Akshar Purushottam Upasana
Encyclopedia
Akshar Purushottam Upasana is an interpretation by Shastriji Maharaj
of the philosophy
set forth by Swaminarayan which led to the creation of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) in 1907. It could also be referred to as Brahman Parabrahman Upasana or Bhakta Bhagwan Upasana. According to this interpretation, Gunatitanand Swami
is the successor of Swaminarayan as opposed to the Acharya
s (heads of the Swaminarayan Sampraday
). Shastri Yagnapurushdas created BAPS as a result of this difference in belief.
, Ishwar, Maya
, Brahman
and Parabrahman. Followers of Akshar Purushottam Upasana believe that Brahman
and Parabrahman are the highest two of these entities. Whilst other schools of Hindu philosophy hold Brahman and Parabrahman to be one and the same, Bhagwan Swaminarayan's philosophy holds them to be two separate entities. Throughout his discourses in the Vachanamrut
, the primary scripture of the Swaminarayan Sampraday
, Bhagwan Swaminarayan referred to Brahman as Akshar, Aksharbrahman, or Akshardham. Similarly, he referred to Parabrahman as Purushottam, Paramatma, or Bhagwan.
He taught that Akshar had two forms, a formless all-pervading heavenly abode and a physical form that served the Lord wherever he went. Furthermore, he preached that to offer pure worship to God, one needed to become Brahmarup, or gain qualities like Brahman, and then offer worship to Purushottam. For this reason, the essence of Akshar Purushottam Upasana can be described as follows: "to become Aksharup and then offer worship to Purushottam."
To achieve this status, aspirants were instructed to associate with and serve Brahman - often referred to as the Sant, Satpurush, or Sadhu - who incarnated with God. They were also instructed to offer worship to him, in the same manner as the worship offered to God as, according to His words, "When one has darshan of such a Sant, one should realise 'I have had the darshan of God himself.'"
The interpretation of the terms Sant, Satpurush, and Sadhu being synonymous with 'Brahman' is based upon the words of Bhagwan Swaminarayan in Vachanamrut discourses like Gadhada II-59 where it is said that, "God's Sant is greater than even Bhava, Brahma, and other deities." Applying Bhagwan Swaminarayan's philosophy regarding the five eternal entities, followers of Akshar Purushottam Upasana conclude that the only entity Bhagwan Swaminarayan could be discussing is Brahman, since Parabrahman is God Himself, and "Bhava, Brahma, and other deities" are classed as Ishwar.
Followers of BAPS regard the term saint in this context to be to be singular, however followers of the Swaminarayan Sampraday
believe that Bhagwan Swaminarayan
is referring to the association of all saints who have reached the elevated status of Brahm, as Bhagwan Swaminarayan
does not specify any one specific saint in the scripture Vachanamrut
. Also they state that it would be almost impossible for all devotees around the world to associate with just one saint, and it would make the role of all other saints redundant.On the contrary BAPS followers claim that they feel in union with Pramukh Swami Maharaj the current spiritual leader of BAPS. BAPS has over 860 Saints, 9000 centers, 400 Mandirs, 2 Akshardham complexes etc. Multimedia has shown that BAPS has remained aloof from scandals and frauds.
and Akshar Purushottam Upasana hold Gunatitanand Swami, a saint and paramhansa of Bhagwan Swaminarayan
, to be the personified form of Brahman as discussed above. They cite several references, incidents, and evidence, as seen below.
in Bhagwan Swaminarayan's succession is believed the incarnation of Aksharbrahman in whom the Lord resides fully and eternally. As every Guru is the same Aksharbrahman entity, the devotees feel no spiritual change, except the physical change of another successor. It is clear that the Guru is not God, but is God's ideal devotee in whom God resides eternally.
According to this philosophy, Gunatitanand Swami was the first successor to Swaminarayan. He was succeeded by Bhagatji Maharaj, Shastriji Maharaj
, Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami Maharaj
, the current spiritual leader of BAPS.
Followers of the Swaminarayan Sampraday
do not accept this successorship as they believe that it is not the one established by Bhagwan Swaminarayan
(they believe that the successors he decided on was the Acharya's of the Ahmedabad Gadi and Vadtal Gadi through the Desh Vibhag Lekh
).
BAPS states on the same Desh Vibhag Lekh that the Acharyas were meant to take care of the monetary incomes of the Mandirs belonging to both Gadis.
Shastriji Maharaj
Shastriji Maharaj was the third spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan in the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha...
of the philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems, such as those connected with existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Philosophy is distinguished from other ways of addressing such problems by its critical, generally systematic approach and its reliance on rational...
set forth by Swaminarayan which led to the creation of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) in 1907. It could also be referred to as Brahman Parabrahman Upasana or Bhakta Bhagwan Upasana. According to this interpretation, Gunatitanand Swami
Gunatitanand Swami
Gunatitanand Swami was a saint of the Swaminarayan Sampraday. Gunatitanand Swami was a prominent paramhansa who gave valuable contribution for spreading of the Swaminarayan Sampraday....
is the successor of Swaminarayan as opposed to the Acharya
Acharya
In Indian religions and society, an acharya is a guide or instructor in religious matters; founder, or leader of a sect; or a highly learned man or a title affixed to the names of learned men...
s (heads of the Swaminarayan Sampraday
Swaminarayan Sampraday
Swaminarayan Sampraday , known previously as the Uddhav Sampraday, is a Hindu sect established by Swaminarayan...
). Shastri Yagnapurushdas created BAPS as a result of this difference in belief.
Interpretation of Bhagwan Swaminarayan's Teachings
Bhagwan Swaminarayan's philosophy defined five eternal entities, namely JivaJiva
In Hinduism and Jainism, a jiva is a living being, or more specifically, the immortal essence of a living organism which survives physical death. It has a very similar usage to atma, but whereas atma refers to "the cosmic self", jiva is used to denote an individual 'living entity' or 'living...
, Ishwar, Maya
Maya (illusion)
Maya , in Indian religions, has multiple meanings, usually quoted as "illusion", centered on the fact that we do not experience the environment itself but rather a projection of it, created by us. Maya is the principal deity that manifests, perpetuates and governs the illusion and dream of duality...
, Brahman
Brahman
In Hinduism, Brahman is the one supreme, universal Spirit that is the origin and support of the phenomenal universe. Brahman is sometimes referred to as the Absolute or Godhead which is the Divine Ground of all being...
and Parabrahman. Followers of Akshar Purushottam Upasana believe that Brahman
Brahman
In Hinduism, Brahman is the one supreme, universal Spirit that is the origin and support of the phenomenal universe. Brahman is sometimes referred to as the Absolute or Godhead which is the Divine Ground of all being...
and Parabrahman are the highest two of these entities. Whilst other schools of Hindu philosophy hold Brahman and Parabrahman to be one and the same, Bhagwan Swaminarayan's philosophy holds them to be two separate entities. Throughout his discourses in the Vachanamrut
Vachanamrut
The Vachanamrut of Swaminarayan is a foundational scripture of the Swaminarayan faith. It is considered one of the most sacred scriptures by Swaminarayan followers...
, the primary scripture of the Swaminarayan Sampraday
Swaminarayan Sampraday
Swaminarayan Sampraday , known previously as the Uddhav Sampraday, is a Hindu sect established by Swaminarayan...
, Bhagwan Swaminarayan referred to Brahman as Akshar, Aksharbrahman, or Akshardham. Similarly, he referred to Parabrahman as Purushottam, Paramatma, or Bhagwan.
He taught that Akshar had two forms, a formless all-pervading heavenly abode and a physical form that served the Lord wherever he went. Furthermore, he preached that to offer pure worship to God, one needed to become Brahmarup, or gain qualities like Brahman, and then offer worship to Purushottam. For this reason, the essence of Akshar Purushottam Upasana can be described as follows: "to become Aksharup and then offer worship to Purushottam."
To achieve this status, aspirants were instructed to associate with and serve Brahman - often referred to as the Sant, Satpurush, or Sadhu - who incarnated with God. They were also instructed to offer worship to him, in the same manner as the worship offered to God as, according to His words, "When one has darshan of such a Sant, one should realise 'I have had the darshan of God himself.'"
The interpretation of the terms Sant, Satpurush, and Sadhu being synonymous with 'Brahman' is based upon the words of Bhagwan Swaminarayan in Vachanamrut discourses like Gadhada II-59 where it is said that, "God's Sant is greater than even Bhava, Brahma, and other deities." Applying Bhagwan Swaminarayan's philosophy regarding the five eternal entities, followers of Akshar Purushottam Upasana conclude that the only entity Bhagwan Swaminarayan could be discussing is Brahman, since Parabrahman is God Himself, and "Bhava, Brahma, and other deities" are classed as Ishwar.
Followers of BAPS regard the term saint in this context to be to be singular, however followers of the Swaminarayan Sampraday
Swaminarayan Sampraday
Swaminarayan Sampraday , known previously as the Uddhav Sampraday, is a Hindu sect established by Swaminarayan...
believe that Bhagwan Swaminarayan
Bhagwan Swaminarayan
Swaminarayan , also known as Sahajanand Swami, is the central figure in a modern sect of Hinduism known as the Swaminarayan Faith, a form of Vaishnavism...
is referring to the association of all saints who have reached the elevated status of Brahm, as Bhagwan Swaminarayan
Bhagwan Swaminarayan
Swaminarayan , also known as Sahajanand Swami, is the central figure in a modern sect of Hinduism known as the Swaminarayan Faith, a form of Vaishnavism...
does not specify any one specific saint in the scripture Vachanamrut
Vachanamrut
The Vachanamrut of Swaminarayan is a foundational scripture of the Swaminarayan faith. It is considered one of the most sacred scriptures by Swaminarayan followers...
. Also they state that it would be almost impossible for all devotees around the world to associate with just one saint, and it would make the role of all other saints redundant.On the contrary BAPS followers claim that they feel in union with Pramukh Swami Maharaj the current spiritual leader of BAPS. BAPS has over 860 Saints, 9000 centers, 400 Mandirs, 2 Akshardham complexes etc. Multimedia has shown that BAPS has remained aloof from scandals and frauds.
Gunatitanand Swami as Mul Akshar
Followers of BAPSBAPS
Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha , often abbreviated as BAPS , is a major organization within the Swaminarayan sect of Hinduism...
and Akshar Purushottam Upasana hold Gunatitanand Swami, a saint and paramhansa of Bhagwan Swaminarayan
Bhagwan Swaminarayan
Swaminarayan , also known as Sahajanand Swami, is the central figure in a modern sect of Hinduism known as the Swaminarayan Faith, a form of Vaishnavism...
, to be the personified form of Brahman as discussed above. They cite several references, incidents, and evidence, as seen below.
- Acharya Shri Raghuvirji Maharaj quoted Bhagwan SwaminarayanBhagwan SwaminarayanSwaminarayan , also known as Sahajanand Swami, is the central figure in a modern sect of Hinduism known as the Swaminarayan Faith, a form of Vaishnavism...
when he referred to Gunatitanand Swami Maharaj as his 'Akshardham, within whom he forever resides in.' Shri Harililakalpatru VII/17:49, 50.
- Acharya Shri Viharilalji Maharaj referred to Gunatitanand Swami as Akshar Murti Gunatitanand Swami Maharaj in his Kirtan Kaustubhamala. But this is not evident within his works.
- Brahmachari Krishnanandji named Gunatitanand Swami Maharaj as 'Mul Akshar'.
- Darbar Abhaysinhji of Lodhika referred to Gunatitanand Swami Maharaj as 'Mul Akshar' in Purushottam Charitra.
- Similar references can be found in the kirtans of Jerami Brahmachari, Akhandanand Brahmachari, and Jagdishanand Brahmachari of Junagadh.
- The small shrine erected at the spot where Gunatitanand Swami Maharaj used to sit in Junagadh has the inscription, "Anadi Mul Akshar Murti Gunatitanand Swami sat here for 40 years." .
- The shrine constructed on the site of Gunatitanand Swami Maharaj's final rites only a few years after his passing was called 'Akshar Deri'.
Gunatitanand Swami as Successor
In the context of Akshar Purushottam Upasana, every spiritual GuruGuru
A guru is one who is regarded as having great knowledge, wisdom, and authority in a certain area, and who uses it to guide others . Other forms of manifestation of this principle can include parents, school teachers, non-human objects and even one's own intellectual discipline, if the...
in Bhagwan Swaminarayan's succession is believed the incarnation of Aksharbrahman in whom the Lord resides fully and eternally. As every Guru is the same Aksharbrahman entity, the devotees feel no spiritual change, except the physical change of another successor. It is clear that the Guru is not God, but is God's ideal devotee in whom God resides eternally.
According to this philosophy, Gunatitanand Swami was the first successor to Swaminarayan. He was succeeded by Bhagatji Maharaj, Shastriji Maharaj
Shastriji Maharaj
Shastriji Maharaj was the third spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan in the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha...
, Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami Maharaj
Pramukh Swami Maharaj
Pramukh Swami Maharaj is the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan in the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, a Hindu organization, and the current guru of the sect....
, the current spiritual leader of BAPS.
Followers of the Swaminarayan Sampraday
Swaminarayan Sampraday
Swaminarayan Sampraday , known previously as the Uddhav Sampraday, is a Hindu sect established by Swaminarayan...
do not accept this successorship as they believe that it is not the one established by Bhagwan Swaminarayan
Bhagwan Swaminarayan
Swaminarayan , also known as Sahajanand Swami, is the central figure in a modern sect of Hinduism known as the Swaminarayan Faith, a form of Vaishnavism...
(they believe that the successors he decided on was the Acharya's of the Ahmedabad Gadi and Vadtal Gadi through the Desh Vibhag Lekh
Desh Vibhag Lekh
The Desh Vibhag Lekh is the last and final testament of Sahajanand Swami or Swaminarayan, made in 1826. It has been accepted as such by the Bombay High Court....
).
BAPS states on the same Desh Vibhag Lekh that the Acharyas were meant to take care of the monetary incomes of the Mandirs belonging to both Gadis.