Pramukh Swami Maharaj
Encyclopedia
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.
and staunch followers of the Akshar Purushottam faith. 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.
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. 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”). 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.
As a young sadhu, Narayanswarupdasji studied Sanskrit and the shastras at Bhadaran and Khambhat, earning the title “Shastri” upon mastering both scripture and philosophy. 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. In 1946, Shastriji Maharaj appointed Narayanswarupdasji the kothari, or chief administrative leader, of the Akshar Purushottam mandir in Sarangpur. In his concurrent role as Shastriji Maharaj’s personal secretary, Narayanswarupdasji also gained a comprehensive understanding of BAPS’ broader affairs and activities.
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.
On 4 June 1971, in the village of Sankari, Pramukh Swami Maharaj consecrated the first shikharbaddha mandir after Yogiji Maharaj’s passing away. 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. 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. 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.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj embarked upon his first overseas visit as the guru, or spiritual leader, of BAPS in 1974. In the decades that followed, he has conducted 27 overseas tours that have spanned over fifty countries in five continents. 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.” Pramukh Swami’s address in 2000 to world religious leaders at the Millennium World Peace Summit at the United Nations reflected a similar message.
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. 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.
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.” After renouncing worldly ambitions, these sadhus are guided by Pramukh Swami in their service of God and society.
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. 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. 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. 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.
Followers believe that by associating with Pramukh Swami Maharaj, they may rid themselves of their vices, baser instincts, and the clutches of worldly attachments. 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).
For a devotee of BAPS, Pramukh Swami Maharaj serves as the essential spiritual link between him/herself and God. Devotees consider Pramukh Swami Maharaj to be one with the Lord and to share in His divinity. Thus, his followers believe that by offering devotion to Pramukh Swami, they offer it to Swaminarayan himself.
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.” 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."
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.
Hindu
Hindu refers to an identity associated with the philosophical, religious and cultural systems that are indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. As used in the Constitution of India, the word "Hindu" is also attributed to all persons professing any Indian religion...
organization, and the current guru
Guru
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...
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.
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 MaharajShastriji Maharaj
Shastriji Maharaj was the third spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan in the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha...
and staunch followers of the Akshar Purushottam faith. 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.
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. 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”). 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.
As a young sadhu, Narayanswarupdasji studied Sanskrit and the shastras at Bhadaran and Khambhat, earning the title “Shastri” upon mastering both scripture and philosophy. 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. In 1946, Shastriji Maharaj appointed Narayanswarupdasji the kothari, or chief administrative leader, of the Akshar Purushottam mandir in Sarangpur. In his concurrent role as Shastriji Maharaj’s personal secretary, Narayanswarupdasji also gained a comprehensive understanding of BAPS’ broader affairs and activities.
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. 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.” 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
Guru
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...
of BAPS upon Yogiji Maharaj’s death in 1971.
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.On 4 June 1971, in the village of Sankari, Pramukh Swami Maharaj consecrated the first shikharbaddha mandir after Yogiji Maharaj’s passing away. 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. Outside India, such temples include shikharbaddha mandirs in the metropolitan areas of Houston
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Houston
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Houston is a mandir or Hindu temple in Stafford, Texas, USA. It was the first traditional mandir of stone and marble to be constructed in the United States....
, Chicago
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Chicago
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Chicago is a Hindu temple in the Chicago suburb of Bartlett, Illinois, USA. It is one of the largest traditional Hindu Mandir of stone and marble to be constructed in the United States and was built by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha....
, Atlanta
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Atlanta
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Atlanta is the sixth BAPS traditional Hindu stone temple built outside of India. It is also the largest Hindu temple of its kind outside of India. It is currently open to the public. The temple, officially called the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, sits on...
, Nairobi
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Nairobi
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Nairobi is a Hindu temple in Nairobi, Kenya. Although there were temples in Africa before this, it is the first traditional stone and marble Hindu temple to be constructed on the African continent and was built by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, an international Hindu...
, and London; the latter was cited upon completion as the largest traditional Hindu temple built outside the Indian subcontinent. Within India, Pramukh Swami Maharaj is credited as the inspirer of the Swaminarayan Akshardham
Akshardham (Delhi)
Akshardham is a Hindu temple complex in Delhi, India. Also referred to as Delhi Akshardham or Swaminarayan Akshardham, the complex displays millennia of traditional Indian and Hindu culture, spirituality, and architecture...
complexes in Gandhinagar
Akshardham (Gandhinagar)
Akshardham Gandhinagar is one of the largest temples in the Indian state of Gujarat. The temple complex combines devotions, art, architecture, education, exhibitions and research at one place...
and New Delhi
Akshardham (Delhi)
Akshardham is a Hindu temple complex in Delhi, India. Also referred to as Delhi Akshardham or Swaminarayan Akshardham, the complex displays millennia of traditional Indian and Hindu culture, spirituality, and architecture...
, itself the world’s largest comprehensive Hindu temple.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj embarked upon his first overseas visit as the guru, or spiritual leader, of BAPS in 1974. In the decades that followed, he has conducted 27 overseas tours that have spanned over fifty countries in five continents. 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.” Pramukh Swami’s address in 2000 to world religious leaders at the Millennium World Peace Summit at the United Nations reflected a similar message.
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. 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.
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.” After renouncing worldly ambitions, these sadhus are guided by Pramukh Swami in their service of God and society.
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. 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.”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. He is viewed as “fully brahmanized,” or having achieved the ultimate level of spiritual development.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. 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. For instance, devotees regard Pramukh Swami’s practice of carrying the murti
Murti
In Hinduism, a murti , or murthi, or vigraha or pratima typically refers to an image which expresses a Divine Spirit . Meaning literally "embodiment", a murti is a representation of a divinity, made usually of stone, wood, or metal, which serves as a means through which a divinity may be worshiped...
of Bhagwan Swaminarayan before him and directing all garlands or offerings presented to him to the image as a paradigm of humility and selflessness. 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.
Followers believe that by associating with Pramukh Swami Maharaj, they may rid themselves of their vices, baser instincts, and the clutches of worldly attachments. 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).
For a devotee of BAPS, Pramukh Swami Maharaj serves as the essential spiritual link between him/herself and God. Devotees consider Pramukh Swami Maharaj to be one with the Lord and to share in His divinity. Thus, his followers believe that by offering devotion to Pramukh Swami, they offer it to Swaminarayan himself.
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. Devotees frequently take to him matters of personal, family, and business affairs and submit to his judgment. This constant communication is thought to be an essential aspect of guru-disciple relationship. Accordingly, Pramukh Swami spends much time counseling devotees in person or by letters or telephone. 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.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.” 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."
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.