Brief Biography of Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan
Early Life
Lord Shree Swaminarayan was born in the Koshal region of India, in a village called Chhapaiya (near Ayodhya, UP). Having served His parents until their departure for Akshardham, the Almighty took to a pilgrimage of India, adopting the life of a nomadic hermit.
Meeting Ramanand Swami
On completion of the 7 years' sojourn of India, the Lord met up with Ramanand Swami, and established the purest and unadulterated form of religion, based on ultimate devotion to God only, with total observance of non-violent dharma. He reintroduced the non-violent yagnas, promoted social welfare, almshouses, fresh water wells and discredited the acts of enforced Sati & female infanticide.
Introduction of Swaminarayan Mantra
After the passing of Shree Ramanand Swami, Shreeji Maharaj held a large gathering of the followers at Faneni. It was during this sabha, whilst explaining that God is one, He is Narayan, He is our Swami, Shreeji Maharaj introduced 'the father of all Mantras' — Swaminarayan. The poet Dalpatram Kavi dedicates a whole chapter in his granth Shree Harileelamrut Sagar to the greatness of the name Swaminarayan.
Establishment of Acharyaship
At Vadtal, Shreeji Maharaj established the dual Acharyaship, in direct succession to Himself, through the Desh Vibhagno Lekh. Witnessed by saints and elder devotees, copies were given to Shree Raghuveerji Maharaj (Vadtal Gadi) and Shree Ayodhyaprasadji Maharaj (Ahmedabad Gadi). Today, H.H. Acharya Maharajshri Rakeshprasadji Maharaj and H.H. Acharya Maharajshri Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj continue this divine leadership.
Promise of Eternal Presence
At the age of 49 years, His work completed, Shreeji Maharaj left His physical body at Gadhpur, but promised to remain forever present in:
- The murtis He installed (and Acharyas succeeding Him)
- The Acharyas He appointed
- The saints He initiated
- The scriptures such as Shikshapatri, Satsangi Jeevan, Satsangi Bhushan
