His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s centenary birth celebrations will be held on 11 December 2021 and will be taking place at his birthplace Chansad. In Chansad, there will be a special ceremony bearing Covid protocols. Chansad will be dressed up for this occasion and with the support of the Government, the lake, where he went to swim with his friends, has been beautified. The lake has been cleaned up with a beautiful walkway erected around it and an educational museum celebrating his life has been built.
I am at for loss of words as to how to summarise his 96 years of life, so with lots of love and fond memories of Pujya Swamiji, this is my humble attempt. As always, I am incredibly grateful to CB Patel for allowing me space in Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar and a hearty thank you to Yogvivek Swami for his encouragement and guidance.
HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life, devotion and faith
Swamiji left home on a bicycle at the age of 17 from Chansad with only one thought in his mind – to serve his Guru. Swamiji passed away at the age of 96. During his lifetime he kept Bhagwan as his center, and his beloved Bhakta central to his life’s purpose. He had numerous ailments from gallstones, bladder, cataracts and even heart operations twice in his lifetime. There was hardly a year in his last 40 years of life that he had not fallen ill. Yet he consistently ignored his health and bodily comforts, leaving his medical care until the very last – always hiding pain from others until necessary or until they spotted his discomfort.
His beloved Thakorji (the small metallic murti of Bhagwan Swaminarayan) always travelled with him. For Swamiji the murti was Bhagwan. He would take utmost care of him ensuring that there was an umbrella for him when in the sun, always keeping a suitable seat for him in all circumstances whether it be the Parliament or on stage. There was an instance in Africa where Swamiji and sadhus went for a swim in the ocean. Thakorji also enjoyed this. Upon return, Swamiji reminded the sadhus that he be given another bath with clean water to remove the salt water of the ocean.
Bhaktas for Swamiji were his everything. He would delay his meals many times to visit devotees from all backgrounds. He did not care for differences in backgrounds. He walked barefoot in deep mud, in rain and many times when he had fever – travelling on oxen, barefoot, or whatever vehicle was available. His love to serve his beloved bhaktas and to be with them never diminished in any circumstances. It is believed that he wrote over 500,000 letters, gave names to thousands of devotees’ children, and guided many thousands on their education and visited thousands of villages during his lifetime. His ability to love without judgement and only to give leaves one speechless. Once a long serving farmer in Sarangpur met Swamiji. Upon seeing that he was wearing broken spectacles unsuitable for his eyes, Swamiji took off his own glasses and placed them on his eyes with the gentleness of a father caring for his child. He ensured and propagated life without vice and millions gave up their unhealthy habits. It is this love and compassion that resulted in countless devotees that live today as ambassadors of his life’s message.
Swamiji was equally compassionate to people of all faiths and treated everyone equally. He always said that we are separated from each other by ignorance of the other! While in Israel, he placed a message in the wailing wall: “May all who write their messages be blessed and their good wishes be fulfilled.” He recognised that faith was the most important virtue especially if practised with love and compassion. When Swaminarayan Akshardham, in Gandhinagar, was attacked in 2002 and over thirty individuals were killed, he immediately announced that this was not a religious matter; it was simply a bad person doing a terrible thing!
Understanding Swamiji through his words Below are some of his statements:
- “I am a sadhu of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and a sevak of my gurus Shastriji Maharaj and Yogiji Maharaj.”
- “We introduce principles of Sanatan Dharma in the hearts of everyone and bring everyone closer to Bhagwan and remind them of their true nature of love, education, forgiveness and patience. Bhagwan is kind and compassionate and he will only do what is ultimately good for us.”
- “I have no achievements. I followed the agna of my gurus and acted according to their wishes. All that happened is because of Bhagwan – I have done nothing.”
- “We build mandirs that are beautiful because when you love someone you want to give them your best specially when what you have is theirs! Secondly, mandirs are a source of pride for Hindus and a place for peace … we cannot build enough!.”
- “A sadhu is an enemy of your negative attitudes, but a lifetime friend of your soul. Through constant seva and devotion, Bhagwan and the guru will always guide you.”
- “Learn to accept, and see your own flaws, see Bhagwan in others, give joy and allow others to progress. These are keys to your true nature; this is true knowledge. Harming others in mind, thought or action is not our nature.”
- “We are not the doer. Bhagwan is. Have faith and surrender to him. In time, all will become clear.”
His gifts to humanity
Spirituality was his gift. Let us look at some of his achievements.
In terms of propagation of Sanatan Dharma internationally, large Cultural Festivals of India were held, first in London in 1985 and then in New Jersey in 1991. These were mega cultural festivals organised by a minority community who had just arrived on the shores of UK and USA. The festivals ran over one month. More than 1.2 million visitors at each festival savoured the sights, sounds and tastes of India. Using materials as simple as cane, bamboo, burlap and paper pulp, exquisite artwork was created. The messages were universal and tangible; the presentations were aesthetic and inspiring, and the atmosphere was original and congenial.
He built three large mandir complexes that we call “Swaminarayan Akshardham” complexes in Gandhinagar (1992), Delhi (2005) and New Jersey (to open in 2023). They have a functioning mandir, enormous spiritual and cultural campuses that have exhibitions and cultural shows dedicated to devotion, education, and unification of humankind. Timeless devotional messages and vibrant Sanatan Dharma traditions are echoed in their art and architecture. The complexes are humble tributes to Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781 to 1830) and the avatars, devas,and sages of Sanatan Dharma. These traditionally styled complexes are each unique and were built with the blessings of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj and through the devoted efforts of thousands of skilled artisans and volunteers. Further information can be found on their respective websites.
Overall, Swamiji established over 1,100 mandirs in 28 countries between 1971 and 2016. In the last 10 years, the organisation was opening two mandirs a week in smaller villages. This continues even today. Making mandirs is no small achievement. Each mandir is built with personal care and attention and as a gift for devotees for the nation and its people to enjoy – open to all, for everyone to find their own bhakti and meet Bhagwan. Each mandir was built with care by the devotees. As Swamiji said, “Each devotee will become a mandir himself or herself.”
During his lifetime, over 1000 sadhus were ordained. They all follow the eight-fold form of celibacy, a principle propagated by Bhagwan Swaminarayan 200 years ago. These sadhus came from diverse backgrounds and from all parts of the world. A sizeable number of them werehighly qualified young people who were inspired by his message and mission.
He encouraged that new literature, scriptures andbhajans be written so that Bhagwan’s message could be easily understood. As a result, literature was publishedin many languages in many countries allowing the organization to flourish.
Today there are millions of devotees who have instilledin them the depth of knowledge of the Swaminarayan philosophy and live a life without addiction and in harmony with everyone, being exemplary citizens wherever they live.
Social seva
Swamiji always said that you cannot separate spiritual seva from social service; they go hand in hand.
During his lifetime, BAPS participated in several relief operations.
- Cattle camps and famine relief activities in Gujarat in 1987: A severe drought swept through Gujarat. A few other states were also affected but to a lesser degree. It was the century’s worst famine and the third successive famine that year, which had taken a heavy toll of life, especially livestock. To help the victims of the famine, the Sanstha started distribution of buttermilk, food grains, nutritious biscuits, and clothes.
- Earthquake of Latur in Maharashtra, India in 1993: It took only a few seconds for the world of many Indians to come crumbling down. The earthquake that struck Latur and Osmanabad in the State of Maharashtra at 3:56am on 30 September 1993 had a terrifying force of 6.4 on the Richter scale and was India’s worst earthquake since independence in 1947. In 24 hours, a team of 25 sadhus and volunteers of the organisation reached the village of Samudraal with 2,000kg of food and medicine. The volunteer force peaked to more than 250 during the relief work. About 1,60,000kg of food and clothes along with medical aid was distributed in 15 villages. The injured and sick were looked after by the devoted doctors of the organisation. A ‘Pitru-tarpan’ ceremony, where ablutions to souls of the deceased, was also held.
- Gujarat earthquake in 2001: The aftermath of the 2001 earthquake left tens of thousands of residents homeless and anxious about the safety of their fractured apartments. Millions of packets of food were distributed, and many new homes and villages were rebuilt by the organisation with the inspiration of Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
Educational and medical institutes
Swamiji also encouraged the building of many schools and hospitals. Today, BAPS runs seven hospitals mostly in Gujarat and Saurashtra. They have treated millions of people through their state-of-the-art hospitals, outpatient facilities and mobile medical clinics in western India. Staffed by dedicated medical professionals and caregivers, BAPS is working to bring low-cost, quality medical care to society through these facilities:
Additionally, through 14 schools, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha helps thousands of students earn a value-based education as well as the skills required to succeed in a globalised economy. BAPS operates both residential and non-residential schools in the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra in India.
Accolades and recognitions
Swamiji’s life was full of recognitions and accolades. He would not approve of us remembering him for what recognitions that he received as he said that his work was that of a devotee fulfilling his guru’s wishes. Below are some examples of NOT accolades, but his ability to inspire others.
In 1997, he was invited to visit HRH Prince Charles, and separately HRH Prince Philip. During this visit, HRH Prince Charles asked how he could be a good king. Swamiji responded by saying just see Bhagwan in all your citizens.
In 1988, Pramukh Swami Maharaj was honoured in the British and Canadian parliaments.
In 2000, Pramukh Swami Maharaj addressed the Millennium World Peace Summit of Spiritual Leaders at the United Nations, New York, USA.
In 2001, ex-President Bill Clinton visited India to see the relief work that was being done following the earthquake in Gujarat. He met and thanked Swamiji for the work the organisation was doing. Swamiji gave him a gift of his mala and said, “This is the most valuable tool for peace. Prayers can make anything happen”
In 2015, former President of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, authored a book ‘Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji’ as a tribute to Swamiji. This is an incredible book sharing his personal experiences with Swamiji.
His legacy continues…
Swamiji left us in 2016 and gave us gift of HH Mahant Swami Maharaj. He continues in the same way encouraging relief work during Covid, publication of scriptures, and building mandirs. He has said more than once, “I really have nothing to do other than to continue Swamiji’s legacy and work.
“Everything is so well organised and planned.”
Covid relief work in 2020 and 2021
The entire organisation in every part of the world came together in their respective countries providing food and more support. Funds were collected to assist during the Oxygen crisis in India. The work is too vast to be mentioned here – information can be found on each mandir’s website.
Let us pray, on the birth centenary of Pramukh Swami Maharaj that we may also be inspired to imbibe such noble virtues.
