Pramukh Swami Maharaj

Pramukh Swami Maharaj
Born December 7, 1921(1921-12-07)
Chansad, Vadodara, India
Birth name Shantilal Patel
Titles/honours Shastri (Scholar)
Guru Shastri Yagnapurushdas, Sadhu Gnãnjivandas
Quotation "In the joy of others, lies our own"

Pramukh Swami Maharaj (born Shantilal Patel, 7 December 1921; ordained Shastri Narayanswarupdasji) is the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan in the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, a Hindu organization, and the current guru of the sect.

Devotees believe Pramukh Swami Maharaj to be in constant communion with God, and ontologically, the manifestation of Akshar, the eternal abode of God. Under Pramukh Swami’s guidance, BAPS has blossomed into a global socio-spiritual organization, with activities spanning religious, cultural, social, and humanitarian domains.

Contents

Early Life and Renunciation

Shantilal was born in the village of Chansad, Gujarat, on 7 December 1921. His parents, Motibhai and Diwaliben Patel, were disciples of Shastriji Maharaj and staunch followers of the Akshar Purushottam faith.[1] Shantilal’s daily darshan, or worship, at the Swaminarayan mandir in Chansad and his association with Shastriji Maharaj and disciple sadhus whenever they came to the village reflected Shantilal’s affinity and love for satsang at a young age.[2]

When Shantilal was seventeen years old, he received a letter from his guru, Shastriji Maharaj, inspiring him to renounce the world and join the sadhu fold. His parents happily gave their permission and on 22 November 1939, Shastriji Maharaj gave Shantilal the parshad diksha at Ambli-Vadi Pol in Amdavad.[3] On 10 January 1940 at the Akshar Deri in Gondal, Shanti Bhagat was given the bhagvati diksha, initiated as a sadhu, and named Sadhu Narayanswarupdas (meaning “the form of Narayan”). [4] Renouncing worldly pleasures, he adopted vows of celibacy (nishkam), non-covetousness (nirlobh), non-taste (nisswad), non-attachment (nissneh) and humility (nirman) and committed himself to livelong dedication and service to God and humanity.[5]

As a young sadhu, Narayanswarupdasji studied Sanskrit and the shastras at Bhadaran and Khambhat, earning the title “Shastri” upon mastering both scripture and philosophy.[6] Narayanswarupdasji also played a significant role throughout the Atladra mandir’s construction in the early 1940s, including an incident in which he sustained burns and blisters on his body after mixing limestone, yet persisted unflinchingly in performing his service.[7] In 1946, Shastriji Maharaj appointed Narayanswarupdasji the kothari, or chief administrative leader, of the Akshar Purushottam mandir in Sarangpur.[8] In his concurrent role as Shastriji Maharaj’s personal secretary, Narayanswarupdasji also gained a comprehensive understanding of BAPS’ broader affairs and activities.[9]

President of BAPS

Appointment and Service Under Yogiji Maharaj

On 21 May 1950, Shastriji Maharaj appointed Shastri Narayanswarupdasji, then merely 28 years of age, as the administrative president (Pramukh) of BAPS.[10] At the close of the ceremony at Ambli-Vadi Pol in Amdavad, Narayanswarupdasji addressed the group, “I feel overwhelmed by the kindness and love showered upon me so lavishly here by my Guru Shastriji Maharaj, and by my mentor Yogiji Maharaj. Always will this day remain sacred for me, in that I am considered worthy of so great a trust and confidence by the two most noble souls of our fellowship, and by you all despite my young age.”[11] Since that time, Narayanswarupdasji has become widely referred to as “Pramukh Swami.”

Pramukh Swami served under the blessings and guidance of Yogiji Maharaj after Shastriji Maharaj passed away in 1951, and became the spiritual guru of BAPS upon Yogiji Maharaj’s death in 1971.[12]

As President and Guru of BAPS

Directing the Global Spread of BAPS

Under Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s leadership, BAPS has rapidly grown into a worldwide socio-spiritual organization and has witnessed a significant expansion in many measurable parameters. Currently, BAPS encompasses over one million devotees, more than 850 sadhus, 3,300 mandirs and congregations, over 7,200 weekly assemblies, and a host of humanitarian and charitable activities.[13]

On 4 June 1971, in the village of Sankari, Pramukh Swami Maharaj consecrated the first shikharbaddha mandir after Yogiji Maharaj’s passing away.[14] Since then, Pramukh Swami Maharaj has inaugurated hundreds of mandirs and centers around the world, leading to his recognition by the Guinness Book of World Records as having consecrated the greatest number of temples as a single individual. [15] Outside India, such temples include shikharbaddha mandirs in the metropolitan areas of Houston, Chicago, Atlanta, Nairobi, and London; the latter was cited upon completion as the largest traditional Hindu temple built outside the Indian subcontinent.[16] Within India, Pramukh Swami Maharaj is credited as the inspirer of the Swaminarayan Akshardham complexes in Gandhinagar and New Delhi, itself the world’s largest comprehensive Hindu temple.[17]

Pramukh Swami Maharaj embarked upon his first overseas visit as the guru, or spiritual leader, of BAPS in 1974.[18] In the decades that followed, he has conducted 27 overseas tours that have spanned over fifty countries in five continents.[19] In addition to meeting with and providing spiritual guidance to devotees during these visits, Pramukh Swami has also met with other religious and civic dignitaries. Prof. Brian Hutchinson notes that in speaking with these individuals, Pramukh Swami “consistently emphasizes what religions hold in common and advocates cooperation between them with the purpose of uplifting the moral and religious life of mankind.”[20] Pramukh Swami’s address in 2000 to world religious leaders at the Millennium World Peace Summit at the United Nations reflected a similar message.[21]

In addition, Pramukh Swami has led BAPS’ efforts in conducting a number of large-scale cultural festivals, with the aim of highlighting Hindu traditions and promoting moral and spiritual living.[22] The month-long Cultural Festival of India held in Edison, New Jersey during the summer of 1991, for instance, showcased traditional Indian arts, architecture, dance, and music as well as Hindu culture and spirituality, and attracted over one million visitors.[23]

Pramukh Swami Maharaj has also initiated over 850 youth into the sadhu fold. Hutchinson observes that Pramukh Swami’s “selfless love…was his most frequently and enthusiastically reported characteristic that had influenced persons to become devotees and sadhus.”[24] After renouncing worldly ambitions, these sadhus are guided by Pramukh Swami in their service of God and society.[25]

Leadership of BAPS Charitable and Humanitarian Endeavors

In conjunction with his spiritual and cultural roles, Pramukh Swami Maharaj has also launched a range of humanitarian projects (e.g. famine relief, cattle camps, and earthquake relief work), educational endeavors (e.g. literacy campaigns and youth hostels), ecological projects (e.g. tree planting, well recharging, and recycling projects), medical services (e.g. diagnostic camps and blood donation drives), and anti-addiction campaigns.[26] These endeavors have provided lasting benefits for thousands of individuals worldwide.

Significance in BAPS

Followers of BAPS believe Pramukh Swami Maharaj to be a manifestation of Akshar, the form of the eternal abode of God, and to be in constant communion with Him. Accordingly, Pramukh Swami Maharaj is considered by devotees to be “the perfect servant of God,...totally filled with God and therefore worthy of reverence and worship.”[27]

Theological Role and Spiritual Guide

As the living guru, Pramukh Swami Maharaj is considered by followers of BAPS to be the ideal sadhu, the perfect devotee, and the principal target for emulation by all spiritual aspirants. By living in harmony with all the scriptural tenets propounded by Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Pramukh Swami Maharaj is often described by followers as a personification of the sacred scriptures.[28] He is viewed as “fully brahmanized,” or having achieved the ultimate level of spiritual development.[29]

Devotees consider Pramukh Swami to exemplify all the ideals of the religion; he is viewed as the first disciple, most faithful in his observance of the commandments, most active in propagation of the religion, the best interpreter of the meaning of the scriptures, and the most effective in eradicating the ignorance that separates man from good.[30] His conduct is hence considered to be that of the “ideal saint” and “perfect bhakta (devotee),” providing a tangible and graspable example for the spiritual aspirant to follow.[31] For instance, devotees regard Pramukh Swami’s practice of carrying the murti of Bhagwan Swaminarayan before him and directing all garlands or offerings presented to him to the image as a paradigm of humility and selflessness.[32] Similarly, devotees view Pramukh Swami’s actions in September 2002, when he appealed for peace and forgiveness of Muslim militants who killed 32 people and injured dozens more in an attack on Akshardham Gandhinagar, to epitomize the Hindu tenet of ahimsa, or nonviolence.[33]

Followers believe that by associating with Pramukh Swami Maharaj, they may rid themselves of their vices, baser instincts, and the clutches of worldly attachments.[34] Earning the grace of the guru, devotees believe, will enable them to achieve liberation; they may escape the cycle of births and deaths and attain Akshardham (God’s divine abode).[35]

For a devotee of BAPS, Pramukh Swami Maharaj serves as the essential spiritual link between him/herself and God.[36] Devotees consider Pramukh Swami Maharaj to be one with the Lord and to share in His divinity.[37] Thus, his followers believe that by offering devotion to Pramukh Swami, they offer it to Swaminarayan himself.[38]

Pastoral Counselor

Beyond the spiritual significance that he holds in the eyes of devotees, Pramukh Swami is also approached by many followers for guidance in all aspects of life.[39] Devotees frequently take to him matters of personal, family, and business affairs and submit to his judgment.[40] This constant communication is thought to be an essential aspect of guru-disciple relationship.[41] Accordingly, Pramukh Swami spends much time counseling devotees in person or by letters or telephone.[42] Women receive advice from Pramukh Swami, but not directly. Vows of a sadhu in the Swaminarayan tradition make it impossible for him to look at or speak to females, so they frequently ask male relatives to approach Pramukh Swami on their behalf or send written messages to him to ask for advice.[43]

Raymond Williams reports that through such pastoral counseling, “Pramukh Swami instructs his followers to believe in God, because without belief in the inspiration of God and faith, nothing is possible.” [44] Williams notes that devotees trust Pramukh Swami’s advice due to his theological role as guru and manifestation of Akshar, but also because “as a world-renouncer, he is impartial and gains no personal advantage from helping them with decisions." [45]

Pramukh Swami Maharaj has said that the purpose of his providing advice on such a range of matters is not to establish the devotees in business or to enable them to become wealthy, but to relieve them of anxieties about mundane affairs so they can attend to their spiritual progress.[46]

References

  1. ^ Sadhu Paramananddas, translated by Sadhu Tilakratnadas (1995?). Searching Questions and Fulfilling Answers: Pramukh Swami Maharaj in Interview. pp. ix-xi.
  2. ^ Sadhu Aksharvatsaldas, translated by Sadhu Vivekjivandas (2007). Portrait of Inspiration: Pramukh Swami Maharaj. p. xi. ISBN 81-7526-217-6.
  3. ^ Sadhu Aksharvatsaldas, translated by Sadhu Vivekjivandas (2007). Portrait of Inspiration: Pramukh Swami Maharaj. p. xi. ISBN 81-7526-217-6.
  4. ^ (2007). 100 Years of BAPS. p. 170. ISBN 81-7526-377-6.
  5. ^ Sadhu Aksharvatsaldas, translated by Sadhu Vivekjivandas (2007). Portrait of Inspiration: Pramukh Swami Maharaj. p. xvii. ISBN 81-7526-217-6.
  6. ^ Raymond Brady Williams (2001). An Introduction to Swaminarayan Hinduism. Cambridge University Press. p. 61. ISBN 0 521 654.22.
  7. ^ Sadhu Paramananddas, translated by Sadhu Tilakratnadas (1995?). Searching Questions and Fulfilling Answers: Pramukh Swami Maharaj in Interview. pp. ix-xi. See also http://baps.org/pramukhswami/life/2.htm.
  8. ^ Raymond Brady Williams (2001). An Introduction to Swaminarayan Hinduism. Cambridge University Press. p. 61. ISBN 0 521 654.22.
  9. ^ Raymond Brady Williams (2001). An Introduction to Swaminarayan Hinduism. Cambridge University Press. p. 61. ISBN 0 521 654.22.
  10. ^ Sadhu Amrutvijaydas (2007). 100 Years of BAPS. p. 11. ISBN 81-7526-377-6.
  11. ^ Brian Hutchinson (1985). The Guru in the Akshar Purushottam Branch of the Swaminarayan Hindu Sect. p. 65.
  12. ^ Sadhu Amrutvijaydas (2007). 100 Years of BAPS. p. 11. ISBN 81-7526-377-6.
  13. ^ http://baps.org/introduction/index.htm.
  14. ^ Sadhu Amrutvijaydas (2007). 100 Years of BAPS. p. 70. ISBN 81-7526-377-6.
  15. ^ Hanna Kim (2010). Public Engagement and Personal Desires: BAPS Swaminarayan Temples and their Contribution to the Discourses on Religion. International Journal of Hindu Studies. p. 2.
  16. ^ John Zavos (2010). Negotiating Minority/Majority Religious Identity: Exploring the Social Location of a Transnational Religious Organisation in Britain and India. Rindas, The Center for the Study of Contemporary India, Ryukoku University. International Symposium Series 1. p. 104.
  17. ^ http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2007-12-26/news/27689947_1_hindu-temple-akshardham-temple-spiritual-leader-and-head.
  18. ^ Sadhu Amrutvijaydas (2007). 100 Years of BAPS. p. 74. ISBN 81-7526-377-6.
  19. ^ Sadhu Amrutvijaydas (2007). 100 Years of BAPS. p. 190. ISBN 81-7526-377-6.
  20. ^ Brian Hutchinson (1985). The Guru in the Akshar Purushottam Branch of the Swaminarayan Hindu Sect. pp. 65-66.
  21. ^ http://www.swaminarayan.org/news/2000/08/peacesummit/index.htm.
  22. ^ Sadhu Amrutvijaydas (2007). 100 Years of BAPS. p. 11. ISBN 81-7526-377-6.
  23. ^ Sadhu Amrutvijaydas (2007). 100 Years of BAPS. p. 110. ISBN 81-7526-377-6.
  24. ^ Brian Hutchinson (1996). The Divine-Human Figure in the Transmission of Religious Transition. Published in Raymond Williams’ A Sacred Thread: Modern Transmission of Hindu Traditions in India and Abroad. Columbia University Press. p. 105.
  25. ^ Sadhu Amrutvijaydas (2007). 100 Years of BAPS. p. 11. ISBN 81-7526-377-6.
  26. ^ Sadhu Paramananddas, translated by Sadhu Tilakratnadas (1995?). Searching Questions and Fulfilling Answers: Pramukh Swami Maharaj in Interview. pp. ix-xi. See also http://baps.org/introduction/index.htm.
  27. ^ Raymond Brady Williams (2001). An Introduction to Swaminarayan Hinduism. Cambridge University Press. pp. 87-95. ISBN 0 521 654.22.
  28. ^ Raymond Brady Williams (2001). An Introduction to Swaminarayan Hinduism. Cambridge University Press. p. 94. ISBN 0 521 654.22.
  29. ^ Brian Hutchinson (1998). The Guru-Devotee Relationship in the Experience of the Members of the Akshar-Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha. p. 151.
  30. ^ Raymond Brady Williams (1996). The Holy Man as the Abode of God in the Swaminarayan Religion. Published in Joanne P. Waghorne and Norman Cutler’s Gods of Flesh, Gods of Stone: The Embodiment of Divinity in India. Columbia University Press. p. 153. ISBN 0-89012-037-4.
  31. ^ Hanna Kim (2001). Being Swaminarayan: The Ontology and Significance of Belief in the Construction of a Gujarati Diaspora. Columbia University Press. p.354.
  32. ^ Raymond Brady Williams (1996). The Holy Man as the Abode of God in the Swaminarayan Religion. Published in Joanne P. Waghorne and Norman Cutler’s Gods of Flesh, Gods of Stone: The Embodiment of Divinity in India. Columbia University Press. p. 150. ISBN 0-89012-037-4.
  33. ^ John Statton Hawley and Vasudha Narayanan (2006). The Life of Hinduism. University of California Press. pp. 4-5. ISBN 978-0-520-24913-4.
  34. ^ Raymond Brady Williams (2001). An Introduction to Swaminarayan Hinduism. Cambridge University Press. p. 94. ISBN 0 521 654.22.
  35. ^ Raymond Brady Williams (1996). The Holy Man as the Abode of God in the Swaminarayan Religion. Published in Joanne P. Waghorne and Norman Cutler’s Gods of Flesh, Gods of Stone: The Embodiment of Divinity in India. Columbia University Press. p. 149. ISBN 0-89012-037-4.
  36. ^ Brian Hutchinson (1996). The Divine-Human Figure in the Transmission of Religious Transition. Published in Raymond Williams’ A Sacred Thread: Modern Transmission of Hindu Traditions in India and Abroad. Columbia University Press. p. 105.
  37. ^ Brian Hutchinson (1998). The Guru-Devotee Relationship in the Experience of the Members of the Akshar-Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha. p. 149.
  38. ^ Brian Hutchinson (1998). The Guru-Devotee Relationship in the Experience of the Members of the Akshar-Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha. p. 147.
  39. ^ Brian Hutchinson (1998). The Guru-Devotee Relationship in the Experience of the Members of the Akshar-Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha. p. 144.
  40. ^ Raymond Brady Williams (1996). The Holy Man as the Abode of God in the Swaminarayan Religion. Published in Joanne P. Waghorne and Norman Cutler’s Gods of Flesh, Gods of Stone: The Embodiment of Divinity in India. Columbia University Press. p. 154. ISBN 0-89012-037-4.
  41. ^ Raymond Brady Williams (2004). Williams on South Asian Religions and Immigration: Collected Works. Chapter Seven: Guru as Pastoral Counselor. p. 107. ISBN 9780754638568.
  42. ^ Sadhu Amrutvijaydas (2007). 100 Years of BAPS. p. 11. ISBN 81-7526-377-6.
  43. ^ Raymond Brady Williams (2004). Williams on South Asian Religions and Immigration: Collected Works. Chapter Seven: Guru as Pastoral Counselor. p. 112. ISBN 9780754638568.
  44. ^ Raymond Brady Williams (2004). Williams on South Asian Religions and Immigration: Collected Works. Chapter Seven: Guru as Pastoral Counselor. p. 109. ISBN 9780754638568.
  45. ^ Raymond Brady Williams (2004). Williams on South Asian Religions and Immigration: Collected Works. Chapter Seven: Guru as Pastoral Counselor. p. 108. ISBN 9780754638568.
  46. ^ Raymond Brady Williams (2004). Williams on South Asian Religions and Immigration: Collected Works. Chapter Seven: Guru as Pastoral Counselor. p. 110. ISBN 9780754638568.
Mandirs and Monuments of BAPS
Monuments
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Swaminarayan (with the Akshar Purushottam philosophy) · Radha Krishna
Akshar Purushottam Philosophy

Gunatitanand Swami · Bhagatji Maharaj · Shastriji Maharaj · Yogiji Maharaj · Pramukh Swami Maharaj
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