New Delhi. Mahant Swami Maharaj, the eminent spiritual guru of Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam (BAPS) Swaminarayan Sanstha, received hearty greetings and good wishes from thousands of devoted followers, volunteers and well-wishers on the auspicious occasion of his 90th birthday. Recently, the spiritual leader graced the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham campus in New Jersey, USA, for the three-month long ‘Prerna Mahotsav’. His arrival triggered a series of joyous celebrations and formal programs during the ‘Akshadharma Mahotsav’, generating enthusiasm among the followers and volunteers of the spiritual organisation.
Succession and legacy of spiritual leadership
In July 2021, Mahant Swami Maharaj was anointed as his spiritual successor by Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Following the departure of Pramukh Swami Maharaj on 13 August 2016, Mahant Swami Maharaj assumed the role of the sixth Guru of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. Today he oversees the global socio-spiritual activities of the organization.
Inspirational sermons and change
Over the years, Mahant Swami Maharaj’s profound discourses have enlightened the lives of countless devotees, inspiring them to adopt virtuous, addiction-free lifestyles. Earlier this year, in May 2023, Mahant Swami Maharaj graced the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in London, where he was welcomed by thousands of devotees and followers. A large number of people gathered to give him a warm welcome, many gathering at the temple premises for his first precious ‘darshan’.
Looking ahead, the coming year is an important one for BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, as the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi is about to be unveiled. Reports suggest that the temple, scheduled to be inaugurated in February 2014, will be inaugurated through a Vedic ceremony led by BAPS spiritual guru Mahant Swami Maharaj. A day later, the doors of the first Hindu temple in UAE will open to the public.
Early life and spiritual journey
Born on September 13, 1933, to Dahiben and Manibhai Narayanbhai in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Mahant Swami Maharaj’s spiritual journey began when he was ordained as Swami by Yogiji Maharaj in 1961. He was given the name Sadhu Keshav Jeevandas, which eventually became famous. As Mahant Swami after assuming the role of Mahant in a temple in Mumbai.
