A Textbook of the Satsang Examinations Series: 3

YOGIJI MAHARAJ

Gujarati Text: Prof. Ramesh M. DaveTranslation: BAPS Sadhus

Swaminarayan AksharpithAhmedabad

(English Edition)(A short biography of Brahmaswarup Yogiji Maharaj)

A textbook for the Satsang Examinations curriculum set byBochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha

Inspirer: HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj

Previous Editions: 1975, 1984, 1987, 1992, 1993, 1998, 20028th Edition: March 20078th Edition 1st Reprint: May 2009

Copies: 5,000 (Total: 21,000)Price: Rs. 25.00

ISBN: 81-7526-106-4

Copyright: © SWAMINARAYAN AKSHARPITHAll rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced inany form or by any means without permission in writing from thepublisher, except for brief quotations embodied in reviews and articles.

Published & Printed bySwaminarayan AksharpithShahibaug Road, Ahmedabad-4Gujarat, India.

Websites: www.swaminarayan.orgkids.baps.orgwww.mandir.orgwww.akshardham.com

BLESSINGSThe youth movement established and nourished by

Brahmaswarup Yogiji Maharaj has been expanding at a very rapidpace. With a view to satisfying the aspirations and the thirst forknowledge of the youth joining the organization, and also toenable them to understand and imbibe the principles of Aksharand Purushottam expounded by Bhagwan Swaminarayan, thepublications division, Swaminarayan Aksharpith, organized underthe auspices of Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar PurushottamSwaminarayan Sanstha, has produced a series of books.

Through these books, it is intended to impart systematic,sustained and pure knowledge in simple language on a scholasticbasis to children and youth of the Swaminarayan Sampraday. It ishoped that this Sanstha, established by Brahmaswarup ShastrijiMaharaj for implementing and propagating the Vedic idealspropounded by Bhagwan Swaminarayan, will, through thisactivity, spread the ideals and noble traditions of the Sampradayand through it, the culture and heritage of the Hindu religion.

It is the aim of this project to preach and spread the divinemessage of Bhagwan Swaminarayan to all corners of the world.We hope that all religious-minded truth-seekers of the Sampraday,and those outside of it, will welcome this activity and be inspiredby its universal principles and ideals.

In order to encourage children and youths, annualexaminations are held based on the curriculum presented in thesebooks. Certificates are also awarded to successful candidates. Webless Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami, Prof. Rameshbhai Dave,Kishorebhai Dave, and all others who have cooperated inpreparing these books.

Shastri Narayanswarupdasji(Pramukh Swami Maharaj)

Jai Swaminarayan

Vasant PanchmiVikram Samvat 2028(1972 CE), Atladra

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

This book is a biography of the divine personality that inspiredus to frame this course of study. That person was none other thanBrahmaswarup Yogiji Maharaj, who pioneered two organizations –one for young children and one for youths. This is the life-story ofYogiji Maharaj, who encouraged children and youths to lead a pure,moral life and ascend the spiritual ladder.

For the benefit of the youths and children, the inspiring life-story of Yogiji Maharaj is given here in abridged form. The book iswritten in a simple and lucid style so that the young and old alikecan enjoy it and benefit by it. The book is comprehensive since itdescribes all the important events from the life of Yogiji Maharaj –right from his birth to his last days, his life’s work, his inspiringpersonality and his eloquent preachings.

The present publication is a translation of the Gujarati bookYogiji Maharaj. The book has been designed to serve as part of thecurriculum for the Satsang Prarambha Examinations. It is ourearnest prayer that all devotees and aspirants for knowledge willstudy these books carefully and pass the examinations with flyingcolours and, above all, derive immense spiritual benefit and earnthe blessings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and our beloved guru,Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

- Swaminarayan Aksharpith

Shri Swaminarayano Vijayate

*Ame sau Swãminã bãlak, marishu Swãmine mãte;Ame sau Shrijitanã yuvak, ladishu Shrijine mãte...

Nathi dartã nathi kartã, amãrã jãnni parvã;Amãre dar nathi koino, ame janmyã chhie marvã...ame 1

Ame ã yagna ãrambhyo, balidãno ame daishu;Amãrã Akshar Purushottam, Gunãtit jnãnne gãishu...ame 2

Ame sau Shriji tanã putro, Akshare vãs amãro chhe;Svadharmi bhasma choli to, amãre kshobh shãno chhe...ame 3

Juo sau motinã Swãmi, na rãkhi kai te khãmi;Pragat Purushottam pãmi, malyã Gunãtit Swãmi...ame 4

* For meaning see page 59

CONTENTS

1. Birth of Jinabhai ...................................................................... 12. Jinabhai in Meditation ............................................................ 23. Jinabhai’s Courage .................................................................. 34. An Ideal Student ..................................................................... 55. Use of Leisure Time ................................................................ 66. Worship of the Lord ............................................................... 87. Initiate Me as a Sadhu ............................................................ 98. Jina Bhagat in Junagadh ........................................................ 119. Jaga Bhakta Appears in a Dream ......................................... 13

10. First Meeting ............................................................................ 1411. I Am Only a Servant ............................................................... 1612. Austere Jina Bhagat ................................................................ 1813. Krishnaji Ada’s Blessings....................................................... 1914. The Desireless Sadhu ............................................................. 2115. Indifferent to Insult ................................................................. 2316. A Hard-Working Sadhu......................................................... 2517. A Real Sadhu ........................................................................... 2718. Mandir Service ........................................................................ 2919. Swami-Shriji Accepts Offerings ............................................ 3120. Devotion Par Excellence ........................................................ 3221. Snake Bite ................................................................................. 3422. Head of Akshar Mandir ......................................................... 3523. Devotion to Guru .................................................................... 3724. “Shastriji Maharaj Is Still Manifest.” .................................... 3925. Youth Centres and Satsang Assemblies .............................. 4026. Youths and Yogiraj ................................................................. 4127. Youths Become Sadhus .......................................................... 4428. Yogiji Maharaj’s Life-Work ................................................... 4529. Visits to Africa ......................................................................... 4930. Reception and Departure ....................................................... 5131. The Likings of Yogiji Maharaj ............................................... 5332. Sermons of Yogiji Maharaj .................................................... 5433. Pramukh Swami Maharaj ...................................................... 57

Glossary .................................................................................... 59

vi

YOGIJI MAHARAJ

Brahmaswarup Yogiji Maharaj

1 BIRTH OF JINABHAI

In the small town of Dhari in the Amreli District ofSaurashtra there lived a devotee by the name ofDevchandbhai Vasanji of the Lohana community.Jethabhai, the grandfather of Devchandbhai, was ablessed devotee of Shriji Maharaj.

Yogiji Maharaj, the son of Devchandbhai, was bornin Dhari on 23 May 1892 (Vaishakh vad 12, V.S. 1948).His mother’s name was Puribai. His childhood name wasJinabhai, but his parents lovingly called him ‘Jina’. Jinawas loved by everyone. All were captivated by hishandsome, shining face.

When Jina was a child, his mother took him withher to the cotton farm every day. Other women of thevillage who came to pluck cotton also brought theirchildren with them. The women would leave their

"Why do you bring your wailing children to my farm?"

1

2

children under the shade of a tree, before commencingtheir work in the fields. Sometimes their children, failingto see their mothers, would cry loudly. This infuriatedthe farm owner. He scolded the women daily, “Why doyou bring your wailing children to my farm?”

The farmer, however, never became angry withJina’s mother. Looking at Jina, the owner alwaysremarked, “Jina is a miracle child. Look, he always suckshis toe, just as Shri Krishna did. Puribai, one dayeverybody will fall at his feet. They will worship him.”

Gradually, Jina grew up and he was popularly calledJinabhai. Jinabhai, though young, had a strong liking forsimplicity and cleanliness. He enjoyed nothing more thanto engage in bhakti and singing bhajans.

JINABHAI IN MEDITATION

There is a confluence of three rivers on the outskirtsof Dhari. The place of confluence is known as TriveniSangam, and the resulting river is called the riverShetrunji. The Shetrunji narrows on reaching a bridge,and shrinks to the size of a small rivulet under thebridge. The inhabitants of Dhari call it Patalio Jharo.

Jinabhai used to have his daily morning bath at thisspot near the bridge. He would wear clean clothes afterhis bath and then sit in an upright posture and performmeditation for hours together. He meditated upon thedivine form of Shriji Maharaj. To the many who sawJinabhai seated in meditation at such a lonely place, itseemed as if Dhruv himself was meditating! Theyinvariably stood and watched the young Jina engrossedin meditation.

Sometimes, friends of Jinabhai would come to havetheir bath at Patalio Jharo. They were amazed to findJinabhai rapt in meditation. They would wait for him till

2 Yogiji Maharaj

Jinabhai teaches meditation to his friends

Jinabhai’s Courage 3

3

he came out of his meditation and then enquire, “Whatwere you doing?” And Jinabhai would reply, “I wasremembering God. You also sit with me to meditate. Iwill teach you how to meditate.”

From his childhood Jinabhai never failed to do hismeditation every morning. He advised everybody to starttheir daily work only after remembering Shriji Maharaj.

JINABHAI’S COURAGE

Jinabhai was studying in the fifth standard.Tribhovandas was the headmaster of his school. He wasa very hot-tempered man. One day, Tribhovandasseverely thrashed a boy named Chandu. Jinabhai couldnot bear to see the boy suffer. He felt pity for Chandu,who was innocent of any wrongdoing. Jinabhai startedchanting ‘Swaminarayan, Swaminarayan’. Chanduscreamed with pain. Tribhovandas continued thrashinghim until he fell down unconscious. The children ran

helter-skelter out of fear of the teacher. Later, Chandudied as a result of the severe beating. Chandu’s fatherreported the case to the inspector, and an inquiry wasopened. The inspector came to the school to investigate.But who would dare to bear witness against theheadmaster?

The inspector asked all the students in the class.But who would be bold enough to report the truth?Jinabhai always spoke the truth. Why be afraid ofspeaking the truth? Jinabhai was not at all afraid ofthe headmaster. So, he boldly addressed the inspector,“Our headmaster mercilessly beat the innocent Chandu.He grabbed him by the arm and bashed him to theground.”

When Jinabhai spoke up, all the other studentsgained courage and shouted with one voice, “Yes sir, itwas the headmaster who beat Chandu.” Looking closelyat the forehead of Jinabhai, the inspector saw the holytilak-chandlo mark. Innocence and honesty were writtenon Jina’s face. He believed Jinabhai and immediately

"Our headmaster mercilessly beat the innocent Chandu."

4 Yogiji Maharaj

4

dismissed the headmaster. He also rewarded Jinabhaiwith a prize for fearlessly speaking the truth.

The truthful always triumph. Therefore we shouldnot be afraid of telling the truth. We should form a habitof speaking the truth from early childhood.

AN IDEAL STUDENT

Jinabhai was very clever in his studies. He alwaysstood first in every class and won many prizes.

Sometimes dull or lazy students would sit besideJinabhai, hoping to copy his answers. Some bullies wouldthreaten Jina, “When you have solved all the questionsyou had better tell us the answers.”

Jina would laugh and, to merely please them, say,“Alright, I will tell you. I will tilt my slate so that youcan see everything I have written.”

Whenever the teacher set any problem, Jinabhai

"By copying you are cheating God."

An Ideal Student 5

5

would solve it immediately, and then turn his slateupside down. Those around him who had neglected theirprevious lessons, would ask in a whisper, “What is theanswer?” But Jinabhai would remain silent.

One day some of the boys threatened him, “Jina,show us your slate, otherwise we will beat you up.”

But Jina fearlessly replied and explained, “You workit out! If my answer is wrong, then your answer will alsobe wrong.”

Whenever other students succeeded in copying hiswork, Jinabhai did not like it. He would tell them off, “Itis wrong to copy. By copying you are cheating God.”

Thus, Jinabhai always insisted that everyone shouldlearn by working hard, and should not cheat.

USE OF LEISURE TIME

At two o’clock in the afternoon there was a 30minute recess for the class. During this time thestudents played games like kho-kho, hide and seek, chaseand catch, and amli-pipli. Jinabhai was not interested inplaying games. He preferred to spend his time in prayer.So, while his friends and other children played games,Jinabhai prayed to God in a quiet corner or under a tree.

The boys often wondered, “What is Jina doing?” Theteachers, too, would ask his friends, “What does Jina dowhile others play?”

One day, two teachers saw Jina while he wasmeditating under a tree and asked, “Jina, you don’t playany games. You meditate on God all day. You are notinterested in the affairs of this world, so why don’t youbecome a sadhu?”

“Yes, I will become a sadhu,” replied a determinedJina. So saying, he resumed his prayers. How could theteachers of Jinabhai know at the time that Jinabhai

6 Yogiji Maharaj

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, Jin

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Use of Leisure Time 7

6

would really become a sadhu and become famousthroughout the world.

Jinabhai did not like to waste his free time. He onlyliked to offer worship. We, too, should not waste timeand should offer devotion to God.

WORSHIP OF THE LORD

For many years Jinabhai’s uncle, Mohanbhai, hadbeen performing the daily worship and service of themurtis in the mandir at Dhari. But due to old age and illhealth, he could no longer look after the mandir properly.He thought, “It would be nice if some good devotee couldbe found to perform this service.” His eyes fell onJinabhai.

Jinabhai performing arti in the mandir

8 Yogiji Maharaj

7

He asked Jinabhai if he would take up the mandirduties. Jinabhai was overjoyed, and assured him,“Mohankaka, do not worry, I will serve Thakorji.”

From that day Jinabhai assumed the mandirresponsibilities, and engaged himself in the service ofGod. He would bathe the murtis lovingly, applysandalwood paste and a kumkum chandlo, light the divoand incense sticks and perform the arti. His heartoverflowed with joy while offering devotion to God.

Besides all this, he would draw water from the welland water the plants in the compound of the mandir. Withina short time the garden in the mandir was filled with thesweet fragrance of flowers. Every morning Jinabhai madegarlands of flowers of various colours for the murtis. Hewould prepare a variety of delicacies to offer to God. Hewould serve the murtis as if God himself was physicallypresent. Quite often, he even conversed with the murti.

In the mornings and evenings, he would bring hisfriends to the mandir. There, he taught them how to chantthe ‘Swaminarayan’ mantra. He used to sing bhajans andasked others to sing with him. He taught them how toperform arti and also how to sprostrate before the murtis.Before they left he would give them prasad.

INITIATE ME AS A SADHU

Now Jinabhai passed his days and nights in themandir. He worshipped Maharaj with single-mindeddevotion. Jina would also serve visiting sadhus duringtheir short stays in Dhari. All of them were pleased withhis service and would bless him. At school, Jinabhaipassed the Standard VII exams. At that time,Krishnacharandas Swami, along with his group ofsadhus visited Dhari from Junagadh. On seeing thesadhus, Jinabhai was extremely pleased. He was in their

Initiate Me as a Sadhu 9

service from early morning till late night. He would getup early in the morning and have his bath. Aftercompleting his morning prayers he would attend to theneeds of the sadhus. He helped them by drawing waterfrom the well for their bath. He would sweep the mandirfloor, and neatly arrange the mats for the sadhus to sitand meditate upon. He lovingly served them allthroughout the day.

Sadguru Krishnacharandas Swami was a blesseddisciple of Gunatitanand Swami, the incarnation ofAksharbrahman. He saw that Jinabhai, though oftenvery tired, still completed his daily duties and services atthe mandir. He was pleased to see the devotion ofJinabhai, and appreciated the zeal with which he served.

One morning, while giving prasad to JinabhaiSwami asked, “Jina, would you like to become a sadhu?”Jinabhai was filled with joy at Swami’s question. Hereplied eagerly, “Yes Swamiji, I would be happy if you

"I would be happy if you would make me a sadhu."

10 Yogiji Maharaj

8

would make me a sadhu. It is my only wish. For manydays I have been hoping to talk to you about it. Buttoday, you yourself have read my mind. Swamiji, pleaseinitiate me as a sadhu. I want to become a sadhu andserve you and Maharaj.”

Swami Krishnacharandasji blessed him and said,“Your wish will be fulfilled.”

JINA BHAGAT IN JUNAGADH

A year later, Jinabhai obtained permission from hisparents to become a sadhu. Mother Puribai preparedkansar and served her son for the last time. Applying achandlo to his forehead, and wishing him fulfilment in

Parshad Jina Bhagat

Jina Bhagat in Junagadh 11

his new life, she gave him a proud but sorrowful send off.On 1 November 1908 (Kartik sud 7, V.S. 1965), Jinabhaileft home. He set out for Junagadh. On the way he wasaccompanied by his elder brother, Kamalshibhai. Thevery next day, they met Krishnacharandas Swami.

On 8 November 1908 (the full moon day (Punam) ofKartik, V.S. 1965), Jinabhai was given the parshaddiksha by Krishnacharandas Swami. He was then giventhe name Jina Bhagat. Jina Bhagat immediately took onvarious duties at the mandir.

In those days the parshads were entrusted with thetask of grazing the cows and buffaloes of the mandir.Jina Bhagat would go along with the other parshads tothe foot of Mount Girnar to graze the cattle. While thecattle grazed, Jina Bhagat sang bhajans, and memorizedSwamini Vato.

In the evening, Jina Bhagat would return to themandir along with the cattle. On the way back he wouldcut and gather babul sticks, used for brushing teeth inthe morning, for all three hundred sadhus in the mandir.

Returning to the mandir with a bundle of 300 babul sticks

12 Yogiji Maharaj

9

Besides this, every morning he cleaned the cowshedsand collected cow-dung. He would then make little flatcakes out of the dung and placed them in the sun to dry.They were then used for fuel.

In spite of fatigue from the day’s work Jina Bhagatalways attended the satsang assemblies every evening.He would sing bhajans and chant the Swaminarayanmantra. Then he would stay and listen to the discoursestill late night. Every morning he would get up at four toserve his guru once again. Such was his daily routine.

He earned the blessings of Krishnacharandas Swamiby serving him devoutly for six months.

JAGA BHAKTA APPEARS IN A DREAM

During those days, Krishnaji Ada and Pujaji Bapu(disciples of Jaga Bhakta) were frequent visitors toJunagadh. Jina Bhagat listened to their discourses.Krishnaji Ada narrated many incidents about thegreatness of Jaga Bhakta. Day after day Jina Bhagatheard about the spiritual glory of Jaga Bhakta.

Once, at night, a thought came to him, “How greatJaga Bhakta must be!” With this thought he fell asleep.During his sleep, at two o’clock in the morning, he had awonderful dream. He dreamt that Jaga Bhakta wasstanding before him, wearing a dhoti and a white turbanon his head. Jina Bhagat immediately prostrated beforeJaga Bhakta, and addressed him saying, “Guru, todayyou have fulfilled my wish by giving me your darshan. Iam overjoyed. Please say a few words of wisdom.”

Jaga Bhakta replied, “You should keep two guidelinesin mind. The first is to form a habit of reading theshastras and the second is to keep the association of holysadhus.” Then Jina Bhagat again prostrated before JagaBhakta in his dream.

Jaga Bhakta Appears in a Dream 13

10

The habit of reading shastras means daily reading ofthe Vachanamrut, Swamini Vatu, Shikshapatri,Bhaktachintamani, Harililamrut, etc. with reverence,and applying the wisdom contained in them. Contact ofrevered sadhus means seeking the company of a God-realized Sadhu such as Shastriji Maharaj.

We must also cultivate these two habits and thusstrive to achieve inner fulfilment.

FIRST MEETING

Jina Bhagat belonged to a group of sadhus led byKrishnacharandas Swami. Once, the group went toRajkot.

One day, Shastriji Maharaj also arrived in Rajkot.He stayed at the house of Krishnaji Ada. When JinaBhagat heard this news, he felt a strong desire to havethe darshan of Shastriji Maharaj. So, early in the

Jaga Bhagat appears in a dream

14 Yogiji Maharaj

Firs

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Mah

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First Meeting 15

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morning, under the pretext of going for a bath in the Ajiriver, Jina Bhagat and three other sadhus went to thehouse of Krishnaji Ada.

When Shastriji Maharaj awoke at four o’clock,Jadavjibhai informed him that some sadhus had come fordarshan. Shastriji Maharaj went to the room in whichthe sadhus were waiting. Jina Bhagat and the othersadhus paid homage to Shastriji Maharaj and thenpresented to him a mala and a tumbdi, which had beenused by Aksharbrahman Gunatitanand Swami. ShastrijiMaharaj was greatly pleased.

Jina Bhagat could not take his eyes off ShastrijiMaharaj and looked at him with great reverence.Shastriji Maharaj, too, looked at Jina Bhagat with muchaffection.

Jina Bhagat thought, “Shastriji Maharaj is worthy ofbeing a guru.” And he mentally accepted ShastrijiMaharaj as his guru.

Thus, on 23 August 1909 (Shravan sud 7, V.S. 1965),Jina Bhagat met Shastriji Maharaj for the first time. Itwas like a river meeting the ocean.

“I AM ONLY A SERVANT.”

After staying for some days in Rajkot, SwamiKrishnacharandasji and his group of sadhus resumedtheir tour of the villages. In the course of their tour theyvisited Hajdiyala near Sardhar. There was noSwaminarayan mandir in the village, and therefore thesadhus rested at the community hall of the village.

It was afternoon. The sadhus, following theafternoon sermon, retired for a short rest. Jina Bhagat,after completing his duties also lay down for some rest. ARajput devotee, who was an expert in astrology andpalmistry, was struck with wonder when he saw the

16 Yogiji Maharaj

soles of Jina Bhagat’s feet. He had never seen suchextraordinary lines on the feet of any sadhu before.

Thus, when Jina Bhagat got up and welcomed him,the Rajput devotee exclaimed, “O Jina Bhagat! You willbe a great sadhu one day. People in their thousands willfollow you. They will pray to you to earn your favour andblessings. Shriji Maharaj will be your constantcompanion. There are urdhvarekhas on your soles. Holymen with urdhvarekhas are extremely rare. They are thesacred signs possessed by a sadhu who has a constantrapport with God.”

On hearing these words, Jina Bhagat at oncecovered his feet and said, “Don’t talk like that. I am onlya servant. Krishnacharandas Swami is a great sadhu.Please never speak about this to anybody.”

But the devotee could not remain silent. He at oncedisclosed his thoughts to Krishnacharandas Swami.

“O Jina Bhagat! You will be a great sadhu one day."

“I Am Only a Servant.” 17

12

Swamiji smilingly said, “Yes, he possesses all thequalities of a great sadhu.”

AUSTERE JINA BHAGAT

The King of Mengni was a great devotee of God. Athis request, Krishnacharandas Swami visited Mengnievery year to celebrate the Annakut festival.

One year, however, the King of Lodhika invitedSwamiji to celebrate Annakut in Lodhika. The king wasalso a staunch devotee. He provided all the rawmaterials for the celebrations. From morning tillevening, the sadhus and parshads devoutly prepared thevarious sweet and savoury delicacies for the festival.When the day of Annakut arrived, a grand festival washeld. The delicacies were first offered to God. At theking’s order a meal with sata and jalebi were ready to beserved to everyone.

Krishnacharandas Swami tells Jina Bhagat to have his meal

18 Yogiji Maharaj

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Jina Bhagat used to fast some days in the month.Realizing that such delicious sweets like sata and jalebiwill be served on that day he decided to observe a fast.All the sadhus went for lunch, except Jina Bhagat.

When the king heard that Jina Bhagat was fasting,he pleaded with him saying, “Today is a festival day. Youshould not fast today, so please eat.” Jina Bhagat politelyrefused. The king repeated his request several times butJina Bhagat told him, “I have a stomachache and am nothungry, so I do not want to eat anything.”

The king then appealed to KrishnacharandasSwami, “Please tell the young Jina Bhagat to eat.” SoSwamiji asked Jina Bhagat not to fast that day. But hegave the same reply to Swamiji, and did not eat. Thus,despite such tasty delicacies, Jina Bhagat fasted.

Krishnacharandas Swami was inwardly pleased thatJina Bhagat was not tempted even by the tastiest ofsweets to break his fast. He praised his austerity andself-control. That night he called Jina Bhagat and placedhis hands on his head, and blessed him. He advised theother young sadhus to cultivate the same nvirtues ofausterity and self-restraint as Jina Bhagat.

KRISHNAJI ADA’S BLESSINGS

In Vartal, on the morning of 11 April 1911 (Chaitrasud 13, V.S. 1967), Acharya Shripatiprasadji Maharajgave Jina Bhagat the bhagwati diksha. Jina Bhagat wasrenamed Sadhu Jnanjivandasji. But the sadhus anddevotees fondly called him ‘Yogi’, whileKrishnacharandas Swami called him ‘Jnanji Swami’.

On 7 June 1911 (Jeth sud 11, V.S. 1967), aftercelebrating ekadashi, Sadhu Jnanjivandasji, along withseven other sadhus, left the Junagadh mandir to joinShastriji Maharaj to help promote the true philosophy of

Krishnaji Ada’s Blessings 19

Kri

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da b

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ahar

aj

20 Yogiji Maharaj

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Akshar and Purushottam, as taught by BhagwanSwaminarayan in the Vachanamrut.

It was on Saturday, 4 October 1911 (Aso sud 11,V.S. 1967), that Krishnaji Ada breathed his last.Bidding his last ‘Jai Swaminarayan’ to ShastrijiMaharaj and other sadhus he asked, “Where is JnanjiSwami? Call him here.” Jnanji Swami (Yogiji Maharaj),who was sitting in the corner, prostrated before himand then came and stood respectfully by his side.Krishnaji Ada asked him to come nearer; and when hedid, he placed his hands upon his head, and blessedhim.

Nirgundas Swami remarked, “Jnanji Swami! It isnot Krishnaji Ada who is blessing you, but believethat Bhagatji Maharaj and Jaga Bhagat are blessingyou.”

Because of his great love for all, Krishnaji Ada’s eyeswelled up with tears. Then bidding ‘Jai Swaminarayan’,his last farewell, he left this world for Akshardham.

THE DESIRELESS SADHU

Yogiji Maharaj was absolutely without any desire.Though he was young, he never wanted anything forhimself. All day long he would remain engaged inspiritual discourses, singing bhajans, memorizingscriptures and serving others.

Once, Yogiji Maharaj was with a group of sadhus inBhavnagar. They were staying at the house of a staunchdevotee. This house was situated on a main road. It wasevening and Yogiji Maharaj was on the upper floor of thehouse reading the Swamini Vatu.

Down below, people were eagerly awaiting the king’swedding procession. The procession was to pass along themain road. Both sides of the road were crowded with

The Desireless Sadhu 21

onlookers. Windows and balconies were also full of eagerspectators. From a distance, its drums and clarinetscould be heard.

Suddenly, a devotee got up and approached YogijiMaharaj and said, “Come on, why are you seated here?The king’s wedding procession is here. It is worth seeing.Come to the window – don’t you want to see it?”

Whereupon Yogiji Maharaj replied, “Of whatconsequence is it for us sadhus? Of what use is it for usto see such things? Once we have renounced something,why let it re-enter our heart?” The devotee was amazedby his reply and spirit of renunciation. He bowed downat the feet of Yogiji Maharaj.

The young and spirited Yogiji Maharaj

22 Yogiji Maharaj

15

Due to this spirit of service and other saintlyvirtues the veteran sadhu, Narayandas Swami ofJunagadh, thrice sent the message, “Jnanji Swami, ifyou return to Junagadh, I will myself come down toJetpur from Junagadh to welcome you, and bring youhere in a grand procession.” But Jnanji Swami stayedwith Shastriji Maharaj to help him accomplish manynoble tasks.

In Rajkot, Yogiji Maharaj unintentionally made asmall mistake. ViJnandas Swami became very angry andordered Yogiji Maharaj to leave his unfinished meal aspunishment. Hargovind Mehta of Vadhwan witnessedthis scene, and in the afternoon privately asked YogijiMaharaj, “Yogi! Why do you tolerate so much? Don’t youfeel like leaving here and going home?” Yogiji Maharajreplied happily, “When the guru scolds it is for our good.Without punishment we would not remain alert. It helpsus to correct our mistakes.”

Hargovindbhai was amazed at his reply and fell atthe feet of the young sadhu in recognition of his patienceand humility.

INDIFFERENT TO INSULT

Now Yogiji Maharaj was known to belong toShastriji Maharaj’s group. While touring the villageswith the sadhus, Yogiji Maharaj arrived in the village ofKeriya. They stayed in the village mandir. Someresentful sadhus, who were not on friendly terms withShastriji Maharaj, heard that the sadhus of ShastrijiMaharaj had put up in the mandir.

It was afternoon and, except for Yogiji Maharaj whowas fasting that day, all the sadhus were having anafternoon nap. Meanwhile, the resentful sadhus came tothe mandir. At once, they flung the clothes and other

Indifferent to Insult 23

belongings of Shastriji Maharaj’s sadhus out of themandir and broke their water pots.

They saw that Yogiji Maharaj was the youngest, sothey caught hold of him and pushed him out of themandir. “Call your Gunatit, and see if he can save you,”they shouted, and then banged the blind sadhuBhagwatswarupdasji against the grills.

Another sadhu was violently pushed aside into acorner. Others were beaten severely, while VignandasSwami was locked up behind the grills.

The villagers came to know about the sudden unrest.They hurried to the mandir with sticks in their hands.They threatened the intruders, and peace was quicklyrestored.

Though the sadhus opposing Akshar Purushottamhad beaten and insulted them, Yogiji Maharaj and hisfellow sadhus did not utter even a single word againstthem. They met the assault witha smile on their face.Their humility and saintliness was admirable.

The resentful sadhus beating the innocent sadhus

24 Yogiji Maharaj

A Hard-Working Sadhu 25

16 A HARD-WORKING SADHU

Yogiji Maharaj, though young excelled in service.From early morning to late at night, he remained busyin the service of others. He never tired. In fact, henever felt at ease in the absence of seva. Even duringfasts he would serve others with the same enthusiasmand love.

Each day he would get up early in the morning, thenafter bathing and prayers, he would start cooking in thekitchen. He would cook 300 rotlas. He prepared andcooked the rotlas simultaneously on two separate hot-plates. Whilst cooking, Yogiji Maharaj would singbhajans and recite Swamini Vatu. He used to cookeverything by himself no matter how many people therewere.

When the food was ready, he would call everybody toeat by hailing, ‘Vasudev Hare’. He himself served thefood to all the sadhus and devotees. He was always thelast to have his meal.

He also drew water from the well that would berequired for cooking and for bathing by the sadhus anddevotees. Everyday, early in the morning, he rinsed outall the big pots and vessels, and filled them with filtereddrinking water.

Even after all this seva, he would also wash theutensils after the meals were over. Many times he wouldbe found cleaning the huge pots till late at night.

Yogiji Maharaj was an ideal of seva.

Yogi

ji M

ahar

aj c

ooke

d fo

od, d

rew

wat

er, s

erve

d th

e sa

dhus

and

was

hed

the

cook

ing

uten

sils

26 Yogiji Maharaj

A Real Sadhu 27

17 A REAL SADHU

The sadhus visited village after village to teach thephilosophy of Akshar Purushottam and a purer way oflife. They cared not whether it was day or night.Wherever they went, they collected flour and cookedtheir meals from whatever they managed to get.

Once the sadhus had halted at a village calledSankarda. Every morning, they would go round thevillage to beg for alms. Yogiji Maharaj, accompanied bythe blind sadhu, Bhagwatswarupdasji, would also goaround to beg for alms. Holding one of his hands, hewould lead Bhagwatswarupdasji along the road. A clothbag for collecting the alms hung from Yogiji Maharaj’sshoulder. When anybody offered flour, grains, etc. hewould empty it into the bag with the other hand. As hewalked, he took great care that no stones, thorns or holesin the road got in the way of Bhagwatswarupdasji. Afterthe morning round was over, he cooked whatever almsthey had received. He first devoutly offered the food toGod. Then, after serving the other sadhus, he wouldfinally sit down to have his meal.

Karsansang Bapu of Adval often saw Yogiji Maharajleading the blind and aged Bhagwatswarupdasji whilegoing round for alms. One day, he saw the barefootedYogiji Maharaj begging for alms in the scorching heat ofsummer. He felt pity for him. He asked, “Yogiji Maharaj,why don’t you take a younger sadhu with you? Howdifficult it must be to be with such an aged sadhu whilebegging for alms!” Yogiji Maharaj, with a smiling face,replied, “Bapu, it is my good fortune to have such anaged sadhu with me. I am extremely fortunate for theopportunity to serve a revered old sadhu! Also, bymoving about with him I get the benefit of his vastknowledge and experience. And, I also get a chance to

serve the mandir by carrying the alms.” KarsansangBapu heard these words of Yogiji Maharaj and mentallybowed to him with great respect.

Once, Yogiji Maharaj went to Narayan Dharo fromthe village of Mojidad, to bathe. There, a sadhu namedNarayanprasad, wild with resent and envy, insulted andabused Yogiji Maharaj. Yogiji Maharaj merely smiledand chanted ‘Maharaj...Swami’, and after finishing hisbath quietly returned to his residence without uttering aword in retaliation.

Some time later, when the monsoon had set in, thissame sadhu, Narayanprasad, alighted from a train atBotad railway station at two o’clock in the morning. Thecart driver refused to take him to Kariyani. Walkingwearily along the muddy road, he came to the AksharPurushottam Mandir at Sarangpur and knocked on thedoor. A thorn had lodged deep into his foot. Thus his footwas swollen, and he was in extreme agony. The

Yogiji Maharaj collecting alms with Bhagwatswarupdas Swami

28 Yogiji Maharaj

18

watchman came and informed, “Yogiji Maharaj, a sadhuhas come and wishes to stay for the night.”

Yogiji Maharaj went to receive him and brought himinside with courtesy. He then removed the thorn from hisfoot and dressed the wound. He lovingly fed him prasadof puri and ladoo. He made a bed for him, and gentlyasked him to rest. In the morning he kept a cart ready totake Narayanprasad to Kariyani. Narayanprasadrecognized Yogiji Maharaj as the very sadhu he hadinsulted a few weeks before. He underwent a completechange of heart and thought, “Yogiji has served me withlove even though I had insulted him. He has not said oneword of rebuke to me. He has won me over completelywith his great affection.”

Narayanprasad repented, fell at the feet of YogijiMaharaj, and said, “You are a humble and loving sadhubecause you do good to those who have harmed you. Youare an ideal paramhansa of Shriji Maharaj, who repaysanimosity with love and affection.” Then receiving theblessings of Yogiji Maharaj, Narayanprasad left forKariyani by cart.

MANDIR SERVICE

Yogiji Maharaj enjoyed serving Thakorji and themandir as much as he liked to serve the sadhus anddevotees. When engaged in such seva, he would forgethunger and fatigue. He sincerely obeyed all thecommands of Shastriji Maharaj. He served him andhelped him in all his work.

Shastriji Maharaj built his first mandir in Bochasan,and consecrated the murtis of Akshar and Purushottamin the central shrine. After some time he also startedbuilding a mandir in Sarangpur. The work was inprogress, but due to lack of funds, the sadhus and the

Mandir Service 29

devotees also helped in the construction of the mandir.Yogiji Maharaj, too, after completing all his normal

duties used to help in the construction work of themandir. He carried large stones on his head for themasons to lay. He mixed lime and sand with a spade,and supplied the mixture. He assisted in digging andfilling in the foundation. He was the youngest in age, butin service, he excelled everyone.

He had only one thought, “A mandir will be built,and the murtis of Akshar and Purushottam will beconsecrated. How can one ever get such an opportunity toserve Maharaj! So, seize the opportunity and serve asmuch as possible, so that God is pleased.”

Shastriji Maharaj was much pleased with YogijiMaharaj’s sincere service and loving nature. Hefrequently praised and blessed Yogiji Maharaj.

Serving on the construction site

30 Yogiji Maharaj

Swami-Shriji Accepts Offerings 31

19 SWAMI-SHRIJI ACCEPTS OFFERINGS

Jaljhilani Ekadashi was being celebrated atSarangpur. Shastriji Maharaj was feeling unwell andwas resting in bed. Some devotees from Bhavnagar hadcome there for the celebration. Afterwards, Kuberbhai, aleading devotee of Bhavnagar, requested ShastrijiMaharaj, “Swami, please come to Bhavnagar so that wemay all benefit by your association.”

Shastriji Maharaj replied, smiling, “I am not well.Take Yogiji Maharaj in my place. I am included in YogijiMaharaj.” They were pleased with these words ofShastriji Maharaj, and returned to Bhavnagar along withYogiji Maharaj.

Prabhudas Sheth invited Yogiji Maharaj and theother sadhus for lunch at his house. A pious Brahminprepared a meal of ladoo, dal, rice, vegetables, etc. Whenthe meal was ready, Jayantibhai, along with PrabhudasSheth, approached Yogiji Maharaj and requested, “YogijiMaharaj! You have won the favour of Shriji Maharaj andGunatitanand Swami. Today pray to them on our behalfto accept the thal.”

Yogiji Maharaj smiled and answered, “Let us go andpray. Shriji Maharaj and Swami will surely come toaccept the thal.” So saying, Yogiji Maharaj entered theprayer room. The thal was placed before the murtis.Silver cups full of water were also placed near themurtis. The curtains were then drawn. Yogiji Maharajsat there and all around him sat the devotees. YogijiMaharaj started singing, “Avinashi avo re...” withprofound devotion.

After half-an-hour, when the curtains were opened,they gasped with wonder at what had happened. Fiveladoos, dal and some rice had been accepted by Maharaj.The water cup was also half empty. All the devotees were

20

struck by the power and devotion of Yogiji Maharaj. Theywere convinced that Yogiji Maharaj enjoyed the favour ofSwami and Shriji.

DEVOTION PAR EXCELLENCE

Once Yogiji Maharaj and Nirgundas Swami weregoing to Gadhada from Sarangpur by bullock-cart. It wasa hot summer’s day, and the road was deserted. There

HDH Yogiji Maharaj

32 Yogiji Maharaj

were neither any wells nor rivers on the route. It wasalready four o’clock in the afternoon.

Yogiji Maharaj had the small metallic murti ofHarikrishna Maharaj (the murti of Shriji Maharajformerly worshipped by Gunatitanand Swami). The timeto offer water to Harikrishna Maharaj was fastapproaching but as there was no water anywhere YogijiMaharaj became worried and upset. “Thakorji must bevery thirsty. Harikrishna Maharaj’s throat must be drydue to thirst,” he thought to himself.

It was six in the evening when they came to a river.Yogiji Maharaj asked the cart-driver to stop by theriverside. He took the murti of Harikrishna Maharaj,bathed it in the river and offered it filtered water todrink. Yogiji Maharaj was still not fully satisfied. Heprostrated and prayed repeatedly before the murti, “OMaharaj! Please forgive me. I am at fault. Today, I havefailed to give you water on time. Please forgive me.” Onhearing this, Nirgundas Swami, who was standingnearby said, “What is your fault? We were travelling and

"O Maharaj! Please forgive me."

Devotion Par Excellence 33

21

couldn’t find any water on the way, and so we were late.”Still, Yogiji Maharaj kept bowing to the murti

repeatedly and prayed for forgiveness.Words fail to describe the full measure of his service,

devotion and humility.

SNAKE BITE

A small memorial shrine had been constructed inGondal at the place where the last rites of GunatitanandSwami had been performed. It was called Akshar Deri.To add to its sanctity, Shastriji Maharaj started buildinga beautiful mandir over it. Yogiji Maharaj was stationedthere at the time. Every day he used to get up early inthe morning at four o’clock and perform puja of thecharnarvind of Shriji Maharaj which had beenconsecrated there. He also performed the mahapuja andoffered thal in the Akshar Deri.

While the mandir was being built, Yogiji Maharajand other sadhus used to live in huts built of mud andbricks. Once at midnight, while Yogiji Maharaj wassound asleep, a venomous black cobra bit the indexfinger of his left hand. The sudden rush of pain wokehim up.

As a result of the poison, the pain quickly spreadthrough his whole body. However, Yogiji Maharaj did notcomplain. While chanting the Swaminarayan mantra hiseyes closed.

Some anxious devotees suggested a physician becalled. Others proposed various remedies. Meanwhile,Shastriji Maharaj arrived. When he heard about thesnake bite he said, “Take Yogiji Maharaj to the AksharDeri and chant the Swaminarayan mantra. The effect ofthe poison will vanish by the divine power of theSwaminarayan Mahamantra.” Immediately, the sadhus

34 Yogiji Maharaj

22

lifted Yogiji Maharaj and carried him to the Akshar Deriand started chanting the holy name of BhagwanSwaminarayan. After exactly twelve hours, the effect ofthe poison subsided. Yogiji Maharaj opened his eyes andbowed to Shastriji Maharaj. Just then, a governmentdoctor arrived. He was amazed to see that the effect ofthe poison had been nullified by chanting theSwaminarayan mantra. He fell at the feet of ShastrijiMaharaj. The King of Gondal and his officers were alsosurprised at the divine power of the Akshar Deri. Theywere convinced that it was a highly sanctified place.

HEAD OF AKSHAR MANDIR

It was the year 1934 CE (V.S. 1990). Most of theconstruction work of the Gondal mandir (also called‘Akshar Mandir’) had been completed. In the same year,on 24 May 1934 (Vaishakh sud 10), Shastriji Maharaj

Yogiji Maharaj in the Akshar Deri after being bitten by a snake

Head of Akshar Mandir 35

ceremoniously consecrated the murtis of AksharPurushottam in the mandir in traditional Vedic style.After the function, an assembly of all the devotees washeld in the compound of the mandir. Here in thepresence of thousands of devotees Shastriji Maharajappointed Yogiji Maharaj as the Mahant of the AksharMandir and garlanded him. The whole congregrationgreeted the choice with joy and acclaim.

To Yogiji Maharaj the Akshar Mandir and AksharDeri meant everything in life. The Akshar Deri wasdearer to him than his soul. He was never tired ofperforming pradakshinas of the Deri. He would get upearly at 3.30 am and sweep the floor of the Deri. Afterperforming puja of the charnarvind with sandalwoodpaste and flowers, he would perform arti. Then he gavespiritual discourses to the devotees. He also performedmahapuja in the Deri regularly. During the mahapuja heprayed whole-heartedly, “May the number of sadhusincrease and may the Satsang spread.” During his freehours he kept the accounts of the mandir himself, andmaintained the ledger. Yogiji Maharaj looked after themaintenance of the mandir and himself attended to theneeds and the comforts of the guests. The greater thenumber of visitors the happier he would be. He neverallowed any visitor to leave without eating.

Rana Daji Bapu assisted him in many of his duties.One day, Daji Bapu wanted to consult Yogiji Maharajabout the mandir accounts. He searched for him in thekothar, but did not find him there. Thinking that hemight be in the Akshar Deri or upstairs in the mandir,he went there to look for him. But he was not thereeither. After searching for him everywhere, he finallywent to the kitchen where he found him cooking, all byhimself.

Seeing the mahant of such a big mandir working

36 Yogiji Maharaj

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like an ordinary cook in the kitchen, he said, “I havebeen searching for you for a long time. Why are youcooking? Where is the sadhu who cooks daily?”

Yogiji Maharaj quietly replied, “The sadhu whocooks is ill. By Maharaj’s grace, today I have got thechance of this service. For a long time I had wanted toprepare food to serve Thakorji. So, today I have got theopportunity.”

Hearing these noble sentiments, Bapu admiredYogiji Maharaj more than ever before. But when heenquired of the sadhu in charge of the kitchen, Bapufound that he was not ill at all. He and some othersadhus were loitering around and not doing their duty.He scolded them, “Yogiji Maharaj works day and night.Yet you make him serve in the kitchen as well.” He thensent them to the kitchen immediately. Along with YogijiMaharaj, Bapu went to the mandir office to discuss theaccounts.

DEVOTION TO GURU

Yogiji Maharaj used to eat only once a day.Moreover, every third day he observed a fast. Even whenfasting in the scorching heat of the summer, he wouldcarry all the luggage on his head while visiting villagesin the company of Shastriji Maharaj. He would spend thewhole day in the service of others. Owing to suchincessant heavy work he developed a hernia.

In the year 1937 CE (V.S. 1993), Dr. Aspinol, anEnglish surgeon at Rajkot Hospital, was consulted. Afterexamining Yogiji Maharaj he said, “Swamiji, you willhave to undergo an operation.” And so, on theinstructions of Shastriji Maharaj, Hirjibhai reserved aspecial room in the Rajkot Hospital for Yogiji Maharaj.

At the time, Shastriji Maharaj was also under

Devotion to Guru 37

medical treatment in Gondal. Still, he came to Rajkotbefore the day of the operation. Though it was winterand very cold, Shastriji Maharaj, as usual, got up earlyin the morning, and after finishing his morning puja heput on his pagh and went to the hospital without delay.As he entered the hospital premises the attendants weretaking Yogiji Maharaj on a stretcher to the operatingtheatre.

On seeing Shastriji Maharaj, Yogiji Maharaj wasovercome with joy. He folded his hands in reverence.Shastriji Maharaj blessed him and Yogiji Maharaj wastaken into the operating theatre. The doctor performedthe operation very skilfully. When the operation wasover, Yogiji Maharaj was carried back on a stretcher tohis room in the hospital.

Yogiji Maharaj had brought the murti ofHarikrishna Maharaj to the hospital and had placed iton a table in front of his bed. The devotees were allsitting on the floor around the bed. Shastriji Maharajwas sitting on a chair in front of the bed and waschanting with a mala in hand. After about two hours theeffect of the anaesthetic subsided. Yogiji Maharaj stirredin his bed and opened his eyes. Shastriji Maharaj wassitting right in front of him and smiling softly.Immediately Yogiji Maharaj folded his hands inreverence and asked the devotees sitting nearby in a lowvoice, “Has milk been served to Shastriji Maharaj?”

The question came as a surprise to the devotees andto Dr. Aspinol. They felt, “This sadhu was notunconscious. This yogi must have been in a divine trance.Only then is it possible to remember the guru onwaking.”

Yogiji Maharaj was, at the time, the personalattendant of Shastriji Maharaj at Gondal. There heserved him milk and medicine daily. When he awoke the

38 Yogiji Maharaj

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first thing he remembered was his duty to his guru. Howunique was his devotion to his guru!

“SHASTRIJI MAHARAJIS ALWAYS MANIFEST.”

In 1951 CE (V.S. 2007), Shastriji Maharaj fell ill. Oneday he said, “I have performed the arti of the murtis forthe Gadhada mandir. They will now be ritually consecratedby Yogiji Maharaj. There is not even a slight differencebetween me and Yogi. I am Yogi, and Yogi is me.”

These were his last words. On 10 May 1951(Vaishakh sud 4), Shastriji Maharaj passed away toAkshardham. His body was cremated the next day. Thedevotees were in deep shock. They all thought, “ShastrijiMaharaj has gone. Now what will happen to us?” No oneknew what to do.

At that time Yogiji Maharaj reassured everyone,“Shastriji Maharaj has not gone. We should never thinkthat Shastriji Maharaj has gone from our midst. ShastrijiMaharaj is forever present in Satsang.” Listening tothese words of Yogiji Maharaj everyone felt, “ShrijiMaharaj was ever present in Shastriji Maharaj, and thatsame Shriji Maharaj is now manifest in Yogiji Maharaj.Shastriji Maharaj will now bless everyone through YogijiMaharaj.” All saw Shastriji Maharaj in Yogiji Maharaj.The spiritual eyes of all opened.

Six days after the passing away of Shastriji Maharajto Akshardham, on 16 May 1951 (Vaishakh sud 10, V.S.2007), Yogiji Maharaj performed the murti-pratishtha inGadhada with great joy and festivity. Fifty thousanddevotees had assembled to witness the ceremony.Everyone was convinced that, “Shastriji Maharaj isalways manifest in the Satsang.”

“Shastriji Maharaj Is Always Manifest.” 39

25

The opponents were disappointed. They had thoughtthat as Shastriji Maharaj had reverted to Akshardham,no one would attend the celebrations and that theAkshar Purushottam Sanstha would collapse. But theywere amazed by the personality of Yogiji Maharaj. Theglory of Akshar Purushottam spread in all directions. Itwas the beginning of a new era in the presence of YogijiMaharaj. He captured the hearts of all the devotees, andwon their respect and admiration.

YOUTH CENTRESAND SATSANG ASSEMBLIES

Yogiji Maharaj had been conducting weekly satsangassemblies of the devotees for a long time. After thedeparture of Shastriji Maharaj, Yogiji Maharaj injected anew vigour into these activities. Gradually, heestablished a youth wing (Yuvak Mandal). In thebeginning, only a few youths attended the assemblies.The organizers, therefore, were somewhat discouraged.But Swamiji lovingly encouraged them, “Happiness liesin obeying commands. Your youth centre will flourish.So, be patient. Bring new youth friends to the assembly.Conduct discourses and explain our messages. Then, byMaharaj’s grace, the number of youths will increase.” Ifany centre had stopped, he would restart it. Thus, heestablished youth centres in every village or city hevisited. He kept a record and encouraged them bywriting to the members regularly. In no time, manyyouth centres sprang up in Gujarat. In many placesassemblies were also organized for children (Bal Mandal)to teach them the knowledge of satsang.

Yogiji Maharaj often said, “One should attend theweekly youth or satsang assembly even if one has toforego a profit of Rs. 25,000. It is not possible to meet the

40 Yogiji Maharaj

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devotees individually in their homes. But if we attendthe satsang assembly, then we can meet all the eldersand youths at the same time. We also get to learn aboutthe moral and spiritual beliefs of our Sanstha. Moreover,at such gatherings, Shriji Maharaj, Gunatitanand Swamiand Shastriji Maharaj are divinely present. So oneshould never miss these satsang assemblies.”

Yogiji Maharaj took keen interest in all the activitiesof the youths. He intently observed their activities suchas public speaking, yoga asans, bands, dramas and ras.He blessed them and applauded their efforts. He wouldlisten attentively to their articles which were read out tohim from the handwritten magazines they had prepared.Yogiji Maharaj used to say, “A handwritten magazineshould be put out every three months.”

YOUTHS AND YOGIRAJ

Youths and children were very dear to YogijiMaharaj. He often said, “Youths are my heart.” And hecared for them as one cares for one’s heart. He spoke tothem affectionately, showed genuine interest in whateverthey said, and lovingly put his hands on their heads orshoulders in appreciation. Moving his delicate handsaround their neck he would quietly check whether theyouth had a kanthi or not. If any one was found withouta kanthi, he would immediately give him one. He wonthem over by showering them with more love than even amother.

In the summer and Diwali vacations, Yogiji Maharajused to take the youths to the villages with him. Duringthis time he would teach them Swamini Vatu,Vachanamrut, kirtans, cheshta, etc.

Once, while Yogiji Maharaj was walking with thesupport of two youths, he said, “On two sides are two

Youths and Yogiraj 41

youths. In the middle is Yogi the youth.”He took personal care of the youths who toured the

villages with him. He personally prepared rotlas forthem, served them food, and in case anyone fell ill, hewould care for him during the illness.

Yogiji Maharaj woke up early at 4.30 am and wouldthen awaken the youths. He gave discourses on subjectslike agna, upasana and seva. He was especially pleasedby those who observed a complete fast with either food oreven a drop of water. He showed his joy by blessing themand patting them on their backs. At 11.00 pm, after theevening satsang assembly for the devotees and singing ofthe cheshta were over, Yogiji Maharaj would gather allthe youths in a quiet corner of the hall and sit with themagain. He encouraged them to converse amongthemselves in difference languages such as English,Hindi or Gujarati. He would sometimes join in to amusethe youths by using English words, even though he didnot know much English.

Yogiji Maharaj captivated the hearts of even collegestudents. He helped many to overcome bad habits suchas smoking, eating pan and visiting the cinema. Heinspired them to live a pure, simple and disciplined life,and thus prepared them to become ideal devotees andcitizens. Thus, during their vacation every year, theyouths accompanied Yogiji Maharaj for a month or two.When they left at the end, he advised them, “Observeniyams sincerely. Attend the weekly youth assembliesregularly. If there isn’t a youth centre in your village,then start one. I will write to you.”

His affection for them was so great that he wouldtake the trouble of walking upto the mandir gate to seethem off. The youths were inspired by Yogiji Maharajand their eyes filled with tears when they left.

42 Yogiji Maharaj

Yout

hs a

nd Y

ogir

aj

Youths and Yogiraj 43

27

44 Yogiji Maharaj

YOUTHS BECOME SADHUS

Within ten years Yogiji Maharaj had formed groupsof dedicated and trained youths in many different towns.By his wish, even at home these youths led a simple andpious life. They fasted every fifth day and slept on asimple mat without using even a pillow. They had coldwater baths every morning and made it a point to applytilak-chandlo on their foreheads. They did not. eat ordrink anything that was not prepared at home. And theynever saw .any films.

By the wish of Yogiji Maharaj, many such youthswere inspired to become sadhus. He would ask, “I wantyou to become a sadhu. Will you?” Hearing these lovingwords, the educated youths readily agreed.

Once, Yogiji Maharaj wrote a letter to a youth whowanted to become sadhu, “I do not want to make you asadhu to serve me, but I want to teach you brahmavidya,which will enable you to attain Ekantik Dharma. I wantto help you attain moksha. Through you, thousands willjoin Satsang. The Akshar Purushottam philosophy willspread throughout the world.” Many parents realized thelofty ideals of Swamiji and willingly agreed to dedicatetheir beloved sons to the Sanstha and its noble task. Alarge group of highly educated young men was soonready and eager for initiation into the sadhu-fold.

On 11 May 1961 (Vaishakh vad 12, V.S. 2017), the70th birthday of Yogiji Maharaj, the spires of Gadhadamandir were fitted with golden kalashes. On thisauspicious day Yogiji Maharaj initiated 51 educatedyouths into the sadhu-fold. After BhagwanSwaminarayan, in the entire history of theSwaminarayan Sampraday and spirituality, it was thefirst time that 51 educated youths were being initiated

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into the sadhu-fold. The credit goes wholly to YogijiMaharaj. This occasion will be written in letters of goldin the annals of the Sanstha’s history.

After this, many educated youths from India as wellas England, Africa and other places approachedSwamishri to be initiated as sadhus. This gave a greatimpetus to the Satsang. Later, these young sadhustrained and nurtured by Yogiji Maharaj from their pre-initiation days, toured throughout India and abroad toexplain to people the true doctrine of Akshar andPurushottam. They totally dedicated themselves to thenoble service of Yogiji Maharaj and the Satsang.

YOGIJI MAHARAJ’S LIFE-WORK

Yogiji Maharaj never tired in explaining theupasana of Akshar Purushottam to the world at large.He toured villages incessantly by day and by night. Hewould be in one village in the morning, and in theevening he would be in another. Wherever he went, hewas warmly welcomed. Aspirants came in large numbersto seek his spiritual refuge and become his disciples.There was an unending series of celebrations, andsatsang assemblies. The number of satsangis increased.Yogiji Maharaj started Satsang centres in many villages.He guided and encouraged the satsangis by writing tothem regularly.

Accompanied by sadhus and devotees, he twiceorganized a special train pilgrimage of India. Thesepilgrim centres were further sanctified by the visits ofYogiji Maharaj, and many more aspirants were drawntowards Satsang. At his request the government built aplatform at the railway station in Chhapaiya and namedit ‘Swaminarayan Chhapaiya’. A tremendous welcomewas given to him when he arrived at Chhapaiya.

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In recognition of Swamiji’s great work, about 10,000devotees came from all over to celebrate the sixty-fifthbirthday of Yogiji Maharaj on 6 June 1956 (Vaishakh vad12, V.S. 2012) at Sarangpur.

Yogiji Maharaj fulfilled the wish of his guru,Shastriji Maharaj, by consecrating a hari mandir atAkshar Bhavan, in Mumbai in 1962 (V.S. 2018). In thesame year, he inspired a three-pinnacled shikharbaddh

Brahmaswarup Swami Shri Yogiji Maharaj

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mandir in Ahmedabad (in the Shahibaug area), andconsecrated the murtis of Akshar and Purushottam on 11May 1962 (Vaishakh sud 7).

He also built a fine mandir at Mahelav, thebirthplace of Shastriji Maharaj. In this mandir, besidesthe painted murtis, he also consecrated a marble murti ofShastriji Maharaj.

The year 1965 (V.S. 2021) marked the birthcentenary of Shastriji Maharaj. Yogiji Maharaj washimself 73 years old, and was in very delicate health. Yethe visited 82 villages in 38 days, despite the biting coldof winter, to create awareness of and collect funds for thecentenary celebrations. He was prepared to undergo anyhardship to celebrate the centenary in a grand manner.On 6 February 1965 (Vasant Panchmi, V.S. 2021), atAtladra, the birth centenary of Shastriji Maharaj wascelebrated with great joy and festivity in the presence of150,000 devotees.

To promote character-based education amongststudents, he established a students’ hostel in Vidyanagarand a gurukul in Gondal in which primary and secondaryeducation was given.

Thousands of devotees from India and abroaddecided to celebrate the 75th birthday of Yogiji Maharaj(Amrut Mahotsav), through whom Shriji Maharaj wasmanifest on this earth, with due pomp and ceremony. Asouvenir publication named Amrutparva, describing hisglorious character and services, was published on thisoccasion. On this occasion Yogiji Maharaj presented a Rs.25,000 donation to the Gujarat Government for feedingfamine-stricken people. The 200,000 devotees whoattended this celebration at Gondal spoke about the gloryof his life and work.

Yogiji Maharaj himself laboured with the devotees toconstruct the Gunatitnagar Railway Station at Bhadra,

Yogiji Maharaj’s Life-Work 47

the birthplace of Aksharbrahman Gunatitanand Swami.In Bhadra, Yogiji Maharaj built a marvellous single-spired shikharbaddh mandir over the birthplace ofGunatitanand Swami. In it, he consecrated the murtis ofDham (Gunatitanand Swami), Dhami (BhagwanSwaminarayan) and Mukta (Gopalanand Swami) on 7May 1969 (Vaishakh sud 6, V. S. 2025).

Vedras, a book containing Maharaj’s teachings, wasre-published at Yogiji Maharaj’s request. He alsoprepared the biographies of his guru, Shastriji Maharajand Bhagatji Maharaj (the guru of Shastriji Maharaj) forpublication. On the occasion of Shastriji Maharaj’scentenary celebrations a publication namedYagnapurush Smruti was released. The Harilila-kalpataru – a scripture inspired by Gunatit-anandSwami and written by Achintyanand Brahmachari – wasalso published through Yogiji Maharaj’s initiative. Hindiand English publications on the life and work ofBhagwan Swaminarayan were published. Also, Hindiand English translations of the Vachanamrut wereinitiated by him. A biography of Gunatitanand Swamiwas also printed in Gujarati.

Yogiji Maharaj encouraged many devotees to readthe Swaminarayan Prakash, the Sanstha’s Gujaratimonthly periodical. A weekly, named SwaminarayanSatsang Patrika, was also started to provide instructionsand news regarding the Satsang to members in variouscentres, enabling them to conduct regular Sundayassemblies.

Yogiji Maharaj established a school for highereducation in Sanskrit for the sadhus in Mumbai. By hisblessings and guidance many sadhus became Shastris(BA) and Acharyas (MA) in Sanskrit. Some of the sadhusreceived government scholarships and doctorate degrees.Moreover, many young sadhus were also encouraged to

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develop their various innate skills in music, art, writing,etc.

Yogiji Maharaj built many hari mandirs. He heldparayans and shibirs by which thousands of devoteesbenefited from satsang. Many new devotees wereattracted and the Satsang grew considerably.

What is remarkable about Yogiji Maharaj is that hewas also highly respected by leaders of many differentreligions. They often approached him for guidance andblessings. They said, “Yogiji Maharaj belongs to all. He isnot for the Swaminarayan Sampraday only, but for thewhole world.” The reason for this was that YogijiMaharaj respected everyone. He never engaged in orallowed criticism of others. In India and Africa, YogijiMaharaj visited, without any hesitation, Sikhgurudwaras, Jain derasars, Christian churches and otherplaces of worship. He had great respect for all religions.

Today we see many leaders who allow relaxation oradjustment in their moral codes of conduct to attractmore followers. lHowever, Yogiji Maharaj strictlyobserved eight-fold brahmacharya and the renunciationof wealth. He implicitly obeyed even the most minorcommands of Shriji Maharaj.

He captured the hearts of all. And through his socio-spiritual works people looked up to him with reverenceand respect.

VISITS TO AFRICA

Owing to the persistent requests of the devoteesliving in East Africa, Yogiji Maharaj visited East Africaand Aden for the first time in the year 1955 (V.S. 2012).He consecrated the murtis of Akshar Purushottam in thegrand mandir at Mombasa. He consecrated ShrijiMaharaj’s sacred footprints at the memorial spot of Shri

Visitn to Africa 49

Maganbhai, a respected veteran devotee, who hadinspired many onto the spiritual path.

Yogiji Maharaj sanctified many places by celebratingfestivals and holding spiritual assemblies. He travelledthousands of miles and spiritually uplifted many duringhis satsang tour of Africa. As a result of his visit manynew centres for youths and elders were established.Their enthusiasm was sustained by his regular flow ofletters to them. Later, the devotees built mandirs inKampala, Jinja and Tororo, and requested YogijiMaharaj to visit East Africa once again to perform themurti-pratishtha ceremonies in these mandirs.

So, once again Yogiji Maharaj visited East Africaand Aden in the year 1960 (V.S. 2016). He consecratedthe murtis in the mandirs at Kampala, Jinja and Tororo.He travelled 35,000 miles, visiting 103 centres in sevendifferent countries. Many new aspirants were drawn tothe Satsang. The Satsang in Africa increased immensely.

In the West, too, centres were started in the UK,USA and Canada. Especially in the UK and USA, manyaspirants embraced the Satsang.

In Africa, the devotees purchased large plots of landin Gulu and Nairobi and built huge mandirs. Again, thedevotees appealed to Swamiji to visit them once more.Yogiji Maharaj, in spite of ill health, was moved by theirdevotion and agreed to visit East Africa for the thirdtime.

In the year 1970 (V.S. 2026) he set forth on his thirdforeign tour. He consecrated the murtis in the mandirbuilt on the main road in Nairobi. For the last time,Yogiji Maharaj gave the devotees much joy.

The devotees in London bought a church hall andconverted it into a mandir. They invited Yogiji Maharajto London to consecrate the murtis in the mandir.Pleased by their devotion, Yogiji Maharaj went to

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London. He was given a festive welcome and washonoured with a procession accompanied by the RAFband through the main roads of the city. He performedthe murti-pratishtha ceremony of the murtis in themandir at Islington, in east London. During a ceremonyon the river Thames in London the murti of HarikrishnaMaharaj was bathed in the river.

After six weeks in London Yogiji Maharaj returnedto India. He sent four sadhus to the USA to explain themessage of Satsang.

RECEPTION AND DEPARTURE

Yogiji Maharaj’s visit gave immense happiness andsatisfaction to the devotees in Africa and England. Hereturned to India after spending a total of five monthsabroad. English, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati and othernewspapers in India commended his spiritual tour.Everywhere people sang his praises. He was given agrand reception in Mumbai at the Shanmukhanand Hall,the largest auditorium in Asia. He was felicitated for hiswork and achievements. Swami Chinmayanand whopresided at the function said, “While Indian youthsimitate Western culture, this great sadhu at the age of80 went abroad to promote the Hindu Dharma. Hedeserves acclaim for imparting moral and spiritualvalues to all.”

A public reception on the same scale was alsoaccorded to him at Vadodara.

In Ahmedabad, then the capital of Gujarat, YogijiMaharaj was taken in a grand procession through themain roads of the city. Yogiji Maharaj was the centre ofattraction in the mile-long procession, where some five tosix hundred thousand people turned up to have hisdarshan. In the city’s Tagore Hall, the Chief Minister of

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Gujarat, Shri Hitendrabhai Desai, and other ministersand spiritual heads paid their glowing respects andtributes to him. The Chief Minister, Shri HitendrabhaiDesai, said, “To honour Yogiji Maharaj is to honour atrue adherent of Indian civilization. To honour YogijiMaharaj is to honour the liberator of the whole ofmankind. Today, we greet Yogiji Maharaj as the realgiver of peace, one who dissolves the miseries caused bythe many unpleasant incidents taking place in India andabroad.”

He was given a rousing reception at many otherplaces, such as, Limdi, Gadhada, Bhavnagar, Mahuva,Amreli, Rajkot and Gondal.

Despite all these honours, Yogiji Maharaj neverforgot to offer devotion to his guru and his other duties.On his last visit to Sarangpur he performed arti of thegolden sinhasans (in the mandir sanctum) prepared forShriji Maharaj. This was a highly cherished desire ofShastriji Maharaj, and it was at last fulfilled.

Despite the heavy rains in Bhavnagar, he came outto lay the foundation stone of the new mandir. InMahuva he performed the murti-pratishtha ceremony inthe mandir built at the birthplace of Bhagatji Maharaj,who was the guru of Shastriji Maharaj.

He then went to Gondal, where he stayed for threemonths. During this period in Gondal on the auspiciousoccasion of Sharad Purnima, he consecrated a beautifulmarble murti of Shastriji Maharaj placed on a finemarble platform behind the Akshar Deri. He stayed inGondal and pleased everyone. He invited the devoteesthere, and showered his divine blessings upon them. Hecelebrated many small and big festivals, giving preciousmemories to the devotees.

Then, all of a sudden, he decided to invite illness.It is not always possible to understand the actions of

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such godly sadhus. His illness worsened. Swami wasimmediately flown to Mumbai for further treatment.But, on 23 January 1971 (Posh vad 11, V.S. 2027) at1.00 pm, he bid ‘Jai Swaminarayan’ to all, and left thisworld for Akshardham. The whole Satsang becameoverwhelmed with grief and shock.

His body was flown to Gondal. There, on 24 January1971 (Posh vad 12) , after all the funeral rites were over,the body was cremated in the compound to the right ofAkshar Mandir. Thousands of devotees from India andabroad offered their last tearful homage to YogijiMaharaj.

To commemorate the spot where Yogiji Maharaj wascremated, Pramukh Swami Maharaj inspired a memorialshrine called Yogi Smruti Mandir.

THE LIKINGS OF YOGIJI MAHARAJ

Yogiji Maharaj used to wear only coarse clothesthroughout his life. He was very simple and liked tospend his time in service. He always ate simple foodwhich he mixed in a wooden bowl and ate only afteradding water to it. Whenever there was any special dishor if there were any sweet delicacies, he would fast onthat day. He always had a smile on his face. He was athome with young and old alike, inquired about theirwelfare and blessed them all. He prayed to ShrijiMaharaj that everyone be relieved of their miseries. Hechanted the Swaminarayan Mahamantra constantly witha mala in his hand.

Yogiji Maharaj had a special bond with children. Heaffectionately called them to him and taught them tosing, “Swami ane Narayan, Akshar ane Purushottam,Atma ane Paramatma, Brahman ane Parabrahman.”

He often gathered the children around him and

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taught them to sing bhajans, and to recite SwaminiVatus. He narrated stories from the life of Shriji Maharajand Gunatitanand Swami to point out a moral or teachtruths to the children. He also narrated incidents fromthe lives of Shastriji Maharaj and Bhagatji Maharaj asillustrations of correct thought and conduct. He taughteveryone how to perform puja and arti and gave themprasad.

Yogiji Maharaj instructed youths to rise early in themorning. After getting up he told them to first rememberBhagwan Swaminarayan. Then, after bathing, oneshould perform puja, offer prostrations, and read fiveverses from the Shikshapatri. After puja, one should doone’s school work. School children should regularly studyfor four hours a day and college students for eight hours.Elders must always be shown due respect. Childrenshould daily bow to their parents.

Before going to school or college, one must applytilak-chandlo to one’s forehead. Everybody should visitthe mandir daily. They should attend the weeklyassemblies without fail. They should commit to memorySwamini Vatu, Vachanamruts and kirtans. Milk andwater should be filtered before drinking. One should faston ekadashi. One should not steal, nor use another’smaterials without permission. One should not touchanother’s lost property. One should not smoke or tell lies.One should neither see films nor attend plays. Oneshould not eat in hotels or in the bazaar.

SERMONS OF YOGIJI MAHARAJ

1. We should pray to God. While walking, eating,drinking or in any activity, we should remember God.

2. We should regularly read two Vachanamruts and tenSwamini Vatu.

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3. Daily recite bhajans, Vachanamruts, Swamini Vatu,etc., which have been committed to memory.

4. When youths get together, they should not talkabout worldly affairs, but should discuss religiousmatters. They should narrate and discuss theincidents of God and his holy Sadhu. They shouldrecollect and ponder over what the Satpurush hasdiscoursed.

5. Be committed to overcoming one’s faults. Never loseone’s temper. Always be honest with one’s guru,then one can attain perfection by his blessings.

6. Those who acquire philosophical and religiousknowledge and also do seva continue to progress.Therefore, always engage in service, big or small.Also develop a liking for religious discourses (katha).

7. Nanese ho nana rahie, jaisi nani dub,Ghas phis sab ud gaya, dub khubki dub.“During floods big trees which stand high and erectare often washed away; however, the grass remainsin its place in spite of the heavy water flow, becauseof its flexibility.” Thus, harbouring ego will causeone misery in Satsang. It could even lead one to fallfrom Satsang. But if one humbly renders service, nomatter how menial, then one does not become proud,and is able to uphold the satsang.

8. Youths should maintain unity (samp), friendship(suhradaybhav) and a sense of oneness (ekta)amongst themselves.

9. The whole Satsang should be regarded as divine.One must see divinity in all devotees. Our guru,through whom God manifests, should be realized asbeing perfect. Never speak ill of God or his devotees.

10. Youths should not make fun of others or indulge inmischief. They should always behave themselves.

11. One should not criticise the actions, forms (physical)

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or faults of other people. One should analyse one’sown actions and faults.

12. Tolerate physical and verbal hardships. Maharaj andthe Satpurush are pleased with one who tolerateshardships patiently.

13. One should make do with what one gets, irrespectiveof its adequacy or quality. One should never quarrelfor things.

14. Fire changes everything to its own colour, whereaswater takes the colour of whatever is added or mixedwith it. Similarly, we should be like fire andinfluence others for their good, but should not beinfluenced by another’s vices or weaknesses, likewater.

15. One should walk with one’s eyes cast down. Oneshould not be lured by the temptations in a city.Youths should therefore avoid sinful thoughts andvisit the mandir daily. Develop love for Maharaj andthe Satpurush, then despite living in the city, onewill remain immune to temptations.

16. Saintly virtues should be cultivated. Evil habitsprevalent in one’s nature should be discarded. Whatis saintliness? Tolerance. One’s behaviour must besuch that it sets a good example for others.

17. The highest degree is to become the servant of aservant of God. So, serve devotees by washingutensils, washing their clothes, cleaning the latrinesand the dining areas. Even if one becomes a bigmanager, one should serve. This is the way tomoksha. So learn it.

18. Ahimsa and brahmacharya must be strictlyobserved. Believe one’s atma as gunatit, brahman,akshar.

19. Three are eternal: Dham, Dhami and mukta. ShrijiMaharaj – Purushottam, is the supreme incarnation.

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He is the sole doer (karta), has a form (sakar) and isthe transcendental, supreme entity (sarvopari) whois ever present on earth (pragat). GunatitanandSwami, who is Aksharbrahman personified, is thedivine abode of Shriji Maharaj, and the Satpurush isthe gateway to Akshardham. One must havecomplete faith in these doctrines.

PRAMUKH SWAMI MAHARAJ

In the year 1950 (V.S. 2006), Shastriji Maharajappointed Shastri Narayanswarupdasji as theadministrative head of the Bochasanwasi Shri AksharPurushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). All thedevotees were asked to work under his orders andguidance. He was only 28-years-old at the time. Sincethen, Shastri Narayanswarupdasji has been known bythe name of Pramukh Swami.

Yogiji Maharaj, wrote about this incident in hisdiary as follows, “Swami (Shastriji Maharaj) looked athim, ‘I want to appoint only him as the President of theSanstha.’ So, he was so appointed at a meeting inAhmedabad. I was then sitting nearby. Swami told me,‘Put your hand on his head and bless him so that heacquires your virtues.’ So I put my hand on his head,whereupon Shastriji Maharaj said, ‘You have placed yourhands on his head, by which my hands are also included.’In this way, Swamiji asked me to bless him, and when Idid so, he became very happy.”

Since then, in accordance with the wishes of YogijiMaharaj, Pramukh Swami has worked day and night tofurther the cause of the BAPS. Many sadhus anddevotees celebrated the forty-eighth birthday of PramukhSwami Maharaj in Mumbai. On this occasion YogijiMaharaj said, “Shastriji Maharaj was highly pleased

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with him ever since his younger days and so appointedhim as the president. How fast and how admirably hehas developed the Sanstha! All should obey himimplicitly. Pramukh Swami is the manifest form ofShastriji Maharaj. He is not at all different from him.Everyone should behold him with divine feelings. Sevenhundred sadhus will be initiated. This task will befulfilled by Pramukh Swami.” Yogiji Maharaj thusrevealed the glory of Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

During his final illness Yogiji Maharaj had said,“Pramukh Swami is everything to me. All of you willnow enjoy the bliss of God through him.”

At present, our beloved guru is His Divine HolinessSwami Narayanswarupdasji – Pramukh Swami Maharaj.Let us please him and enjoy the bliss of Shriji Maharaj.

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Ame sau Swãminã bãlak...Meaning:

We are the children of Swami; we will die for him. Weare the youths of Shriji Maharaj; we will fight for him. Weare fearless; we will not shirk sacrificing our lives, for we areborn to die. We have launched this movement, and willundergo any suffering. We will sing the praises of Akshar-Purushottam. We are the sons of Shriji; we have our abodein Akshar. Dedicated as we are to swadharma, we have noapprehension whatsoever. Bhagwan Purushottam andAkshar, Gunatitanand Swami‚ are with us. We haveaccomplished our goal.

GLOSSARY

agna instruction, order, commandakshar in his personal form, Akshar serves

Purushottam in his abode,Akshardham, and manifests as hisideal devotee, the Satpurush, on earth

amli-pipli popular Indian game for childrenarti Hindu ritual of waving lighted wicks

before the murti of God as an act ofworship

asan seat; one of the eight steps in yogaasat untruthful, falseatma the pure jiva distinct from the

physical, subtle and causal bodies –i.e., distinct from the indriyas, theantahkaran, worldly desires, or anyother traces of maya

babul medicinal stick used for brushingteeth

Glossary 59

bhagwati diksha initiation into the sadhu-foldbrahmacharya Celibacy. For renunciants

brahmacharya has been prescribedas eight-fold abstinence fromassociating with the opposite genderin the following ways:(1) shravanam – listening to or of(2) keertanam – talking to or of(3) keli – frolicking with(4) prekshanam – intentionallylooking at(5) guhyabhãshanam – privatelyconversing with(6) sankalpa – fantasising about(7) adhyavasãya – thinking of(8) kriyã – intercourse withFor householder males,brahmacharya constitutesrenouncing all women except theirwives, abstaining from sexualrelations with one’s wife on days ofobservance, and engaging in sexualrelations with her only during theappropriate times

brahmavidya spiritual knowledge

chandlo auspicious vermillion mark appliedon forehead

charnarvind respectful term used to refer to theholy feet of God or other spirituallyelevated person

cheshta verses sung before bedtime describingthe daily routine and glory of ShrijiMaharaj

60 Yogiji Maharaj

dal spicy soup of dissolved pulsesderasar Jain place of worshipdivo A lighted wick in an earthen or metal

crucible filled with ghee

ekadashi 11th day of the bright and darkhalves of a lunar month

ekta unity

guna quality, innate naturegunatit one who is above the three gunas of

rajas, tamas and sattva; above mayagurukul residential school

indriya sense, through which one can ‘know’and perform actions

jalebi a sweet delicacyjiva soul or self with worldly desires

kalash sacred potkansar a sweet delicacykanthi double-threaded necklace, usually

made of tulsi beads, received bysatsangis upon initiation into theSatsang Fellowship, and worn as asign of their affiliation to God

karta doer. God is the cause of everythingthat happens

katha spiritual discoursekho-kho popular Indian gamekothar storeroom of a mandir

mahapuja special worship offered to BhagwanSwaminarayan, Gunatitanand

Glossary 61

Swami, muktas, incarnations anddeities

mala rosarymaya ignorance, material universe,

darkness. One of the five eternalrealities. Anything that deviates onefrom the worship of God

moksha liberation; deliverance of the jivafrom the cycle of births and deathsand attainment of God’s divine abode

mukta a liberated soulmurti sacred icon of God that is worshippedmurti-pratishtha traditional Vedic ceremony in which

murtis, or images, are rituallyconsecrated in a mandir

niyam moral and spiritual disciplines

pagh turbanpan made of nagarvel tree leaves and

condimentsparamhansa supreme swan. A male sadhu of the

highest order, characterised by hisability to discriminate between satand asat – just as swans weretraditionally considered to be able todistinguish between milk mixed withwater

parayan spiritual discourses held for severaldays

parshad a renunciant who wears white robesparshad diksha initiation into the monastic order in

which the youth wears white robespradakshina circumambulationpragat manifest

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prasad sanctified food, blessed andconsecrated by having been offered toGod

puri a fried delicacy made of wheat flour

rajas one of the three gunas, havingattributes of: activity, restlessness,anger, violence, desire to satisfy theindriyas and extravagance

ras a traditional folk dance of Gujaratrotla an unleavened bread

sakar sugar crystalssamp unitysarvopari supremesat truthsata a sweet delicacySatsang divine fellowshipsatsang the practice of spiritually associating

with the Satpurush, fellow satsangis,one’s own atma and the sacredscriptures of the Satsang fellowship

satsangi a devotee who practices the vows ofSatsang

sattva second of the three gunas, havingattributes of: clarity and purity ofthought, excellence, mental poise

seva serviceshibir conferences, training campsshikharbaddh mandir in which five artis are

performed daily and daily worship isperformed by sadhus

sinhasan throne for murtis of God orSatpurush

sud bright half of the lunar month

Glossary 63

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suhradaybhav friendshipswadharma one’s own dharmatamas third of the three gunas, having

attributes of: inactivity, lethargy,darkness and ignorance

thal devotionally offering food to Godtilak upright U-shaped mark imprinted on

the forehead with sandalwood pastetumbdi gourd

upasana sitting near, derived from ‘upa’ +verb-root ‘as’ – meaning to sit near.Philosophical framework outliningthe fundamental principles of adoctrine. Philosophical under-standing of the nature of God as wellas the mode of worship of God, i.e.,how one understands God to be like,and how one worships him

urdhvarekha vertical line on the sole from the toeto the heel signifying spiritualgreatness

vad dark half of the lunar monthvartman vow