Tag: BAPS
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…]
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…]
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…]
The Secret of Success lies in Steady Steps: Lessons from the Vachanamrut
The Hidden Strength of Small Steps From a Drop to a Lake, from a Brick to a Wonder A single drop seems insignificant—easy to miss, easier to dismiss. Yet when that drop falls steadily, patiently, it becomes a stream, then a pool, then a lake that reshapes the earth itself. The Great Wall of China, stretching over 13,000 miles, stands on the same principle. No one brick earned applause; yet brick after brick, laid faithfully across generations, formed one of humanity’s greatest marvels. Life—yours and mine—works the same way. We often search for quick breakthroughs or life-changing moments, but real [Read More…]
Accepting Humility just from a Pair of Sandals : A Memorable Moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj
A Quiet Evening, A Powerful Gesture When Reverence Stopped the World for a Moment September 4, 2018 – Ahmedabad. The evening was calm as Guruhari Mahant Swami Maharaj stepped out for a simple walk through the mandir’s corridors. But a few steps later, something extraordinary unfolded in the most ordinary of places. As he passed by the kitchen, Swamishri noticed a neatly arranged line of sandals belonging to sadhus—simple, worn, and unremarkable to most. Yet in that humble row of footwear, he saw holiness. Without hesitation, he paused, folded his hands, and bowed his head in full pranam. “Here was [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…]