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THIS IS A TEST FOR BUG 1966 VALIDATION CARROED OUT ON 22.07.09

What is left with a person who has given his all? Nothing. Nothing but himself. And that himself is everything. It is an ocean of goodness, of purity and humility, a summary of spirituality. And that is enough to inspire millions. In Swamiji’s presence, doubts dissolve, confusions clear, hurts heal and the mind finds peace. People find answers to life's toughest questions.

Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj is the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the present leader of Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha. He leads an austere life of lifetime celibacy, without personal wealth or comfort. Representing the essence of Hinduism,his compassion for humanity, universal wisdom and striking simplicity have touched many world religious and national leaders. But most important is his quiet, undisturbed love for God which rises beyond all borders of nation, race and religion.

Even after creating an international spiritual empire of hundreds of mandirs, thousands of centres and over a million followers, you’ll always find Swamiji engrossed in prayer. Sometimes at 2.30 in the morning, for his life is the living proof that prayers work and divine love succeeds.

Profile

Birth: 7 December 1921; Magshar sud 8, VS 1978.
Birthplace: Chansad, Gujarat.
Initiation: 10 January 1940; Posh sud 1, VS 1996.
Guru: Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj
Spiritual Head Since: 23 January 1971; Posh vad 11, VS 2027.
Villages Visited: Over 15,500.
Countries Visited: Over 50.
Homes Sanctified: Over 250,000.
Letters Read & Replied: Over 500,000.
Personally Counselled & Comforted: Over 810,000 people.
Mandirs Built & Consecrated: Over 700.

Diksha:

These were difficult days for Shantilal. It was as if he were under examination. How determined was he to become a sadhu? Did he feel sorry for himself or homesick? Was he hurt that nobody cared for him in Nadiad?
With Ravji peddling and Shantilal riding, the two soon reached Bhaili. They met Ghanshyam Swami who was sitting in the temple. He was pleased to see Shantilal.
Ghanshyam Swami decided to send him to Bochasan with Shankar Bhagat, a local devotee.
Once in Bochasan, Shankar Bhagat introduced Shantilal to Nirgun Swami who took him under his care. Annakut was celebrated.
Two or three days later Nirgun Swami decided to go to Amdavad. He also decided to take Shantilal with him as Shastriji Maharaj would be coming there.
They stopped In Nadiad where he developed a fever. Nirgun Swami and Harivallabh Swami would leave each morning and return late evening, There was no one to care for Shantilal. He would lie on a makeshift bed all day struck weak by the illness. He could not eat anything. So in the evening Harivallabh Swami would warm some milk for him.
On the tenth they finally arrived in Amdavad. Shantilal was still feverish. Nirgun Swami took the group to Ambali Pol in the inner walled city. Shastriji Maharaj, as usual, this year had celebrated Annakut in Sarangpur and had quickly travelled through several towns and villages distributing Annakut prasad. In Amdavad, as always, he put up in an upper room at Babubhai Kothari's house in, Ambali Pol. The corrugated metal roofed room was cramped, housing a solitary cot for Shastriji Maharaj. The 15 to 20 devotees would sit downstairs.
Shantilal was put to bed in a corner. Shastriji Maharaj went to him and affectionately said, "You're here at last? That's good." Shantilal was overjoyed. He however could not find the words to express himself. He merely said, "I've been running a fever for three to four days."
Shastriji Maharaj, his mother guardian consoled, " The fever will go." He caressed his head and said he should rest.
That night before retiring to bed Shastriji Maharaj again blessed him, "Your fever will now subside." He stroked Shantilal's entire body whilst chanting 'Swaminarayan Swaminarayan'. You'll be OK. There'll be no problems.'' He stood to leave, and turned, pausing to say, "In the morning we want to initiate you as a parshad."
Amdavad
Wednesday, 22 November 1939
The fever subsided that night. The next morning he was given a hot water bath. Shastriji Maharaj again spoke of initiation as a parshad, "Today is ekadashi. We'll initiate you as a parshad."
Shantilal was wholly prepared. It was for this that he had left home and family, friends and schooling. He however remembered that earlier on Shastriji Maharaj had said he could study English from Khengarjibhai. He spoke of this to Shastriji Maharaj who replied, "Take the initiation for now. We will talk to Khengarjibhai later."
Shanti Bhagat was now required to wear white and eat from a pattar. He also had to observe the vows of poverty and celibacy.
Two days later Shastriji Maharaj took him to Bochasan. Once when talking of a sadhu's life Shastriji Maharaj said to him, "Sanskrit is better than English. You are now a sadhu, of what use is English now. Are you going to find a job or start a business? If you study Sanskrit you'll be able to read our scriptures. As sadhus we have read from the Satsangijivan and other scriptures."
Although Shastriji Maharaj had promised him that he could study English he now thought it better that Shanti Bhagat concentrate on Sanskrit. The benefits of Sanskrit were greater than those of English.
Shanti Bhagat had himself decided from the very beginning that he was going to live in total consonance with his spiritual master's wishes. There was of course nothing wrong with letting Shastriji Maharaj know of what was going on in his own mind. It was a confession of sorts, and one that Shastriji Maharaj encouraged. After this conversation he decided to study Sanskrit as best as he could.
* * *
Although the images had been consecrated, the Bochasan temple had not been completed in entirety. Work still remained to be done. The brick oven that prepared the lime for building use had once to be emptied. Shastriji Maharaj told a large group of sadhus and devotees to do the task. The lime was hot and working with it was difficult and painful. After a while, one after another, everyone left. Shanti Bhagat remained, toiling until the service had been completed to Shastriji Maharaj's liking.
Several weeks later Shastriji Maharaj took him to Akshar Mandir Gondal. He wanted to initiate Shanti Bhagat as a full sadhu with saffron, but this he was delaying until he was convinced that Shanti Bhagat had swept all thoughts of English from his mind and would study Sanskrit enthusiastically. After taking the saffron there was absolutely no chance of studying English. Both Shastriji Maharaj and Shanti Bhagat knew this.
As a spiritual master Shastriji Maharaj was unique. He was prudent and considerate. Convinced as he was of Shanti Bhagat's sincerity and devotion, he wanted to avoid directly commanding Shanti Bhagat to accept full initiation. So he himself decided not to touch the subject. Instead, he told Harijivan Swami to talk to him. He knew that both were close. Harijivan Swami had come to know Shanti Bhagat when he had spent six months in Bochasan serving the temple during school holidays.
Behind the store room in Gondal is a courtyard with a neem tree in its middle. Small rooms with clay tiled roofs had once stood there. Harijivandas Swami and Shanti Bhagat sat close to them talking one night. After a while the topic of English and initiation came up. Harijivan Swami said that Shastriji Maharaj wanted Shanti Bhagat to study Sanskrit, and so that is what he should do. There was no point in wanting to study English... It was best to study whatever Swami said. What else was there to study? Sanskrit would come in good use. Of what use was English? The discussion continued till after 1:30 in the morning. At that time Shanti Bhagat said, "OK then, I'll study as Swami says. I'll take initiation, there's no problem." With these words he let fall the last fine strands of desire to study English that had maybe lingered since Bochasan.
Harijivan Swami was glad to hear these words and so took him to Shastriji Maharaj, whom he awoke, and gave the good news to. Shastriji Maharaj was delighted and at once hugged Shanti Bhagat. He then said to Harijivandas Swami, "Tell Jogi Bapa not to do the mahapuja early. It's Wednesday tomorrow and so the first two choghadiyas are auspicious. In the second choghadiyu we'll perform the ceremony. At that time I'll initiate him, so ensure that the mahapuja is not performed early."
A few hours later at about eight o'clock Yogiji Maharaj entered the Akshar Deri to perform the mahapuja. Normally he would start the mahapuja at four but Shastriji Maharaj had instructed otherwise for today. Shastriji Maharaj himself sat between the two pillars opposite the entrance leading from the sabha mandap. Shanti Bhagat's head was freshly shaven. Towards the end of the ceremony Shastriji Maharaj offered him the sacred thread and a new kanthi. He placed a saffron shoulder cloth around Shanti Bhagat's shoulders. Harijivan Swami opined that he should be renamed 'Narandas', after the great sadhu disciple of Gunatitanand Swami in Junagadh. When Yogiji Maharaj was asked he answered, "Whatever Shastriji Maharaj says is best."
Shastriji Maharaj himself decided, "Let us name him Narayanswarup. That is a good name. I also want him to study, and make him a scholar. I want to make him great and powerful." He asked Yogiji Maharaj, "Bless him and pat his back so that he becomes a truly great scholar and studies, and does great service in Satsang."
Yogiji Maharaj did so and said, "He will become great. He has your blessings and so it will surely happen." It was Posh Sud 1 VS 1996 (Wednesday, 10 January, 1940).
Shastriji Maharaj told Yogiji Maharaj and Harijivandas to find a good shastri to teach Narayanswarupdas with whom Aksharjivandas had also been commanded to study Sanskrit.
Along with the studies it was also important that the virtues of a sadhu be cultivated. To ensure this Yogiji Maharaj would send Narayanswarupdas to do all types of service; sweeping the temple compound, learning to help and cook in the kitchens, serving Ghanshyam Maharaj in the sanctum, joining the construction teams, in the store room. Yogiji Maharaj would join him and guide him.
Several months later Shastriji Maharaj commanded that Narayanswarupdas and Aksharjivandas go to Bhadaran to study. A shastri was acquired but they had to beg in the village for grains and then cook their own food. It was a similar routine in Khambhat. For a while they even stayed in Amdavad.
* * *
Atladra temple had become a beehive of activity. Temple construction was rapid. Shastriji Maharaj told young Narayanswarup Swami to join in the service, working with the lime. The summer heat made this particular service even more unbearable. Narayanswarup Swami doggedly stuck to his responsibility. Soon, burning red blisters sprang out all over his body. But this did not deter him. That night he was in agony, Shastriji Maharaj asked that he be brought to him. The young sadhu's body was fiery with pain. Shastriji Maharaj gently stroked his entire body, soothing away the pain with his fond caress.
"You'll be well soon," he promised. Several days later Narayanswarup Swami rejoined the construction work, the blisters had completely disappeared save for a red stain on the tip of his nose.
* * *
Pramukh Swami Maharaj: I once had to stay in Gondal for a month, I would think constantly of Shastriji Maharaj. He would write to me every two or three days and I would also write. I wanted to tour with him, I'd be delighted to hear from him.
Those days I was serving the images in the temple with Aksharswarup Swami.
One day someone told me that Shastriji Maharaj had arrived. At that time the train used to come early in the morning. The news sent me running. Somebody told me he had gone up to the temple for darshan. I ran up there. When I looked into the sanctum Ghanshyam Maharaj (the marble image of Lord Swaminarayan) was sleeping on the Sukhshaiya bed. He sat up with His feet dangling. I touched His feet and asked, "Shastriji Maharaj is here, please show me where he is." Ghanshyam Maharaj answered that he had gone downstairs. So I ran down, and then went into the Akshar Deri and looked there, but Swami wasn't there either. So I climbed back up. There I had darshan of Shastriji Maharaj and Ghanshyam Maharaj. Ghanshyam Maharaj was still seated and Shastriji Maharaj was standing before him. I had his darshan. He put his hand on my head. Then Shastriji Maharaj's and Ghanshyam Maharaj's image became one! I couldn't see Shastriji Maharaj anywhere. There was bright light. For five or ten minutes I didn't know what had happened. I could see light within Ghanshyam Maharaj. Where is Shastriji Maharaj I thought. After a while the light disappeared so I went downstairs thinking that he had gone down. Downstairs a sadhu told me that Shastriji Maharaj hadn't come at all and that I had been mistaken...
Narayanswarupdas Swami underwent Sanskrit studies, serving fully wherever he stayed and periodically being called to serve Shastriji Maharaj personally. After six years, in 1946 Shastriji Maharaj appointed him the Kothari of Sarangpur temple, thus studies effectively came to an end and at the age of 25 he first began to shoulder administrative responsibilities. As in studies, in administration he also excelled. As a newly initiated sadhu Shantilal showed an extra ordinary flair for management and practical matters. He developed a keen insight. An amiable character enabled him to work comfortably with many a difficult person.
He was a quick learner, ready to consult elders whenever the need arose. The villagers in Sarangpur said, " If Narayan Swami shoulders the administration of our village there would be no need for elections!"

Put My Mind at Peace:

Yogijimaharaj Has Not Left Us:

"Swami, you are guru. We are not Godbrothers! You are guru and we are your disciples. We have to live according to your commands. Yogiji Maharaj has pointed to you.
Yogiji Maharaj had abandoned his mortal body. It was unthinkable, unbelievable. Not possible. The small, tidy hospital room took on vast proportions. Yogiji Maharaj had been heart and soul. The young sadhus that stood around his still figure had given up family and career, ambition and life to be with him, serve him and worship Lord Swaminarayan through him. And now he had left, choosing 23 January 1971, Posh vad ekadashi.
Pramukh Swami broke the hideous spell. At once he was consoling and directing cremation preparations. Phone calls were made. Satsang seniors consulted, the mass media informed. Around him a whirlwind of activity pushed thoughts of grief to a dark private corner. He galvanised the sadhus and devotees into urgent preparation.
The chartered plane landed at the seldom used Rajkot airstrip. Thousands awaited, praying for a last glimpse of the spiritual master they loved so dearly. Yogiji Maharaj was gently carried out. As Pramukh Swami directed, his delicate form was placed on an open jeep to be driven to Gondal. Pramukh Swami had decided on Gondal as the best cremation site. Yogiji Maharaj would have wished it.
As the jeep moved towards Gondal, 35 kilometres away, a cavalcade followed behind. The winter morning was biting. Pramukh Swami sat engrossed in darshan beside the guru he had faithfully served for so long. The whipping wind fluttered his shoulder cloth madly about him. Yogiji Maharaj was laid out on ice, the wind rushing over his exposed body. He remembered how Yogiji Maharaj always avoided the cold. Even in the hottest summers Yogiji Maharaj refused a fan. The thought hurt deeply. Pramukh Swami instinctively took off his shoulder cloth and covered his gurus body with it, neatly tucking it in under the chin. In Gondal the final cremation rituals were performed, after which Yogiji Maharaj, richly garlanded, was gently placed an a special chair - throne and carried around the temple in circumambulation several times, and then taken to the cremation site where neatly arranged logs and sandal wood formed the pyre.
Tens of thousands of people watched Pramukh Swami hold the burning straw in both hands as he circumambulated the funeral pyre. Senior sadhus followed suit. In traditional Hindu fashion Pramukh Swami set alight the logs of sweet smelling wood, entrusting to the flames his spiritual master. As the flames rose and cracked, the heat pushed him back several steps. He watched lost in thought. His half grown beard masking his grief.
"Yogiji Maharaj has not left us," Sant Swami's voice boomed over the public address system. "He is present before us in Pramukh Swami Maharaj. He is our Guru..."
The jam packed assembly listened. Sant Swami was a giant in his own right. Initiated by Shastriji Maharaj, he was respected for his saintliness and scholarship. No one denied his spiritual realisation. He had faithfully served Shastriji Maharaj and Yogiji Maharaj. Now he was revealing to the devotees the truth he had seen and learned from Yogiji Maharaj. Yogiji Maharaj and Shastriji Maharaj were present in the form of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. He was now guru, to be obeyed and served, loved and revered. Sant Swami cited words uttered by Yogiji Maharaj many times, but which had then fallen on deaf ears. "From now onwards Pramukh Swami will carry on my work... Pramukh Swami is my everything."
Sant Swami was clear. There were no doubts in his mind. His confidence was convincing and reassuring. The void seemed not so vast now. Yes, sorrow was there, but Yogiji Maharaj hadn't really gone. He was present in another form. Those who were old enough turned back to Shastriji Maharaj's demise. There had been anguish, pain, sorrow, "an unfillable void," but Yogiji Maharaj had so easily won their love. They had experienced Shastriji Maharaj in Yogiji Maharaj. Now surely they would experience Yogiji Maharaj in Pramukh Swami.
Indeed, without him even asking or demanding they had surrendered to him as disciples. To obey him was their declared dharma. His every wish was a command. "Swami, you are guru. We are not Godbrothers! You are guru and we are your disciples. We have to live according to your commands. Yogiji Maharaj has pointed to you. It is we who have to pray to you that just as Yogiji Maharaj gave us happiness, cared for us, led us ahead and forgave our weakness, please also do likewise."
It is no wonder that soon the entire Satsang Fellowship was enchanted with Swamishri. He was the natural guru.
Sadhu Bhaktipriyadas (Kothari Swami, Bombay): Living with Brahmaswarup Yogiji Maharaj I was convinced in mind that only Yogiji Maharaj could attract the youth mind, and through affection lead them to dharma, niyam and bhakti. No other person in this universe could do this.
After Yogiji Maharaj's passing, I attached my mind to Pramukh Swami Maharaj whom Yogiji Maharaj had called 'his everything' and the 'very form of Shastriji Maharaj'. Nevertheless, in the beginning the feeling remained that Yogiji Maharaj was Yogiji Maharaj, Pramukh Swami Maharaj would not be able to pull minds like he did. But within a very short time Pramukh Swami Maharaj distanced this delusion.
Sadhu Tyagvallabhdas: In the beginning, memories of Yogiji Maharaj would come. But whilst touring I had to stay with Swamishri often. Then I would get the chance to serve him personally. Just as I had served Yogiji Maharaj personally as opportunity arose I served Swamishri. In this way love for him grew.
Sadhu Keshavjivandas (Mahant Swami): When Yogi Bapa went to Akshardham I thought, 'that's it, the play is finished! It's gone forever!' But Pramukh Swami gradually took up the work in such a way that before I knew it - I was coupled to him...
Just as sadhus initiated by Yogiji Maharaj soon found themselves mesmerized by Swamishri, older sadhus initiated by Shastriji Maharaj were similarly taken up. They had now experienced the departing of two gurus, Shastriji Maharaj and Yogiji Maharaj, and now they were witness to both those personalities merged in Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
Swamishri's heart reached out to embrace Satsang. He had loved Shastriji Maharaj and Yogiji Maharaj dearly, and had watched and helped as they had painstakingly built the Sanstha. He was witness to the enormous sacrifices the sadhus and devotees had made. He respected them. They were fellow travellers on a long and hard journey. And now he was to lead. He was at the helm. His companions were now under his care, and many more would join. They were part of the Sanstha family. They belonged to Shastriji Maharaj and Yogi Bapa. He felt an overriding commitment to do the utmost he could. No matter what the cost to himself.
This committal, respect and love for Satsang and its members have stood the test of time and from the very first days have aroused in sadhus and devotees a similar committal, respect and love. For Satsang, and himself.

Sadhus are My Heart:

Guru Bhakti:

After visiting Niagara Falls Swamishri wrote in a letter to London Yuvak Mandal, "No wonder in this world can equal the three wonders, Maharaj, Swami and Yogiji Maharaj. After seeing them nothing else remains to be seen."
When appointed President, Shastriji Maharaj had commanded that in the future Pramukh Swami carry out his duties faithfully clinging to Yogiji Maharaj's wishes. The command became deeply ingrained in Swamishri's living. No matter what the personal cost involved or consequences, he would without hesitation carry out to the letter his guru's wishes.
Ningala is a small village, but filled with the devoted. They had built a small temple hall and invited Yogiji Maharaj to install the images of Lord Akshar Purushottam Maharaj. Yogiji Maharaj asked that Pramukh Swami assist him.
The night prior to the installation ceremony an assembly was in progress. A messenger from Gondal temple arrived. The messenger had brought a letter. Yogiji Maharaj read the letter and without saying a word passed it to Pramukh Swami who was sitting on a lower seat next to him. The letter asked that Pramukh Swami be sent to Gondal immediately on some urgent work.
Pramukh Swami stood up and asked Yogiji Maharaj, "Bapa! What is your command?"
"Leave at once," said Yogi Bapa.
Pramukh Swami quickly left the assembly and instructed his two attendants to prepare. On making inquires he discovered that a train from Botad briefly stopped at Ningala station on its way to Gondal and further. Swamishri hastened to the station which was a tiny office and primitive platform several metres long.
As they waited the attendants suggested, "Swami, what if we take a taxi." It was late, and they would reach Gondal after loosing a night's sleep. If Pramukh Swami had urgent work he would need to be rested.
As was usual Pramukh Swami had tucked a pillow under his arm. With the pillow he also carried a small water pot and his pattar. In the water pot he always safeguarded a bunch of important keys.
Replied Swamishri, "There's no need of a taxi, the train will be here soon." He was loathe to spend extra money.
The next morning the devotees were disappointed that Pramukh Swami was not present at the ceremony. Pramukh Swami himself by leaving Ningala showed that he considered his own presence at such an important function insignificant. To him Yogiji Maharaj's wishes were of supreme worth. He had not once questioned the importance of his errand and whether it could be postponed a few hours.
* * *
Once Yogi Bapa was touring northern Gujarat. He graced Varsoda village. Pramukh Swami was with him.
In the afternoon canvas type sheets were hung up in a corner of the temple hall, forming a partitioned area where Yogi Bapa and Mota Swami could rest. Pramukh Swami himself spread an ochre coloured sheet on a filthy uneven mattress, and lay down to rest, surrounded by youths who were spending their vacation with Yogi Bapa.
Whenever someone entered the temple compound or spoke he would sit up and quickly motion for silence. He would whisper, "Bapa is resting. Mota Swami will wake up."
In the space of two hours he sat up some 15 times, wide awake in guru devotion throughout.
June 19, 1966 saw Yogiji Maharaj in Limdi, not far from Surendranagar. The next morning he was to go to Rajkot, a large town four hours drive away. Pramukh Swami thought it best that Yogiji Maharaj's attendant sadhus should leave for Rajkot early. They were to prepare lunch and accommodations, so as Yogiji Maharaj's schedule not be disturbed. He himself would travel with Yogiji Maharaj and see to his every need. Pramukh Swami instructed Yogeshwar Swami, "You are to leave early, and have lunch ready. We're to drive from Limdi to Rajkot. It would not do to trouble Yogiji Maharaj."
Next morning Pramukh Swami explained the arrangements to Yogiji Maharaj, who readily consented. He said to Yogeshwar Swami, "Jogeshwar," pronouncing the 'Y' as 'J', "obey the commands of this Swami. But make sure you go straight to Rajkot, don't go anywhere else, OK."
Pramukh Swami also cautioned the group, "Don't stop anywhere, get straight there. Have lunch prepared and ready. Bapa will be there by 11 to 12."
Four sadhus left, Yogiji Maharaj's attendants and Pramukh Swami's. Cooking utensils they packed in a case which they tied down on the roof rack.
Along their route several kilometres off the highway they would pass Muli. It was here that Lord Swaminarayan had built his fifth temple. The attendants not wanting to miss such a chance decided to turn off the highway and quickly visit the temple for darshan of the Deities. They calculated that with a little more speed they could still get to Rajkot in time.
When they left Muli it was already ten thirty. Ahead the road dipped to allow railway tracks to pass overhead. The railway bridge however was low and as the car passed beneath the case and rack caught and were ripped off. Pots, pans and ladles spilled to the dusty road.
The sadhus scrambled out and hastily repacked the case. Avoiding the rack they bundled the case into the car with them. The car trundled on. A few kilometres on their old and weary black Austin Morris sputtered to a conclusive halt.
The driver hitched a ride in a passing truck and came back with another car. They tied the two cars together and again began their journey. They were hopelessly late. Worry gnawed them. What would Pramukh Swami say? Yogiji Maharaj would be hungry and waiting.
At 1:30 they finally got to Narayanbhai Sheth's Rajkot home where Yogiji Maharaj was to stay. Entering the house to their amazement they saw Yogiji Maharaj silently eating whilst Pramukh Swami sat to one side, lovingly serving him.
They later learned that Yogiji Maharaj had arrived at 11 on the dot that morning. Pramukh Swami realising that the attendants had not as yet arrived quietly seized the opportunity to serve his guru. He prepared a seat for Yogiji Maharaj who began a katha to the gathered devotes. In the meantime Pramukh Swami expertly prepared a delicious lunch of rotli, daal, bhaat, two shaaks, thuli...
Yogiji Maharaj looked up at the sadhus. His face glowed with pleasure. He explained the meal, "My Pramukh Swami made it. I did katha and he cooked! We got here at 11 o'clock and Pramukh Swami immediately began. Just taste the food. Beautiful!"
* * *
Even now, years after the passing of Yogiji Maharaj Pramukh Swami Maharaj never misses a chance to convey to his sadhus and devotees the greatness of his guru.
One early morning in 1987, in Sarangpur, Swamishri was taking his early morning walk in the garden. A stone paved circular path had been prepared. It was surrounded by blooming flower beds, lawns and fruit trees. Sadhus sat bordering the walkway, singing kirtans. As Swamishri approached the iron gateway he saw Brahmaprakash Swami, potlu in hand. He had come from Amdavad two days ago and had now come to ask for leave.
Swamishri signalled he come closer. Guessing that Swamishri wanted to speak to him Brahmaprakash Swami put his potlu down, but Swamishri said, "It does not matter, you may hold it." With that Swamishri continued his walking, Brahmaprakash Swami struggling to keep up next to him, heavy potlu slung over his shoulder.
"When are you leaving? Swamishri asked. "Have you had breakfast? How many hours does it take to reach Amdavad?"
Brahmaprakash Swami was surprised at the questions. There really was no need for them. Swamishri chatted on, his brisk stride never breaking. With each step Brahmaprakash Swami's potlu felt heavier. His shoulder, unaccustomed to carrying such weight, was becoming sore. On the fourth lap Swamishri's walking period was over.
He patted Brahmaprakash Swami on the head and said, "You may leave now."
Brahmaprakash Swami could not contain himself. He asked tongue in cheek, "Bapa, if you wanted to speak to me at length at least you should have let me put my potlu down."
Chuckling, Swamishri replied, "It was so you would realise how Shastriji Maharaj and Yogiji Maharaj had in their time carried 2-3 potlus at one time and walked for miles on end. However did they manage!"
Another time Swamishri was writing letters in his room in New York. Note pad on lap, sitting crossed legged on a gadi he was totally immersed in his seva. An elderly devotee sitting in front of him on the carpet commented, "Swami, when travelling in the villages in the past it was rare for you to be offered even a mattress to sit on. Even in such impossible times you've toured extensively."
Swamishri put his pen down. He said, "At least we got a mattress. Shastriji Maharaj and Yogiji Maharaj never even had that much. They slept in straw. In Ghogavadar Yogiji Maharaj slept in the cattle shed. Ants and other insects would bite him. In the house would be stored the peanut crop, so mice would be rampant. In other places he would clean a corner in a room and put up there. In such horrible conditions Yogiji Maharaj remained in uncaring bliss and spread Satsang. We are a million times better off to receive even this much."
* * *
A natural result of Swamishri's gurubhakti is his high regard, even reverence, for those who have served his gurus.
Harshad Chavda as an eager youngster had served in the Gondal temple during Yogiji Maharaj's final years there. He would be seen constantly scurrying from here to there, carrying buckets of hot water on cold mornings, taking steaming tea up to a room, serving devotees faithfully in whichever way he could.
In 1975, Swamishri had plans drawn up for a beautiful ornate gateway to the Gondal temple. Yogiji Maharaj had always wanted such an entrance built. Swamishri selected a design and decided to build in red and pink stone. This was to be the first structure in such stone for the Sanstha. He asked Harshad to travel to Bansipahadpur in Rajasthan and make a preliminary survey.
Harshad Chavda: In reality, I knew nothing of stone and building. First Swami Bapa sent me to Bansipahadpur (in Rajasthan) to get stone samples for the Akshar Mandir gateway. It was Nom, (the ninth of the first half of the month) so I had fasted. The whole place was barren. I had to sleep by the well. Swami Bapa had explained everything to me in detail, not just once, but many many times.
When I first stayed here and in Makarana for marble, he would write lengthy letters giving strength and courage. Once he wrote, "For years I myself have laboured with stone..."
Soon quarrying and carving operations began with Harshad overseeing a small team of dedicated youths who managed the entire project. Even before the Gondal gateway was completed Swamishri decided that Rajasthani pink stone be used to build Akshardham, the magnificent cultural exhibition and monument dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan in Gandhinagar. This and other building projects kept Harshad and his team almost frantically busy. One day driving on his motorcycle he met with an accident, barely escaping with his life. He was given emergency treatment locally and then taken to Bombay. Swamishri was visibly distressed when told of the accident. He immediately contacted the Bombay temple and commanded that Harshad's every need be looked after. Swamishri wrote words of encouragement, reassurance and strength to him:
Hearing the news caused me great sorrow...have prayed to Shriji Maharaj and Gunatitanand Swami for your speedy recovery... Your agony is our anguish... In such distress, I should be serving you because you have selflessly offered seva over the years with unflagging enthusiasm...continuously...day and night with no regard for hunger or thirst...no regard for your body...service with such devotion. Therefore, whatever can be done for you can never be enough... Thus I feel sorry in not being able to physically serve you at this critical time.
In the short span of one month, Swamishri wrote no less than four letters to Harshad! Totalling over 20 pages, the second letter read:
Don't worry in the slightest about any of your medical expenses... Whatever the Sanstha can do for you is not enough to repay for the service you've given over the years. To please Yogi Bapa, you've paid no thought at all to hunger, thirst, insults or abuse. In the environment of Bansipahadpur - hot, cold or rainy, you've done work among troublemakers, even snakes...at considerable risk to your life. Your seva can never be forgotten and the Sanstha has benefited a great deal, thanks to your dealings with suppliers and workers. Even if we have to spend a lakh (100,000) rupees or more for you, the amount is immaterial. Your life shines even more than one who has renounced the world...as you've sacrificed all to serve in the Sanstha at one word from Yogi Maharaj. To serve with a constant smile and tolerate is no child's play. Krishnakant and you...both of you are truly loyal workers... What cannot be done for the two of you?
Tribhakaka Patel was seriously ill in Bochasan. He had been serving in the temple for 35 years. Prior to that he had settled in Kenya. When he heard that there was a need for devotees to help run the Bochasan temple he had immediately left family and wealth and returned to India. Shastriji Maharaj commanded that he serve writing the accounts.
When Swamishri arrived in Bochasan he walked straight to Tribhakaka's room and sat beside his bed. "Who is serving Tribhakaka?" he asked. Prabodhjivan Swami was. "Serve Tribhakaka well understanding his greatness. He has served both Shastriji Maharaj and Yogiji Maharaj. It is your good fortune to have such a chance to serve him."

Neither Night, Nor Day:

"Bapa, the flour mill is new. Pour a cup of millet into it!" Swamishri obliged. "Now if you grind the millet I'll never lack for flour again!" Swamishri clasped the handle and turned the heavy stone, grinding the millet to please the devotee.
Once he was in Nadiad. Plans for his first world tour as guru were being finalised. It was 1974, three years since the passing of Yogiji Maharaj. And the hurricane speed touring continued unabated. He was fulfilling the words of Lord Swaminarayan. He would not rest. Leaving Nadiad after Mangala arti he stopped at Piplag and was in time for the Rajbhog arti in Bochasan. Lunch was up the road in Dharmaj. From there he visited Mehalav, the birth place of Shastriji Maharaj and attended the Sandhya arti in Vadtal. After an evening sabha in Dabhan, he visited the Jetalpur old school Swaminarayan temple 40 kilometres away and travelled on to Amdavad, arriving at the temple after midnight having sanctified more than 150 houses through the day.
The distances involved are huge. The roads lacking. Once it so happened that he had to travel from Madhi village near Bardoli to Vidyanagar a distance of some 250 kilometres. The next day he returned to Madhi. Another time Swamishri was in Piplag. He visited some fifty homes and went to Dabhan. He was later followed by several devotees from Piplag, "Swami, some homes got left out for padharamani." Swamishri put his pagh on and went back to Piplag to visit the extra homes. He returned to Dabhan after twelve that night.
On the 9th March 1979, Swamishri left Gariyadhar at about eight in the morning. It was ekadashi and so he was fasting nirjala - no food or water was allowed. First on his schedule were Morba, Charoliya, Kutana and Velavadar. In each he performed padharamani. Next was Mekada. There he graced a procession and gave blessings in a sabha, visited homes and quickly went on to Mota Bhamodara. A new temple had been built, Swamishri sat down in the yagna and later installed the images of Akshar Purushottam Maharaj. A general sabha had been organised that night in Jesar. Swamishri gave blessings there at eleven thirty, retiring to bed after twelve. He was exhausted, but his face glowed with satisfaction, he had been able to serve many devotees.
* * *
Thakorbhai of Baroda had requested Swamishri to visit his home. Swamishri was to pass nearby when he motored from Vaghodiya to Atladra and so accepted. He told Thakorbhai to wait by the roadside. However, as with almost everyday Swamishri was delayed by increased padharamanis. Thakorbhai had stationed himself at the roadside rendezvous by six that evening. Swamishri arrived at 1:30 in the morning. The devotee ran up to the car.
An attendant sadhu said, "Thakorbhai, say we come to your home tomorrow, its very late now..."
Before Thakorbhai could answer Swamishri intervened, "It won't take long! Thakorbhai has been waiting since evening... think of him! Follow him," he told the driver.
In Kurduvadi, Maharashtra, he visited a home at three thirty in the morning.
In the Saurashtra district Swamishri had been touring for several days. As his car passed the outskirts of a village a devotee standing by the roadside recognised Swamishri and waved. Swamishri had seen the wave and had the car stopped.
The devotee ran up to Swamishri's window. Gasping for breath he requested, "Won't you come to my house, Swami?" He could not be refused.
At his home he led Swamishri through all the rooms, asking him to sanctify them and scatter rose petals everywhere. He had him touch various cupboards and chests, stores and mattresses. Everything should be sanctified. Finally he pointed to a domestic flour mill operated by hand. "Bapa, the flour mill is new. Pour a cup of millet into it!" Swamishri obliged.
"Now if you grind the millet I'll never lack for flour again!" Swamishri clasped the handle and turned the heavy stone, grinding the millet to please the devotee.
* * *
South Africa, 1991
Swamishri left Lenasia to be driven to Pietermaritzburg. Crossing a distance of one hundred and seven kilometres in seventy two minutes, he entered Himatbhai Soni's house at 11:45 that morning.
A seat had been prepared in the front room. Swamishri sat down. A devotee touched his feet and prayed, "Swami, please grace my home."
Swamishri quickly said to the attendant sadhus and devotees, "The thal is still to be prepared. By the time it is ready we will be back, come on!" He also visited Kirit Patel's house, and another house under construction and a sweetmeat shop.
"Is this shop wholly vegetarian?" he asked.
"Yes, pure vegetarian! replied the owner. This pleased Swami. He taught that all Hindus should be total vegetarians. Swamishri always insisted that no matter what the doctors said Hindus should never eat meat or fish or eggs.
"But what of you two?" he asked the owner and his brother.
Both looked down embarrassed. Swamishri said quietly. "It does not matter. It is to be forgotten. Just as the shop is vegetarian, one's life should also be made so. What is the purpose of living by killing another. Firmly decide today to stop eating meat."
Before even thinking of a spiritual life a pure diet is essential. Swamishri was going back to basics. He said the brothers and their families should regularly attend the weekly Satsang sabha. It would bolster their faith and introduce them to other satsangis.
If he had to ask one family to eat only a healthy vegetarian diet, he would have to ask another to attend sabha. Each individual, or family was unique, necessitating a different approach.
In Kericho, Swamishri met a young man who had entered Satsang a number of years earlier. His whole family was devoted, the youth himself was a Swaminarayan but had slacked off in attending the weekly sabha. Swamishri asked, "Why is it like this?"
The youth replied, "Others attend the sabha! I feel I may start later on!" He was honest.
Swamishri knew the family well and their close links with Satsang. He was forceful, and a little sarcastic. "'The shops of other people are doing well! They will look after my customers!'" Do you ever think in this way? Never miss the Sunday sabha."
In 1984 he embarked on a lengthy world tour that covered five continents, visiting the homes of hundreds of devotees and lecturing at least once a day to huge assemblies. On his return he toured Gujarat extensively. In 1985 despite a constant fever he toured the Kanam area, visiting 95 villages in 20 days, doing over 700 padharamanis.
This latest spate of touring matched parts of his 1977 touring, when he had visited the arid area of Sabarkantha in mid summer, doing 87 villages in 27 days, and then in the Surat countryside doing 90 villages in 20 days.
Some sadhus commented, "Swami! In the summer, Bombay would be better, it wouldn't be so hot there." It was more of a suggestion. The climate was temperate, and rest was possible.
Swamishri's reply was unexpected. He logically explained his reasons for touring the villages in summer.
"The villages are better in the summer. In the monsoon the villages are filled with mud, it would be inconvenient for the devotees."
* * *
On 6 December 1973 it was ekadashi. Swamishri was in Vasad, he was fasting. By 8:30 after his morning puja he had begun padharamani. After the previous night's sabha 15 odd names had been listed. By three in the afternoon Swamishri had visited 122 houses! Along with him were four sadhus. They were thirsty and exhausted.
Doctor Swami: It was the first time Swamishri had done so many padharamanis whilst fasting on an ekadashi.
When Swamishri arrived back at his accommodation he immediately sat down to answer correspondence. After a while he said. "I think I'll rest for a while. "The attendants were more worried than amazed. This was the first time Swamishri had even hinted that he was tired. Dr. Swami checked his temperature. It had rocketed to 102 centigrade.
He asked, "Has the fever only just started."
Swamishri answered, "From this morning I've felt feverish." His voice was low and reluctant, as if he didn't want to reveal any more.
He rested for about half an hour and then at 5:30 left for Anand and Baroda, reaching Sundalpura at seven. He wrote some more letters despite the continued fever. The attendants asked that he break his fast and drink a little juice. He refused. They asked that he not attend the night sabha. Again he refused. After his blessings the sabha came to a finish at 11:45. Swamishri returned to his room and said chesta. By the time he lay down it was well past midnight.
During the 1984 world tour, Paul Greene of the BBC had asked in London, "Don't you feel tired travelling at this age." Swamishri was sixty four.
He replied, "The body has been given by God. The touring is God's work, and so I do not feel tired."
Ten years later in 1994, he was asked by a satsangi youth in Atlanta during a camp, "Don't you ever get bored with all this work?"
Swamishri was quick to answer, "Bored of what? To do this have I come. If we do something because our mind says to do it, boredom results. But doing something because the Satpurush has commanded entails no problems. If we sincerely desire to please God and His Sadhu then boredom never comes."

It's Me, Pramukh Swami!:

On the third day he said to Ramjibhai, "You have worked for success in this world and the spiritual world. Now," pointing to Harikrishna Maharaj, "it is time to focus totally on Him."
Swamishri was feeling uneasy. It was past six in the morning and he had a jam packed programme ahead. Whilst bathing he made no mention of the tightness in his chest, nor gave any physical clue. He walked to the pandal where on stage his puja material had been prepared as usual. He sat down before Harikrishna Maharaj and after a little meditation smeared the tilak and chandlo on his forehead, chest and both upper arms.
Yogicharan Swami sat to one side. He began singing kirtans. As usual Swamishri put his hand in his L-shaped gaumukhi, found his rosary at the bottom and staring fixedly at Harikrishna Maharaj began his puja. Just a few minutes later he fell to one side paralysed with pain. The sadhus rushed to him. He was suffering a heart attack.
For several years Swamishri had travelled at a hectic pace, not caring for his health. It was the attendant's experience that Swamishri never complained. Various aches, pains and fevers he never mentioned. And when asked about difficulties he would deny them or just ignore the questioner.
Sundalpura was a small village. The best medicines the shanty kiosks sold were malarial cures and common cold relievers. Consumers were more interested in paans, rolled bidis and crushed tobacco leaves.
It was imperative that Swamishri be rushed to a modern hospital in close by Baroda. He was suffering a heart attack. There was no warning that Swamishri 's health would break down; or, if there were, no one noticed it. His car was readied. The attendant sadhus were fraught with worry. Never had they imagined such an emergency. Yogicharan Swami was in charge. Swiftly he organised Swamishri's care and journey.
Nandkishor Swami: The previous night all of us had retired late so the next morning most of us awoke a little late. Swamishri himself was up at around 6 a.m. He held mine and Dharmacharan Swami's hand as we led him to the bathroom by the compound wall. Climbing the 3-4 steps to the platform he put a lot of weight on our hands. This was unusual. His eyes and body showed he was tired. He asked whether I had bathed or not. When I replied in the negative he said, "One should wake up early every morning, even if you've had a late night you should be up by at least six, so you can join yourself in bhajan-bhakti and seva."
A little while later I was doing my puja when we heard that Swamishri had suffered a heart attack.
There were 2-3 cars, Swamishri reclined in the front seat of the Mercedes. The cars slowly moved off, as they turned onto the road the Mercedes stopped. Sadhus watching Swamishri leaving ran to him. Had something gone wrong? No. Swamishri had a message for Narendraprasad Swami. "Go to Anand in my place. I will not be able to go now, Dayabhai and the devotees will be disappointed..."
Swamishri has spent his entire adult life caring for devotees. His vision and heart encompass the world and yet he still finds time to meet the individual, catering to his spiritual and social needs.
* * *
Swamishri was being driven to Atladra, Baroda. He planned to celebrate Vasant Panchmi there. There was to be a short stop at Jitodiya. Ishwarbhai, a long standing devotee, was on his death bed. He knew he was breathing his last and had asked that Swamishri grant him darshan. He was not refused. Ishwarbhai was lying on a cot. Half a dozen family members stood up as Swamishri entered the room. A large wooden bench had been prepared for Swamishri. On it had been spread a sheet and cushions. Next to it was a chair that supported an image of Lord Akshar Purushottam Maharaj and the guru hierarchy. A divo steadily burned. Swamishri sat down. On either side sat Tyagvallabh Swami and Viveksagar Swami.
Swamishri leaned forward, stroking Ishwarbhai's chest in a circular motion, coming down to the stomach and legs. He said, "You have completed whatever had to be done. It was your wish so this Thakorji has arrived," Swamishri pointed to Harikrishna Maharaj. "This is Harikrishna Maharaj, Maharaj Himself is granting you darshan. He will grant you eternal happiness." Taking water in a spoon Swamishri carefully placed several drops between Ishwarbhai's lips.
Ten days later as Swamishri was performing pradakshina in Shastriji Maharaj's room in Atladra a boil on the fore finger finger of his right hand burst. Swamishri said, "This boil has burst and yet why is there no news of Ishwarbhai's going to Dham?" The next day Dharmavihari Swami arrived from Bochasan and told Swamishri that Ishwarbhai had passed away the previous day.
Rambhai of Mojidad was diagnosed with terminal cancer. When Swamishri was informed that Rambhai wished for darshan Swamishri decided to stay three days in Mojidad, in Rambhai's house. Once there, he daily spoke with Rambhai. Imparting spiritual instruction was Swamishri's service to Maharaj and Rambhai. He wanted to ensure that Rambhai harboured no lingering attachment to the world and material family.
Rajendra Ajmera was in the prime of youth. Happily married for two years he was suddenly struck down by disease. From Calcutta he was taken to Bombay. Doctors advised he be treated in the US. This however brought no result. Sapped of strength his condition deteriorated until finally he was brought back to Calcutta, via Frankfurt, where the strain of the journey almost took its toll. Aku, as his family called him, had only one wish. He confided to his family that he wanted to at leisure spend an hour with Swamishri, just talking. Relatives were confused. How could they mention it to Swamishri. He was 500 kilometres away in Gujarat.
They were unaware that even before Aku had arrived back in Calcutta Swamishri had planned a long pilgrimage to Uttarakhand with a 450 strong sangh. Calcutta was on the route.
Swamishri landed in Calcutta on September 16, 1987, from New Delhi. It was night. After the customary welcome he immediately said, "Aku is ill. Let us go to his house." All the way from Delhi to Calcutta Swamishri had been thinking of Aku.
Aku's uncle, Kishorbhai, though concerned about his nephew, saw that Swamishri was exhausted. So he suggested, "He is asleep right now and he also wants to speak with you at leisure. Let's meet him tomorrow morning." It was past eleven, and the other devotees also supported Kishorebhai. Swamishri reluctantly agreed.
That night Aku's wife told him of Swamishri's arrival. The news brought light to his face. She saw his lips silently moving in conversation. Ripples of joy and contentment passed over his pale face. At ten minutes past two in the morning Aku said, "I'm going to Akshardham."
Swamishri was informed of Aku's passing immediately on waking. Tears welled up. He was upset because he did not have the chance of a last meeting.
Aku was laid out on the floor in his house. Swamishri himself performed the final rites, smearing a chandan chandlo on Aku's forehead and performing arti. Swamishri said, "He was very lucky. He passed away whilst engrossed in bhajan. I really did want to meet him, but it was not possible. It does not matter, physically we did not meet, but our souls did. His soul and mine have become one."
It was obvious to all present that Swamishri had in a spiritual sense spent a leisurely hour with Aku, just talking.
* * *
Dr. Yogin Dave had travelled from Bombay to Baroda on hearing that Swamishri was feeling unwell. His stay was to be short. He had to be back in Bombay. Swamishri asked him, "Is your return ticket reserved.
"No, Swami, I'll manage to get a ticket from the station. It's no big inconvenience."
Swamishri told an attendant, "Doctor is leaving this evening. Make sure he has a reservation and ticket."
That evening when Yogin asked leave, Swamishri happily told him his reservation ticket had arrived. His concern was a natural act of parental love.
* * *
The last nine days had been a blizzard of activity for Swamishri. It was Maharaj's mercy that his 68 year old body ravaged by a steady procession of illnesses could withstand the tremendous demands he was making of it. Apart from the daily kathas and granting audience to a multitude of devotees he was busy with last minute meetings dealing with various Sanstha activities. Early morning on the 7 April, 1988 he would be beginning his 12th Satsang world tour. He would not be back for more than nine months, visiting Europe, North America, The Indies, East Africa, South Africa and then back home. It was imperative he be able to provide final guidelines and decisions.
A drought was sweeping through the country. Hundreds of thousands of livestock were in danger. Entire areas had been evacuated. The monsoons had failed successively for three years. Swamishri had decided to expand the social wing of the Sanstha to set up special cattle camps and begin other necessary relief work. He had called leading sadhus to Bombay, and was wholly involved giving precise instructions.
The clock declared it to be 11 p.m., and then 11:30 p.m. Swamishri would be rising at 3 a.m. Attendants had been hovering around him for some time, hoping he would notice and call it a day. Finally he did stand up, but on catching a thought asked for a letter pad. He wanted to write to Trigunbhai Bhatt, a lower middle class devotee. He was in critical condition because of total renal failure. Swamishri had often thought of visiting him but his schedule had not allowed it. Tomorrow he would be flying. He wrote:
Param Bhakta, Trigunbhai. "It was our wish to come and meet you but circumstances prevented us from doing so... So please forgive us... Remember Maharaj and engage in devotion... All will turn out for the best.
In Vidyanagar, Swamishri was taking rest, as he had been feverish for three days or so. He also felt very weak, as in addition to the fever, he also had diarrhoea. A sadhu brought Swamishri's meal to the room, but Swamishri just stared at it. The sadhu requested, "Bapa! Please accept a little food."
Swamishri replied, "Only if you perform something short of a miracle will I be able to eat... I don't feel like eating anything... My mouth says no." With these words Swamishri gently pushed the food aside. He picked up the letter pad that was on one side and started writing replies to the letters in it. His illness had stopped him from eating, but could not stop him from writing letters to his devotees.
During the early years of Swamishri's touring, after the passing of Yogiji Maharaj, he was greeted in almost every town and village with honour. He would be received on the outskirts of the village and then in a sometimes grand, and sometimes bare, depending on the means of the devotees, a procession would be taken out through the village. Swamishri would be asked to grace a bullock cart or horse pulled buggy, an open jeep or a tractor trolley.
Devotees would lead, others would follow. Dancing and singing, chanting and throwing handfuls of coloured powder into the air the procession would last anything from an hour upwards, at all times of the day. The devotees wanted Swamishri to sanctify the entire village. Every gully and side street. The important element was Swamishri. He was guru and was to be welcomed with all the éclat they could muster. It was also a statement to the rest of the villagers. "Here is our guru. He is unmatched in spirituality. His darshan is moksha granting." People would line the streets and smile or just look inquisitively on. Most would join their hands in respect.
Such a reception awaited Swamishri in a village of the Sabarkantha district of Gujarat. The Indian summer heat was penetrating. It was mid afternoon and the crowd of devotees waited in the open, their white dhotis, loose cotton pyjamas and slip on shirts glaring brilliant in the light. Everything was ready. Only Swamishri remained to arrive. When he did there was feverish activity, a lot of 'Jais' and a lot of chaos. Swamishri stepped out of the white ambassador car to be swamped by devotees eager to touch his feet and receive a pat of blessing.
They invited him to grace the procession. Dr. Swami stepped forward and began to ask the devotees to postpone it till a cooler time. He was worried about Swamishri's health. Swamishri overheard him and grabbing his hand put it on the head of the chief organiser. Dr. Swami pulled his hand away. "See," Swamishri said, "how hot his head has become in the sun. If these people have tolerated this much heat we should also bear a little."
The procession began, with Swamishri gladly joining.
* * *
In Sarangpur once the mosquito problem had escalated. A sadhu exclaimed, "There are swarm upon swarms of mosquitoes coming here!"
Swamishri at once shot back, "What is happening to the devotees?" He commanded that mosquito nets be provided for them.
Another time Swamishri was sitting opposite Naranbhai who was sipping tea. Somebody had forgotten to add sugar. Swamishri himself added the sugar to Naranbhai's cup and not seeing a spoon stirred the hot tea with his finger.
When on the phone to Amdavad from the US he once talked to the several sadhus residing there individually and then began inquiring about the temple staff. One by one he recalled their names and had them called to the phone, not forgetting the unkempt Raichand Bharvad who looked after the temple cow shed.
Whenever devotees are involved Swamishri is quick to ask,
"Have they been given accommodation?"
"Do they have adequate bedding?"
"Did they get hot water this morning?"
"Is there anyone left for lunch?"
Only when answers are in the affirmative does his heart rest.
When Swamishri found out that Ashokbhai of Baroda disliked tomatoes mixed in his dal, he had separate dal made for him. He has had special rotlis made for Natubhai of Nairobi and had a dish full of bhajiya from Harikrishna Maharaj's thal sent for Bhaikaka, who was partial to them. On long journeys when he is offered a snack Swamishri is unable to eat by himself. He himself distributes handfuls of prasad to those in the car. But what of the driver? Going from one town to another, Swamishri once sat in the front seat with two little lunch bins in his lap. One full with mendu vada, a savory deep fried doughnut, the other containing chutney.
Swamishri would break a mendu vada in half, dunk it in the chutney and put it in the driver, Indravadan's, mouth, carefull not to soil his jeans and T-shirt.
* * *
Swamishri's 72nd birthday was celebrated on 2nd December, 1992, the concluding day of the Yogiji Maharaj Centennial Celebrations. Dasharathbhai had come to the festival in Gandhinagar. Without anyone knowing, he took a seat far off in the massive assembly arena. But he could not escape Swamishri's eyes. As Swamishri was ceremoniously being taken around the arena in an open jeep, he stopped the jeep and called Dasharathbhai near. Dasharathbhai was unbelieving. Swamishri had picked him out from a crowd of over 50,000! Swamishri garlanded him and talked for a minute or two. Dasharathbhai went back to his seat paralysed with emotion. He could not help himself as a flood of tears flowed down his cheeks.

Panch Vartman:

They saw that the attendant sadhus and devotees loved Swamishri beyond belief. Several elderly patients in the wards had no visitors, even relatives did not come. And here was an Indian monk who was attracting large numbers of well wishers.
During the early stages of Swamishri's 1977 world tour he was in East Africa. In Tanzania he met with President Julius Nyarere at the Presidential palace. Devotees explained to the President the nature of Swamishri's tour of Tanzania. It was spiritual they said. For peace and harmony in society spiritual consciousness must evolve. Swamishri never tires of saying, "If you're a Christian become a better Christian, if you're a Hindu become a true Hindu..." He was working towards not religious conversion but towards a change of heart, life and values.
President Nyarere was impressed. He sensed the deep spirituality nurtured by Swamishri and saw the innocent faces of his disciples. Here was a God conscious person in his very office!
"Swamishri," he asked, "My mother is 90 years old and is very ill. Please grace her room and bless her."
When the President's request was translated for Swamishri he at once told the devotees, "Tell him that because of our vow we cannot go near women."
The devotees hesitated. How could they say no to the President? What would he say? Seeing their reluctance Swamishri again said, this time a little sternly, "Just tell him what I said. Why are you scared? Tell him that Swami has blessed her and the blessings will reach her and she will get well!"
The devotees plucked up the courage and quickly explained the vows all Swaminarayan sadhus have to take when initiated. The President was astonished at the severity of the vow, but was pleased that such souls did exist, those who would not be trapped by the allures of the material world. He was convinced that Swamishri's blessings from a distance were as powerful as those from close up.
Throughout Lord Swaminarayan's teaching is seen a common thread, the disciplined physical and spiritual lives to be led by His sadhu disciples. The rules of conduct for sadhus are known as the panch vartman, the five codes of behaviour. They are nirlobh (devoid of greed), nishkaam (devoid of sexual passion), nisvaad (devoid of weakness for taste), nisneh (devoid of attachment to body and bodily relations), and nirmaan (devoid of ego).
Swamishri's life is in consonance with these teachings.
There are of course critics, who whilst recognising Swamishri's unique stature, say that in today's day and age there is no room for celibacy. The editor of the Gujarati weekly 'Abhiyan' in an interview asked Swamishri, "Swamiji, have you ever considered making a change (in the vow of celibacy) in these modern times? Or do you strictly believe that the vow is appropriate?"
As with so many such questions asked around the world, Swamishri answered, "Whatever vows we have are correct. There is nothing that needs to be changed. Many people have talked to me of this and I'm not concerned that I may be called orthodox. We are determined to safeguard the vows given us by Lord Swaminarayan. People may like it or not. What we have is the truth and it will make itself apparent in the future." Renowned social worker and long time admirer of the Swaminarayan faith and Swamishri, Iswarbhai Petlikar, once suggested that the sadhus be allowed a little freedom from their celibacy. The argument was that this would greatly bolster the spread of Satsang.
He was taken aback by Swamishri's answer, "We do not believe in the spread of Satsang at the cost of our vows. If Satsang spreads all is well and good. If it does not, we are not worried. And whether Satsang spreads or not is in Shriji Maharaj's hands... Many say that because of our strict adherence our movement will not remain for long. To these people I just say that we will run things as long as they will run, and then whatever the Lord's wish...we'll remain in one corner and worship God." As a pastoral counsellor Swamishri routinely has to counsel several family problems daily. His advice shows the respect he has for women.
A recently married young man had become an alcoholic. His tormented spouse had runaway to her parent's home. The young man asked for blessings that his wife might return. Swamishri strongly rebuked him saying it was his drinking that had driven the girl away. How could he expect her to tolerate his abuse. The young man told Swamishri that he had not drunk a drop of alcohol for a month. This pleased Swamishri, but he did not soften up. Whilst he did feel concern for the youth's drinking problem he was more worried about the girl's future. In India's male dominated society she would have little support.
He said, "She will look to your behaviour for a month. If you don't drink she will return. Don't take the wrong road. She is not your slave. Married life means supporting one another..."
It is no small wonder that although Swamishri has no direct contact with women they constitute over fifty percent of Satsang membership. The Sanstha's 1300 women's centres and several hundred girl's forums that cater to youngsters and teens are witness to thriving women's activities. Swamishri has encouraged their growth in diverse fields. He repeatedly instructs devotee co-ordinators that whatever activities the male section undertakes, the women's forum should also consider, and where necessary be provided with all the amenities that would be required for easy functioning.
This has resulted in amongst other things, Premvati, a unique magazine oriented towards the needs of satsangi women, seminars , volunteer corps, cultural dance and music programmes, home industries, health and child care guidance.
Because of Swamishri's interest and guidelines the women's chapter has become a vital part of the Sanstha. Women satsangis regularly organise their own activities, and have even become expert preachers, possessing a depth of understanding and knowledge to match and sometimes supersede that of their male counterparts. Outside observers are fond of saying, "Pramukh Swami has no pocket! He is the master of such a vast Movement and yet he has no money or property to his name!"
This is because Swamishri depends totally on God. Once when he was travelling from Mwanza to Dar-e-Salaam somebody spread a malicious rumour that he and the accompanying sadhus were smuggling diamonds. The airport authorities received Swamishri in Dar-e-Salaam cordially enough but then asked to check all the luggage. Swamishri had nothing to hide and so he readily agreed.
No matter where he travels his basic luggage consists of an ochre coloured potlu. This is the standard 'bag' of Swaminarayan sadhus - a large almost square cloth with its parallel corners sewn together. Dhotis, puja, and sometimes a couple of scriptures are placed in the middle and the potlu is knotted closed. There is no lock or chain for there is nothing of value that a sadhu should personally possess. Coming down a luggage ramp at the world's airports these potlas always draw a curious stare.
The customs people placed the several potlus belonging to the group on a table and opened a knot on one to reveal the simple contents. The dhotis were just long pieces of cloth to them but the puja proved of more interest. They carefully opened the puja bag and found photographic images of Lord Swaminarayan and the guru heirachary, rosary, a sandal paste stick and a small plastic bottle containing red vermilion. There were no diamonds. One after the other all the baggage was meticulously searched.
An apologetic and amazed official said, "Swami, you definitely don't have diamonds, but you don't even have what other travellers always have - at least 75 shillings! This is the first time we have come across such passengers!" Swamishri's vow of poverty is included in the nirlobhi vartman.
Thousands of devotees had gathered in Mahuva, the birth place of Bhagatji Maharaj, guru of Shastriji Maharaj, to celebrate his 150th birthday. The attendant sadhus thought that on such an occasion Swamishri should change his old dhotis for a new set. It was fitting for the event. As a sadhu he would not accept rich silken dhotis, but what was the harm in wearing a new cotton pair?
After much pleading and persuasion Swamishri was pressed into wearing a new dhoti and upper cloth - the gataryu. The freshly coloured cloth looked fine. After the festival the next day he asked for the old dhoti and gataryu. The attendant replied, "I've sent them to Sarangpur." Swamishri did not reply. After several days he went to Sarangpur and after his morning bath asked for his old dhoti. The attendant had offered him the new pair to wear. He asked for the old pair.
This time the attendant replied, "They've still to be properly washed and recoloured." The idea was to prolong giving Swamishri the old dhotis in the hope that he would just accept the new pair and forget about the old.
The next morning when the attendant held out the new dhoti for Swamishri to put on he took his stance saying, "I will wear only my old dhoti." He sat down on his bed resolutely. The old dhotis were quickly brought down.
He frequently explains to disciples that the Sanstha belongs to Harikrishna Maharaj, the temples, land, livestock, books, everything down to the last safety pin. Nothing should be used wastefully. The Sanstha subsists on donations offered to Harikrishna Maharaj by devotees, both rich and poor. How can such sacred wealth be squandered. A sadhu should have no desires of looking good or using the best for his own use. A wealthy person in Bombay heard of the four cattle camps started by the Sanstha during the Gujarat drought in 1987. He approached Swamishri and said, "I'd like to donate
Rs. 100,000 to the cattle camps run by you."
Swamishri replied, "Give the money to cattle camps run by other organisations in Amreli, Gadhada, Botad and elsewhere."
"No, Swamiji, I want to give it to your cattle camps. I have faith in them. Who knows what might happen to my money if I donate it anywhere else!"
But Swamishri persuaded him to send the money to other organisations. He was worried that if most donations were given to the Sanstha what would the other camps do? How would they feed and care for the cattle they had taken in?
* * *
Surat, 1984
Swamishri was dining. Before him on a squat wooden stand rested his pattar - a wooden bowl from which Swamishri eats - and a steel dish with small bowls containing various curried vegetables and soups that had been offered to Harikrishna Maharaj, and which Swamishri was now eating as prasad. An attendant had as usual taken a little food from the plate and placed it in the pattar. A little distance away to one side sat Ashish, the young son of a devotee. He was carefully watching. There were many tasty foods before Swamishri. Which would he eat more he wondered. It was the natural innocent inquisitiveness of a child.
"Bapa, what do you like the most?" Ashish asked.
"Whatever is offered to Thakorji in the thal. What do you like?" Swamishri asked him.
"Everything."
"Your uncle's favourite is ice cream, what's at the top of your list?" asked Swamishri again.
"Ghari!" Ashish was referring to a cake like sweet for which Surat is famous.
Swamishri's nis-swaadi vartman has become almost legendary in Satsang. Over the years, even before Shastriji Maharaj initiated him as a sadhu he was seen as disinterested in enjoying tasty foods. This magnified when he accepted the nis-swaadi vartman along with sadhuhood. As Swamishri was President of the Sanstha and also a very senior sadhu from the point of view of spiritual accomplishment, Yogiji Maharaj always ensured that a capable attendant sadhu was constantly with him, looking after his day to day needs, not that Swamishri had any special needs.
Dharmajivan Swami once made small rotlis for Swamishri. When he served one in his pattar Pramukh Swami asked,
"Where did you bring them from."
"I made them myself."
"For whom?"
"You, Swami."
"Never ever cook anything different for me. Just serve me whatever has been made in the general kitchens for everybody else."
In 1985 he was in Gondal. Mahant Swami was dining with him. Krishnavallabh Swami was serving Swamishri debharas made from dudhi, a cucumber like vegetable. Mahant Swami stopped the attendant from serving debhara to Swamishri as they were extremely salty.
The attendant asked, "Swami, why didn't you say anything?" He had already eaten a fair portion.
"I thought that when you sit down to eat you'd find out anyway," he replied.
In Bahrain it was a similar story. Only when the sadhus themselves sat down to eat did they discover that the curried vegetables were saltless.
That evening the sadhus asked, "The afternoon vegetables had no salt, why didn't you say anything?"
He smiled, and then answered, "You lunched, so you now know. Whatever has been offered to Thakorji should be eaten. What is to be said in that?" His own indifference to eating does not in the slightest prevent him from urging devotees and sadhus to eat as much prasad as they can at special times. Swamishri relishes opportunities when he can serve a popular item. He does not gives them food - he gives prasad. Gandhinagar
December, 1992
During the Yogiji Maharaj Centennial Celebrations, L.K. Advani, leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party, came to Swamishri. He asked inquisitively, "You have a funny organisation here. I asked the people who is behind this grand festival and they told me it is the volunteers. I meet the volunteers, and they say it is really the sadhus' management. The sadhus all say we have done nothing, it is all Pramukh Swami Maharaj's inspiration. But who really..."
Swamishri finished off the sequence for him. "In fact, it's all God's doing."
L.K. Advani was baffled. Never before had he seen such fabulous work with no one squabbling for the credit.
After the Himalayan Yatra with 450 sadhus and devotees Swamishri received an angry letter from a Mr. Parmar who lived in Romford, London. He accused Swamishri of being selfish and inconsiderate of other pilgrims. He wrote that because of the large sangh his own family had experienced untold of difficulties finding accommodation. Their dates had exactly matched the sangh's schedule. He said his family was extremely unhappy.
...You shouldn't have come with such a big party... We came to visit the holy places...but as your schedule clashed with ours, we couldn't find any decent accommodation... You spoilt our holiday and made our family miserable.
Two months previous to the yatra Swamishri had sent Ishwarcharan Swami to all the sites to be visited, looking at rooms and making arrangements. It had not been an instant pilgrimage, embarked upon on the spur of the moment. The planning had been meticulous. Swamishri was in no way to be blamed. It was sheer coincidence. A devotee would say it was the Lord's will.
In an apologetic answer Swamishri wrote back, "...Sorry for the inconvenience that we may have caused... It was not our intention to cause you distress. If you had told us while you were there, we would most certainly have arranged facilities for you and your family to stay. Please accept our apologies..."
A man from Amdavad had been wondering through the Sarangpur temple complex for two days. He wanted to meet Swamishri but was new and didn't know how. When he finally did he fell at his feet and burst into loud sobbing. Swamishri remained seated, stroking the distressed man's head. When he gained a little composure he began confessing. "I have spited you dreadfully, sinned so much. I have sworn at you behind your back. I called you a cunning businessman. I did all this without any experience or knowing who you were. My friends tried to make me see the truth, but I cursed even them.
"In 1985 in Swaminarayan Nagar (bicentenary of Gunatitanand Swami) I leased a stall. My friends had hung your photo on a wall. I threw it on the ground outside and crushed it under my shoes. In the Nagar I smoked on purpose..."
As the man spoke Swamishri continued to stroke his head. After a while he became quiet. Swamishri then said, "Now that you've accepted Satsang everything will be forgiven. You have taken shelter of God, He will do good for you..."
Early one morning in Amdavad as Swamishri was taking his daily walk, two renunciates of another organisation insisted on seeing him. Swamishri had not bathed as yet, but he agreed all the same. He recognised the two as the ones who had led a vicious propaganda campaign against the Sanstha several years ago. Swamishri did not say a word. They wanted funding for a project. Without a trace of enmity Swamishri agreed and gave the necessary instructions to his attendants. He refused to be intimidated by incidents that had happened in the past. Let bygones be bygones he said, a sadhu should not harbour grudges or grievances.
Bob Kaplan, Member of Parliament, Canada, and once the Solicitor General, had been for several years impressed with Swamishri's work in Canada, especially Toronto. He knew of the Satsang activities and his notable success with the youth. He along with other citizens arranged for Swamishri to visit Parliament where he would be honoured by the MPs sitting in session.
As Swamishri sat in the VIP gallery, Speaker John Fraizer interrupted the proceedings to ask the MPs to look toward the VIP gallery. Swamishri was introduced. The Speaker asked, "Swamishri, please stand up." One hundred twenty-five members of Parliament were watching, T.V. cameras were sending the scene into countless homes. Swamishri remained seated. He told Nirbhayswarup Swami who was holding Harikrishna Maharaj to stand up and let Parliament have the Lord's darshan first. It was He who ought to be honoured. After all, he himself was just a servant of Harikrishna Maharaj. After a few seconds, Swamishri stood up, palms joined together, head slightly bowed in humble greeting.
In a similar ceremony at the Home of Commons in London Swamishri had again insisted that Harikrishna Maharaj be first held up to accept whatever honour the British Parliament desired to bestow.
In 1989 the foundations of a new temple in Mehsana were being dug. Youth volunteers had strung out in a human chain and were quickly passing along large metal basins of earth to be dumped a little distance away.
Swamishri was walking to the sabha, he appeared dazzling and lovable. By his mere presence and glances those around him felt their devotion increasing. He saw the vigorous enthusiasm of the youths and could not resist the temptation. He joined the line and to the dumbfoundment of all began passing basins. After he had delivered over 30 the sadhus and devotees asked him to stop.
Yogi, barely seven years old, was singing a kirtan whilst Swamishri was having breakfast in the 'White House', the white washed house in the New York temple compound. As the boy sang Swamishri listened. All of a sudden, remembering something, he began to talk in a low voice to the sadhu sitting next to him. Yogi stopped singing, and sat down. He was upset.
"Why did you become upset and sit down," Swamishri asked when his conversation finished.
"I was singing, but nobody was listening, they all keep talking."
"Sorry," said Swami, "I made a mistake." The apology was spontaneous and natural. He then asked Yogi to stand up and begin again, pleasing the little devotee no end, encouraging him to learn other kirtans and sing them before the images in the temple and in the sabhas.
Swamishri had once told a devotee, "A sadhu should have no attachment to his birth place. We want to worship God, and that can be done everywhere. After once renouncing the family and if we then still harbour love for them what have we renounced?"
He encourages his sadhus to develop such nis-sneh, "The soul has no family and caste. If after renouncing your family you retain affection for them you become bound. The Sanstha is the effect. Satpurush is the cause. Be tied only to the Satpurush and God. There is nothing worth swallowing in this material world."
Swamishri never talks about his family. At their very mention he stops all conversation. He has never returned to his birth place, Chansad. The only information about his childhood is what has been learned from his mother Diwaliben, and sisters. When he was informed that his father had passed away he immediately bathed, as is required by the Dharmamrit. When Diwaliben passed away he did similarly.
He himself is very reluctant to talk about his life before becoming a sadhu and even afterwards. For the benefit and joy of disciples he at times does reveal fragments of his past.
In Bochasan the sadhus once asked, "When you left home did you feel any unhappiness?"
"No," he replied. "It was not that I was forced to leave home."
This detachment from his family was evident from a young age. As a youngster he was affectionate, obedient and revered his parents. He gave full respect to his brothers and sisters and was always cordial and friendly with other relatives. But his heart he had given to Shastriji Maharaj. He could not love anyone to the degree that he adored his guru.
Carlos Vegas had heard of Swamishri from a friend. He was interested enough to visit Swamishri in Los Angeles. He sat a little distance away from Swamishri who was busy. When he finally had the chance to speak to him Carlos said, "This is the first time I'm experiencing tranquillity, and this, only in your presence. I have a house, car, money, I have everything..."
Before he could finish Swamishri spoke, "I have God." He seemed to be speaking from a world that was his own. His voice carried conviction that came from experience. He continued, "I have no money, I have God, and in that comes everything."

After You, My Lord:

"God cannot be seen like that. You have to keep faith in the words of the spiritual master and exert yourself spiritually. I can see God Himself within my guru. Is there anything more to be said? God may come before us in any form He pleases to!" In 1994 a teenager in London asked, "In the midst of so much activity how do you remain so fresh." Swamishri quietly answered, "Whatever I do, I do because I have been so commanded. The responsibilities are not my burden but God's. Whilst so serving I constantly remember the image of Maharaj and Swami." The teenager had not expected such a revealing answer. Swamishri did not often speak in such a manner. His words provided an insight into his spiritual consciousness. He was teaching the ideal method of serving Maharaj and Satsang. Remain within His commands, forget not the divine image and believe Maharaj to be the all - doer, this would help to remain humble. It was when the 'I' and 'My' arose that tensions started and one forgot God and the spiritual master. A devotee in Bochasan innocently asked, "Swami Bapa, all day long you patiently meet with devotees and listen to their tales of unhappiness and problems. When do you do bhakti?" Swamishri was amused. He laughed and answered. "I perform bhakti continuously, without break. Every moment I think of Maharaj and Swami, and along with that I also serve society in this manner. I have come to distance the distress of those who are unhappy." The devotee had had a shallow concept of devotion as being limited to attending arti or doing puja or turning the rosary. He learnt that the highest devotion was an unbroken communion with God, and that Swamishri possessed this. In 1977, in London, the children persuaded Swamishri to fill in a personal data form. Next to hobbies, they pressed him to write 'cricket', bearing in mind his interest in the sport as a child. Instead, Swamishri chose to write: Worshipping God and inspiring others to do likewise. In Anand During 1987 whilst on a visit to a doctor's surgery, Swamishri wrote a recommendation for the doctor's young son on a prescription pad: Devotion to God - daily.

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