After his departure in 1830 CE, his legacy continued temples worldwide epitomize the values of Hinduism for
the ‘Swaminarayan’ maha mantra to his congregation. through a lineage of gurus, starting with Aksharbrahman the upliftment of humanity.

Akshar Purushottam Philosophy

The Akshar-Purushottam Darshan or the Akshar- things. He is the creator, sustainer, and destroyer of all.
Purushottam philosophy refers to Bhagwan The Sanskrit word ‘upasana’ is a compound term
Swaminarayan’s Vedic teachings. The darshan is based on made of two words: ‘upa’ meaning near; and ‘asanam’
Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s distinction between Parabrahma meaning to sit. Upasana is the spiritual means by which
(Purushottam, Narayana or God) and Aksharbrahma- a devotee comes to realize God. By understanding
Parabrahman’s eternal servant and divine abode-as two Bhagwan Swaminarayan as Parabrahma and realizing
distinct eternal realities. This teaching is in accordance that the Aksharabrahma on earth (the Gunatit guru) is the
with Hinduism’s ancient teachings of venerating and pathway to liberation, a devotee attains moksha or final
serving God together with his ideal devotee, where Rama is liberation. One attains moksha by becoming what is known
worshiped with Sita, Krishna with Radha, and Shiva with as aksharrup (or brahmarup), that is, by attaining divine
Parvati. qualities similar to Aksharbrahma through the grace of
The Akshar Purushottam Darshan advocates that the guru and worshipping Purushottam. The principles of
Purushottam or Parabrahma manifested on Earth as this upasana was revealed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan and
Bhagwan Swaminarayan, and Akshar manifested on Earth continues to be passed down his spiritual successors known
Aksharbrahma Parabrahma as Gunatitanand Swami. As the Supreme God, Parabrahman as the Gunatit Gurus-the spiritual leaders of BAPS.
Shri Gunatitanand Swami Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan
is the Ultimate Entity that controls the entire cosmos and all

Mandir - For A Better Tomorrow

The relentless march of progress has yielded a bounty of technological marvels, do not bring happiness... When scientists turn their laboratories over to the study of
from simple wheels to luxury vehicles, and carrier pigeons to the sophistication God and prayer, the world will see more advancement in one generation than it has in
of smartphones. Mankind’s ingenuity is unparalleled, yet amidst this cascade of the last four.”
advancements, the fundamental pursuit of happiness remains an enigma. The luxuries India is home to 3.5 million mandirs - big and small, ancient and recent - which
we’ve conjured have undeniably reshaped our existence, yet our inner landscape have helped generations of Hindus to successfully absorb and adapt to the shocks and
mirrors the bygone eras of our cave-dwelling ancestors. turbulence of daily life and progress spiritually. Mandirs contribute significantly to
Swami Vivekananda rightly said, “The greatest source of strength for any society personal and societal harmony, echoing Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s words, “A mandir
is its faith in God.” Our biggest folly is not our lack of knowledge, but the failure stabilizes the mind... teaches mutual respect... preserves and protects culture and
to sincerely embrace this simple yet profound solution. As the renowned electrical tradition... strengthens belief in our true identity... gives ultimate peace... and takes
engineer, Charles Steinmetz, stated, “Someday, people will learn that material things us to God.”

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