Sadhu Gnãnjivandas

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Yogiji Maharaj
Date of birth: May 23, 1892
Place of birth: Dhari, Gujarat, India
Birth name: Jinabhai Vasanji
Date of death: 9 April 2007
Place of death: Bombay, Maharashtra, India
Guru/Teacher: Shastriji Maharaj
Titles/Honors: Global Expansion of Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha

Sadhu Gnãnjivandas (Yogiji Maharaj) (May 23, 1892January 23, 1971) was an Indian ascetic monk and the second leader of Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, who is claimed to be the fourth spiritual successor to Bhagwan Swaminarayan.[1]

Born Jinabhai Vasanji to Devchandbhai and Puribai Vasanji in the village of Dhari in Gujarat, India, he showed an inclination towards Hindu spirituality from an early age.[2] As a result, he chose to become an ascetic, and received initiation into monkhood with the name Sadhu Gnãnjivandasji.[3]

As a sadhu (ascetic monk), Gnãnjivan Swami was said to be well respected for his humility as he kept himself "busy in the service of others" and "never complained of fatigue".[4] Although lacking a formal Western education himself, he had success in attracting educated people – including doctors and engineers – to renounce their worldly lives and join the monkhood.[5]

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Yogiji Maharaj.
  2. ^ Yogiji Maharaj's Life - Jinabhai in Meditation.
  3. ^ Yogiji Maharaj's Life - Krishnaji Ada's Blessings.
  4. ^ Yogiji Maharaj's Life - A Hard Working Saint.
  5. ^ Yogiji Maharaj's Life - Youths Become Sadhus.

[edit] See also