In addition to the renowned Swaminarayan Akshardham complexes in New Delhi and Gandhinagar, he has gifted the world with over 1,100 mandirs. Out of his compassion for humanity, he has tirelessly visited over 17,000 villages, towns and cities. “In the joy of others lies our own…” This maxim by Pramukh Swami Maharaj is not only an inspiring call for all of humanity, but also reflects the spirit of his humanitarian services to humankind and society. In 1971, he became the spiritual successor of Brahmaswarup Yogiji Maharaj and his life has continued to be an inspiration to countless people, guiding them all to lead a spiritual life. Thereafter, Pramukh Swami served under the guidance and blessings of Yogiji Maharaj. Shastriji Maharaj passed away in 1951, declaring Yogiji Maharaj as his spiritual successor. From then on, he affectionately became known as ‘Pramukh Swami’. In 1950, when he was only 28 years old, Shastriji Maharaj appointed him as the president of BAPS. His striking humility, noble services, saintliness and selfless desire to help all, won him the love of everyone. After completing his initial studies at the age of 18, he renounced the world and was initiated by Shastriji Maharaj in 1940, and renamed Narayanswarupdas Swami. However, during his adolescent years, he was attracted to the pure life of Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj, Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s third spiritual successor. From his childhood, his inclination was to perform spiritual austerities in the Himalayas. And true to his name, peace was the introduction to his personality. This great guru, the fifth spiritual successor in Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s succession of Gunatit gurus, was born in a farmer’s family on 7 December 1921, in the village of Chansad, located near Vadodara. A peaceful, humble, simple and spiritual personality – this is Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
A rare soul who always lived for others and at the same time remained totally absorbed in God.