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…]
One who holds such firmness dear, Will never live in pain or fear…
The Essence of Firm Faith Devotion That Does Not Falter There comes a moment in every seeker’s journey when life tests the strength of their devotion. Muktanand Swami, through his profound verse, teaches that true love for God is not measured in ease or comfort—but in the unshaken loyalty that endures loss, pain, and trial. “Though body and wealth may pass away,A true devotee will never sway.” For a Haribhakta—one who belongs fully to Bhagwan—faith is not conditional. Even when health fades, wealth disappears, or relationships change, their bond with God remains constant. Muktanand Swami compares this steadfastness to the [Read More…]
Singing the Glory of God: The Deeper Meaning Behind Hari Gun Gata
In the vibrant tradition 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…]
A servant of God’s servants instead
The Beauty of Letting Go and Holding On Surrendering Ego, Embracing Grace Every spiritual journey begins with a choice—what to let go of, and what to hold on to. Muktanand Swami, in his timeless verse, reminds us that the path to true devotion is paved with humility and courage. “Casting off all pride, to Shyam we cling,With steadfast heart, to His side we swing.Let public shame and tear be gone —Let love for sadhus lead us on.” To walk the path of bhakti means to shed the ego’s constant need for approval and recognition. It calls us to stand firm [Read More…]
Dust thrown with scorn at day’s sunlight, Falls back onto the one with spite…
Keeping the Heart Focused on Hari The Purity of Divine Remembrance In the spiritual journey, the direction of our thoughts determines the destination of our soul. Muktanand Swami, in this deeply reflective verse, teaches that a devotee’s heart must remain filled only with thoughts of Bhagwan — free from negativity, bitterness, or judgment toward others. “While singing the virtues of Hari divine,Let no thought of the wicked in our hearts entwine.With every breath and every beat,Let His sacred form our memory greet…” When our minds are fully absorbed in Bhagwan’s glory, there is no room left for resentment. Each breath [Read More…]
The sadhu is the only true boat…
The Sadhu: The Living Vessel That Leads to Liberation The Only True Boat Across the Worldly Ocean In this world of constant change—where joy and sorrow rise and fall like waves—how can a soul find lasting peace? Brahmanand Swami, one of Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s foremost paramhansas, answers this question in his timeless composition: “Sadhu soi nav sansarme” — “The sadhu is the only true boat across the ocean of worldly life.” “The sadhu is the only true boat…” This simple yet profound truth captures the very heart of the Swaminarayan tradition. A true sadhu is not merely a teacher or renunciant—he [Read More…]
Millions Alone Or Two Aligned?: Lessons from Gunatitanand Swami
Rethinking Strength: Beyond Numbers and Appearances We live in a world that often measures strength by size. The bigger the crowd, the louder the voice; the larger the team, the greater the influence. But Gunatitanand Swami—a divine saint and the first spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan—offers a strikingly different insight. He explained that true power doesn’t lie in numbers, but in unity of purpose. “If just two individuals share the same inclination—if their hearts and minds are one—they can accomplish more than hundreds of thousands who lack harmony.” This wisdom cuts across every dimension of life: families, communities, nations, and [Read More…]
A love for God that will not unwind…
The Servant of God: A Source of Peace and Courage Finding Comfort in God’s Devotees In a world full of uncertainty and fear, Brahmanand Swami offers a simple yet profound remedy: love the servants of God. He writes, “Love the servant of God, sincere…The servant of God always brings peace,And makes all fear of death to cease.” The Haridas—one who lives to serve Bhagwan—becomes a source of calmness and courage for all who associate with him. His very presence radiates faith and tranquility. In his company, our hearts grow lighter, and even life’s greatest fears—pain, loss, and death—begin to lose [Read More…]
Drink deeply from his pour – He serves God’s glory— the nectar of evermore
The Power of Holy Association Finding Refuge in the Saint’s Company In our search for peace and purpose, we often turn to temporary comforts—possessions, relationships, achievements—but they rarely satisfy the heart for long. Brahmanand Swami reminds us of a far more enduring source of joy: the company of a true saint. “With such a sant do bond…No lust, no pride, no wrath within –Seek his refuge, find peace therein.” The saint’s heart is pure—free from lust, anger, greed, pride, and attachment. By seeking refuge in such a soul, we find shelter from the storms of our own mind. Just as [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…]