Swaminarayan Gurukul
Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul is an organisation headquartered in Rajkot.[1] It was established in 1947 in Rajkot by Sadguru Shastri Shri Dharmajivandasji Swami.[2][3] This organization comes under the LaxmiNarayan Dev Gadi of the Swaminarayan Sampraday.
The goal of the organisation is spreading Sadvidya or ‘Good and True education’ propagated by Swaminarayan.[4] The organisation aims to imbibe the essence of Indian cultural heritage through ten branches across India, namely Rajkot, Junagadh, Surat, Navsari, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Taravada, Bangalore, Narmada, Lonavala, Vidyanagar, Gulbarga, Morbi, Gyanbag, Raipur, Bidar, Jadcherla, Nagpur & Solapur. Its international branches include Dallas (Texas, United States), Phoenix (United States), New Jersey (United States) and Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic).[4]
Teaching
At the Swaminarayan Gurukul, the students start their day with daily prayers. All classes are held within campus as suitable infrastructure has been provided for the students on the campus so that they do not need feel the need of going out. Prayers are held three times a day and the students are taught meditation,Spiritual Education and yoga as part of Vedic education. Apart from Vedic education, the gurukul imparts training on par with normal schools and follows the same curriculum.[5]
Vision
Propagating true education in the world is the noblest work for all. We believe that only worldly education is not the real education, but education along with ethical values and spirituality is real education.
Mission
We Teach
Vidya: Modern Education
Sadvidya: Traditional Education
Brahmavidya: Spiritual Education
Aims & Objectives
- Propagate & promote the message of Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan
- Build up the best character of students through real education
- Develop comprehensive status in every field
- Train the students to be the best patriots
- Create secular harmony among all the religious
- Balance between spirituality and modernity
The Organization
Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul, Rajkot, an educational, cultural and socio-spiritual non-profit organization was founded by HDH Shashstriji Maharaj Shree Dharmajivandasji Swami according to the inspiration and message “Pravartaniya Sadvidya, Bhuvi Yatsukrutam Mahat” of Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan in 1948 A.D with the aim to create a moral, ethical and serene society. Eventually it widen to Junagadh, Ahmedabad, Surat, Hyderabad, Chharodi, Navsari, Mumbai, Taravada, Bangalore, Narmada and USA. Presently, by the blessings of Param Pujya Jogi Swami, all these institutions are organised by 150 Saints under the guidance of HDH Shri Devkrushnadasji Swami and HDH Shastri Shri Madhavpriyadasji Swami. The organization takes pride to declare, its extraordinary service in producing, more than 49,000 virtue base educated individuals, spread world wide, in indulging itself into Spiritual, Cultural, Social and welfare activities. Apart from being an ideal educational center, the organization belongs to one of the earnest faiths in Hinduism, the Swaminarayan Sampraday, thereby enlivening rich Vedic values. To promote this ethics & values, Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul publishes many inspiring essays, monthlies, audio-video cassettes & cds, conducts cultural exhibitions, spiritual camps, pilgrimages and celebrations.
The Origin
Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan
Bhagwan Swaminarayan (April 2, 1781 – 1830) was born to a samvedi Brahmin family in the village of Chhapaiya, Uttar Pradesh, India. His father’s name was Dharmadev and his mother’s name was Bhaktimata. After serving his parents, he left home at the age of 11 to travel over 8,000 miles throughout India on a holy pilgrimage for 7 years, 1 month, and 11 days. During his travels, Ghanshyam was given the name Neelkanth Varni for his fearless acts against nature’s most ferocious animals. He eventually settled in Gujarat. At age 21, he established Swaminarayan Sampraday, with the blessings of his Guru Sadguru Ramanand Swami. He initiated more than 1500 saints to spread the pious Sampraday. To achieve ultimate redemption he taught the “Swaminarayan” mahamantra. To preserve the purity in the religion, he devised five basic Codes of Conducts for Haribhakt (Devotee) like not to steal, not to eat meat, not to drink, not to commit adultery, not to follow impurity and for Tyagi (Saints) like, Nishkam (Lust-less), Nirlobh (Greed-less), Nissenh (Attachment-less), Nisswad (Taste-less) and Nirman (Ego-less). He established beautiful temples at Ahmedabad, Bhuj, Vadtal, Dholera, Junagadh, Gadhpur for Upasana – worshipping God in all His greatness & glory and Bhakti – Devotion. With all these, he gave a small but huge Code of Conducts with only 212 verses, The Shikshapatri. And the nectar of spiritual discourses performed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan, The Vachnamrutam. Thus, in a short span of 49 years He revived Hinduism, glorified spiritual values and founded the Swaminarayan Faith and left for His Divine Abode, Akshardham.
The Swaminarayan Sampraday
The Swaminarayan Sampraday was established by Bhagwan Swaminarayan in early 18th Century. Founded on the pillars of practical spirituality, it reaches out far and wide to clear the confusions and questions that crowd the moral, social and material world of today. Its strength lies in the purity of its nature and purpose. The Sect strives to better the world by consolidating character in societies, families and individuals. This is done not just by mottos and slogans but by mass motivation and individual attention, through elevating projects for all, irrespective of class, creed, color and country. The Sect’s global network comprises Mandirs, Children’s forums, Youth forums, Women’s forum and character-building centers are perennial sources of moral, social, cultural and spiritual activities. Such moral purity and spiritual surety add a deeper brilliance to all the hundreds of social services performed for Better Life through its 6 basic organs, namely Deity, Mandir, Aacharya, Scripture, Saint and Disciple.
The Founder
Shastriji Maharaj Shri Dharmajivandasji Swami
Shastriji Maharaj Shri Dharmajivandasji Swami was born on the auspicious Rathayatra day, Ashadh Sud 2, V.S. 1957, dated 18-06-1901, Tuesday in a holy family, in Taravada village, of Amreli District of Gujarat State, to a humble farmer named Bhurabhai Lakhani and mother named Virubai. He was named as Arajan. He was very brilliant and studious. He had natural inclination for spiritual learning and reading of religious scriptures. He was a great successor of Gunatit tradition, a reformer of spiritual activities and Saint-Life. To assist this anarchic modern age and the immoral lives of this world, he pioneered Gurukul Tradition for the first ever time all over, in 1948 A.D.
Simple and Pious Life
Shri Dharmajivandasji Swami led a very simple life of devotion, compassion, spiritual inquiry and strong righteous principles. This lifestyle had a major influence on his disciples as well. He led a very pious life of penance. He was able to sing more than 750 Keertans, recite 3000 slokas, and memorized all the 18 chapters of Bhagavad Gita in 18 days. He always emphasized the path of Bhakti and Dharma. Social welfare activities and betterment of the society were the pillars of his mission. He practiced a vow called Ayachak Vrat i.e., never to ask anyone for any money as donation. He had firm faith in God and believed that all the benevolent activities of the Gurukul should run only with the voluntary donations of the people inspired by the Almighty. This principle is still practiced as a vow by this Gurukul in all its activities. But his indomitable will power and staunch belief in the power of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, brought him success in all his endeavors. Success for him was nothing other than the betterment of the society. Success for him was not a destination, but journey. In fact, his life became the source of inspiration to so many saints of the sect, that they too started creating huge institutions for education and social welfare activities. His Himalayan vision, which transformed the lives of thousands of people, still continues and will continue forever through his disciples, who with the same missionary spirit and zeal, are striving hard for the betterment of the whole world.
The Organizer
Guruvarya Mahant Swami Shri Devkrushnadasji Swami
Birth: September 19, 1946
Initiation: Wednesday, 23 November 1966, Vikram Samvat 2023, Kartik Sud 11
Spiritual Master: HDH Shastriji Maharaj Shree Dharmajivandasji Swami After completing his B.A. Inter, took Bhagavati Deeksha (Sanyasa )from Acharya Shree Narendraprasadji Maharaj, Lakshminarayan Dev Gadi of Vadtal, Honoured with the title, “Sadguru” by Acharya Ajendraprasadji Maharaj. Honoured with the title, “Satsang Samvardhak” by Academy of Sanskrit Research, Melkote, Karnataka. Swamiji is a strong admirer of traditional value systems and the spiritual heritage of Hinduism. Being attracted towards serving the animals, he has organised more than 100 veterinary medical camps. Being an ardent supporter of environmental factors, he has personally participated in many tree planting ceremonies and encourages everyone to plant more trees. Along with his spiritual practices, he has got a keen interest in all sorts of social welfare activities of the Gurukul. Swamiji is currently the Chief Operating Officer and the Managing Trustee of all the educational, social and religious activities of Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul, Rajkot and its branches.
Impressions
I feel extremely delighted to realize that the students of Gurukul are given the knowledge that is helpful now and that after the life.
Shri Tridandi Chinna Jeeyar Swami (Founder of JET)
Today, I happened to be here to see this ‘Sanskardham‘. A very important task is being carried out here, which strengthens our culture.
Shri Krushnashankar Shastri (Bhagwat Vidyapith-Sola)
I am confident; the students who have taken education in Gurukul will definitely render services to the society and nation by their good behavior and virtues.
Shri Rajiv Gandhi (The Prime Minister of India)
I am highly pleased to attend the Golden jubilee celebration of Gurukul Rajkot. May Almighty prosper Gurukul tradition, benefiting the wisdom to the society.
Shri Atal Bihari Vajpeyee (The Prime Minister of India)
Very good school, excellent discipline and marvelous spirituality. This is the only way to develop our children. They will lead future India.
Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu (Chief Minister: A. P.)
Services to Society
‘Service to society’ is one of the principles of this organization. Every time when society needs, Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul comes up with various humanitarian and Socio-Spiritual activities.
Tsunami Welfare Campaign
Gurukul Hyderabad had a major contribution to Tsunami Relief, serving food packets, blankets and many other daily life needs. In addition, two Schools were built for the affected people, in two different Tsunami affected areas of Machilipatnam, AP with the contributions of Swaminarayan Temple Harrow, UK and Swaminarayan Mandir Chicago & Dallas, USA.
President - South India Branches
Sadguru Shri Devprasaddasji Swami
After completing his graduation, on 6 April 1971, Sadguru Shri Devprasaddasji Swami took initiation from Acharya Shree Narendraprasadji Maharaj and joined in the service of Gurudev Pujya Shastriji Maharaj. In the beginning, he started teaching the students of Gurukul Rajkot by the guidance of Pujya Shastriji Maharaj. Then, he served the administration of Gurukul Rajkot. In 1994, along with the other saints, he came to Hyderabad for a deep study of the Sanskrit literature. Looking at the restricted and devoted life of the young saints, local people started to have great feelings for the saints and the Hyderabad branch was established. Pujya Swami was assigned responsibility of the branch and since then, Pujya Swami is the organizer of the Gurukul Hyderabad. Pujya Swami has great knowledge of The Vachanamrut. With the deep study and extensive thinking, he prepared the “Vachanamrut Chintan” – a scripture. Pujya Swami is also having the deep study of Grammer, Vedant, Nyay and the scriptures, suggested by Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
Advisory Board
The advisory board of Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul Hyderabad operates under the guidance of Sadguru Shri Devprasaddasji Swami The advisory board comprises committed and dedicated saints, renounced to serve society. With their high degree of education and generosity to work, all the administrative departments of Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul are managed under the direct supervision of these saints.
References
- ↑ [http://www.rajkotgurukul.org/the- gurukul/about-usl "Introduction to Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul"].
- ↑ "Introduction to Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul".
- ↑ "Founder of shree swaminarayan Gurukul".
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Aims and activities".
- ↑ "Guru Cool: Gujarati parents send their children back to gurukul". Indian Express. 2008-10-05. Retrieved 2009-05-22.
External links
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Template:Original Swaminarayan Sampraday