Short Stories

Maharaj told them to give something to this boy if any food is left. The devotees looked asking to each other. Maharaj was surprised, “Why don't you respond? ``Maharaj,” answered the devotees, “How can we give him food? He is a fish eater.” “Oh!”, exclaimed Maharaj, “is it so? But it is equally true that he is hungry.”...

 God whom a devotee worships is expected by the devotee to protect him against any troubles, but the devotee must not be enjoyed by it, and in case, if not protected should never be displeased with god. On the other hand, the devotee must worship god carefully...

On the way, he had a desire to taste it.He felt: “How nice the fruits are! What harm is there if I taste a little ?” But in the second thought, he felt: “Oh! these fruits do not belong to me. They are for Maharaj. How can I taste Maharaj's fruits? If I taste, I will be a thief. I am not a thief.”...

God appeared before them in the form of a bright man. The Devas were intoxicated by their victory and so they failed to recognize god. They thought, “ Who could be this man ? ” They asked Agni; ” Go and find out who this man is.” “ I bring the information just now,” said Agni and rushed out. He went to that bright man and asked him with pride; “ Who are you ? ”...

“Hell with this city.” “Even iron will be melted by the curse of a suffering person,” says Saint Tulsidas. While this was the displeasure of the man who is God incarnate! Merely by the utterance of the words `Hell with this city,' the whole city was on fire. Varni was merciful. He was very much pained at the sight...

The king asked the goat merely out of curosity and astonishment but then the king realize that it was an animal, dumb and can not talk ” But Loa ! The goat spoke. The goat looked up a moment at the sky and began to speak; “ O king, I was also a king like you in my previous life. I had also taken vow like you to sacrifice a goat....

Shriji Maharaj saw this. He thought that such a characteristic in a devotee was improper. But there will be no effect of direct saying on such a man. So Maharaj taught him in his own way. One day, this wrestler came to Maharaj for darshan, boldly broadening his chest with pride. As soon as he came near Maharaj...

Upon a river-bank there lived a juggler, there was a flood in the river. He took a snake-basket on his head and on the hand a goat that he had. A monkey he seated on his shoulder, thought he to carry the three across the river. ...

Many times Dharmdev used to live in Ayodhyapuri from Chhappaiya. The young Ghanshyam has performed many wonderful acts (Leela). Ayodhyapari means the birth place of Lord Rama. There was a temple of Rama-Janma-Bhoomi. The young Ghanshyam used to go for darshan to this temple daily, when he was in Ayodhyapari. There were ...

Shriji Maharaj diagnosed the disease. He spoke only one thing. None is greater than God. Therefore, his help should be sought for. Then there is no cause of fear. Magic, charm, ghosts, evil spirit, charmed thread, good and bad omen - all is wrong. Only God's name is real. ...

Glimpse of God. He fell at the feet of Varni. “Don't be disappointed,” said Varni, “Life is for living, not for dying. God is the master of life and death. Therefore, always surrender yourself to the evil of God. Never think of committing suicide The man who kills others is a great sinner. But a person who commits suicide is a greater sinner...

There was a Bania named Dosabhai. Shriji Maharaj was once a guest of Dosabhai. Dosabhai affectionately served Maharaj. Maharaj said to Dosabhai, “What have you in your house? Bring out whatever wealth you have.” Dosabhai brought whatever money he had. He also brought gold ornaments. “Tie it in a bundle,” said Maharaj. ...

On seeing this, Varneeji said to the Bawaji, “O Bawaji, you are a Sadhu why do you touch women? This is really surprising.” On hearing this, the followers of Bawaji got angry with Varnee. They said, “Oh you chap, what do you know about religion ? Do you slander us because we allowed you to stay here? Get out at once. Otherwise ...

One day in the morning Shriji Maharaj was seated on the cot in the court of Dada Khacher, at Gadhada. He was holding a meeting of his followers and devotees. Maharaj put a question to them, “Where do these chattering birds live during the night?” “In their nests, Maharaj,” replied the saints. ...

This is one of the best poems of Brahmanand. Here he has presented forcefully the fact that this body is evanescent. It is like an unripe earthen pot. One cannot say when it will break. Therefore start repeating the name of God now. The Brahmanand Swami has described in this poem pride of human being. The Brahmanand Swami says, “How is a man? ...

Swami Brahmanand was a great poet. He has composed more than 8000 poems. He loved Shriji Maharaj very much. Shriji Maharaj used to call him “A friend”, lovingly. This friend of Maharaj once fell sick. Illness became serious. Maharaj visited him to enquire about his health. He said, “Swami's life is about to be completed, he will leave us now.” ...

A Sadhu has a important place in Swaminarayan Sampraday. These Sadhus are ascetic yet they are ever ready to serve people. They know their responsibility towards society. Hence there is a good co-ordination between a Sadhu and a Grihastha. Therefore, the foundation of the Sampraday has become strong and steady, ...

Young Ghanshyam had much affection for his sister-in-law, Suvashini. Ghanshyam was very dear to her. The elder brother, RamPratapbhai’s nature was angery. Even in small matters he would raise his hand to hit Ghanshyam. So whenever Ghanshyam wanted anything he would ask his sister-in-law...

Once Shriji Maharaja thought “There are innumerable volumes in the world. They are simply wonderful. How learned the persons might be who know these scriptures !. How great they must be ! I must see one such person”. Thinking thus, He invited a certain learned person. He welcomed the `Pundit' saying `'Welcome to thee, O learned man and tell me the knowledge that you have achieved”.

“Maharaj, I am very poor. I had saved the amount as per my vow, but I invited you to a meal and I had to spend a little after it. That much amount is missing there.” “Ma, never remember me or invite me under the excuse of offering,” said Maharaj smilingly, “and if decided to offer a fix amount, offer it as fixed.” ...

It was the summer of the Vikrama Era 1886. Shriji Maharaj fell sick. He was completely reduced physically. At that time, Shriji Maharaj got all his followers, saints and Sadhus seated before him and addressed them, “O my beloved devotees, you regard me as your God. If you want to please me, please heed to what I say. I am born as I wished. I have done my deeds. Now I wish to go ...

Once there was a king. He had everything - a minister, a police officer, and soldiers. But he was so weak that he would never order anyone. And if he did, nobody would obey him. Even the servants of his palace did not obey him. Gradually people of his kingdom came to know that the king was very weak. So the subject (people)...

Child Ghanshyam began to study at a very early age. His father Dharmdev was a great man. Ghanshyam said, “Father, only you teach me.” On hearing this the father was pleased. He taught Ghanshyam some stanzas [SLOKAS]. Ghanshyam would listen to him very carefully and what ever he would listen to, he would try to keep ...

Mankuwa is a small village near Bhuj in Kutch. Once Shriji Maharaj visited this village with more than hundred saints and devotees. Adabhai gave a warm welcome and hospitality to Maharaj and his followers. Adabhai showed his house thoroughly. Maharaj was greatly pleased to see all. Then Adabhai said, “Maharaj I have already two houses, but I want two more. ...

There is a temple in Ayodhyapari named Hanumangadhi. The young Ghanshyam often went there to have a darshan. He listened to the Kathas and devotional songs there. Once he saw, in a corner, four Sadhus with perfumed bodies, were gambling. They did not have any other clothes on their bodies except for the narrow loin cloth, but the whole body was covered with precious gold ...

There is a certain ascetic who worships God. Physically he is very firm in his present. He has a keen passion to enjoy all the worldly pleasures. Yet he is not fallen. So firm is he in his asceticism. There is another person who is purely a householder. He is a devotee. He is married too. He is completely free from all pessions. When they die, I don't know, what will be the condition of their souls...

There was a robber. His name was Valio. He caught the people coming and going from the jungle, and robbed them. Sometimes he even killed them. Once a saint was passing through, praying to God. Valio said to him, “Give me whatever you have. If you don't surrender, I will kill you.” The saint replied, “O, Brother! ...

There was a forest. There lived a saint who was performing penance. On seeing him performing penance, Indra took a fright that his kingdom will be snatched away by that ascetic. So Indra planned a trick to break his penance. He arranged concerts and dancing programmes in the forest. Various types of musical... 

There was an elephant. He was very strong. Once he went to a lake to drink water. There lived a crocodile in that lake. It was also very strong. It caught the leg of this elephant and began to drag him in deep water. If the elephant goes to deep waters the crocodile...

There was a merchant. Once he was going out of his village. A man met him on the way. He had no arms (weapons). Thinking the merchant alone, the man decided to loot him. He shouted, “O, you! take off all your ornaments and give whatever you have to me.” On hearing this, the merchant's escort came forward. He raised his club (a big stick) ...

There is a small village named Kathlal in Gujarat. There lived an old Brahmin woman named Rambai. She was the only devotee of Shriji Maharaj in the whole village. So the people laughed at her, mocked at her and insulted her. But the old woman never took it at heart. If the people criticized her...

Varniji crossed the black mountain and proceeded further. White Mountain was seen from a distance Varni was pushing ahead towards the mountain. All of a sudden there came out many lions from the dense forest and stood before Varni. “Welcome! ? ” said Varni. Varni sat there and there...

Maharaja said, “ I am afraid of four persons. One of them is God; the second person I am afraid of is the devotee of God, the third is a Brahmin, and the fourth is some poor man. I am afraid of these four persons more than anyone else.”...

Shriji Maharaj constructed a grand temple at Ahmedabad. He installed Nar-Narayan Dev in the temple. It was a great celebration. Thousands of people from far and wide participated in the celebrations. For the last three or four hundred years, temples with domes were not built in our country. But Shriji Maharaj was the first to build temples with domes - temples, not small but grand...

Shriji Maharaj opposed the addiction to intoxicating drugs like tobacco, ganja, opium or hashish. He also disliked the habit of pan chewing. There were numerous devotees in worship of Maharaj. There were some brave persons. Bhaguji, Ratanji and Bechar Chavda were such brave devotees....

Maharaj answered merrily, “Who says that your bodies are muddy? It is not muddy. It is the besmearing of Sandalwood!” Saying thus, Shriji Maharaj embraced all one by one. Such was Shriji Maharaj! He toiled himself, made others toil, and honoured the people who toiled.

There was a servant/devotee of Shriji Maharaj whose name was Bhaguji. He was a little bit small in size but he was strong. He was clever at using the sword with both the hands. Maharaj always considered everyone his own kith and kin, but some sadhus and other jealous persons were angry with him...

Joban Paghi was the leader of the thieves. He hailed from Vadatala. So he was known as Joban Vadatalo. He was as dreadful as death (KALA). To cut a fruit and to cut a man into pieces had no difference for him. He was such a huge sinner. His hiding places were in the forest...

Dharmdev was staying along with his family in Ayodhyapuri. During this stay Bhaktimata fell ill. She said, “Take me back to Chhappaiya.” Everyone came back to Chhappiya with Bhaktimata. She said to young Ghanshyam, “I want to leave my body listening to a few words from your own mouth. O! Tell me about knowledge (Gyan) and devotion (Bhakti). ...

Rama, Sita and Lakshaman went to Jungle. Thereafter King Dasharatha dies. Bharat, at that time was spending his time at his maternal uncle's place far away. He returned from there immediately. His mother Kaikeyi said to him, “ My dear son, you have now become the king of Ayodhya. Your father has given Rama fourteen years...

Bhim was very much proud of his strength. He thought while going, “There is no other such Bhim as strong as I in the whole world.” Hanumanji knew about this pride of Bhim. He had a great attachment for Bhim. He considered Bhim his younger brother. So he thought that it was not proper for Bhim to be proud of his strength....

They were monsoon days. Nilkantha Varni was advancing ahead after crossing the broad river Kosi. It was night, Varni preferred to live in the forest. He disliked living in a thickly populated part. So he decided to pass the night under a pipal tree in the forest. He spread the dearskin and stayed there. That place belonged...

Once Ghanshyam and his friends decided that they should go early next morning to collect the half-ripe mangoes. Veniram said, “Let us divide mango-trees among ourselves. Whoever gets a mango-tree in his share must take half-ripe fruits only of that tree.” ...

Shriji Maharaj was at Jetalpur at that time. On having Maharaja's Darshan, the boy lost his consciousness. He fell at Maharaja's feet and said,“ I want to be your sadhu ”. Maharaj smiled. He looked at the boy and said, “Oh! at last you have come”. The boy permanently settled there with Maharaj. Maharaj initiated him. ...

Once Brahmanand Swami suddenly had a doze in the meeting. Maharaj hurled a bead at his head. Swami awoke. Suddenly asked, “Maharaj why did you hurl a bead at me ? I was not dozing”. “If not dozing, what were you doing ?” asked Maharaj. “I was meditating upon your form and composing a poem,” replied Brahmanmuni. ...

This poem can easily be placed along with the poem “Aa Tam Rang PATANG Sarikho[This body of ours is just a multicoloured butterfly!] written by Brahmanand Swami “Call the Saint at last” is a poem composed by Devanand swami.

Like a swooping hawk pounces the demon of time, life here is just a flash of lighting in the sky, a bang of thunder and its all over...

He had nothing to offer to Maharaj yet he never wanted to have Darshan empty-handed. Hence, he brought two cucumbers in both his hands. He protects these cucumbers as if his life. He stands in a corner among great rush. He prays in his mind. “Lord, I am a poor man. How can I cross the rush?...

Ghela is a name of river which flows from the outskirts of Ghadhada. Maharaja had once camped at one of the rooms in the house of Dada- the great saint Dada Khachar of Ghadhada. Maharaja DHAM is called Akshardham. Hence the room which Maharaja occupied is also called Akshar- Oradi. Shriji Maharaja means the creator...

This earth is our mother. When the burden of sins increase on the earth, she turns very unhappy. The saints and Rishies cannot tolerate her condition of wretchedness [plight].

Once one hundred thirty nine Rishies and Saints including Marichi, Harit, Gautam, Bhrigu and Bhardwaj, came to Badrikashram to...

Shriji Maharaj was much pleased with Swami Shukananda who found pleasure in pleasing Shriji Maharaj. Swami Shukananda (Shuk Muni) belonged to the village named `Dabhan'. So Maharaj very fondly called him `Dabhanio Sadhu', and Maharaj used to say, “This Dabhanio sadhu is very useful to me.” ...

Shreeji Maharaj was in Gadhada. Dada Khachar was always in Gadhada. He constantly remained in service of Maharaj. He obeyed each and every word of Maharaj. His pleasure consisted in the pleasure of Maharaj. Maharaj also many a time praised him and said, “Dada is Dada, such a person is never to be found.”...

Once the people of Bandhia had gone to a pilgrimage of Dwarka. While returning they visited Gadhada. They thought “The God of Doshabhai, the Bania of our village belongs to this place. Now let us go to see for ourselves what type of God He is.” Thinking thus, they came to see Shriji Maharaj. Maharaj ...

Nilkantha Varni was fearlessly roaming in the great forest. He came near a mountain known as KALAPARBAT - a black mountain. The foot under the forest of this mountain was very dense. Even the sun rays could not pierce it so far. Varni was moving in such a forest He was all alone. The denser the forest the happier was Varni...

Maharaj laughed and said,” This is Dudho. I have enjoyed DUDHAPAK (Sweet dish of milk and rice) every day for the whole month at his house. Still I have belching of it, haven't I”? Dudho said, “Maharaj, in my case, really speaking I have no belching of it now. I have been searching you for the last twelve years. ...

From there Nilkanth went to Venkataditirtha. After paying his tributes to Venkat Bhagwan, he went to Shivakashi and Vishnukashi and to Shrirangkshetra. Nilkanth took a bath in the river Kaveri and sat in a small field. Nilkanth stayed in Shrirang for two months. There Nilkanth met several Vaishnavs with whom ...

They began to supplicate Maharaja; `'give them their lives back”. Now Shriji Maharaja smiled and once again threw a favourable look at the youths. At once they got their lives back. They sat up and said, `' How wonderful, how lucky we are ! We had a glimpse of all twenty four Tirthankaja gods”.

Vairam, Madhavram, Prag, Sukhnandan, Bansidhar, Shivnarayan, Kesarisang, Shaymlal, Radhecharan, and many others were friends of Ghanshyam. All of them use to go to the pond to take a bath, and play on the trees. They went there to eat mangoes, tamarind, jambu, and guavas. They fooled around very much. They climbed on many different trees and branches to play with them as if they were ...

Shriji Maharaj then continued, “renounce the Grihsthashram and become a sadhu.” “What a great command!” But as the devotees were not shaken, Maharaj said, “Everyone is free to obey or disobey our command.” All the devotees unanimously said, “We don't want any freedom in our choice but to follow your command. ...

Dharmdev, too, was not well for a long time. He had come to know about his departure from the earth. He assembled all his relatives after Bhaktimata’s death and said to his eldest son, RamaPratap, “O RamaPratap, the burden of this house now lies on you. But you are angry by nature. So I want to tell you one thing that you should never tell an angry word...

In the scary darkness, one Bhairav came to the Banyan tree with thousands of ghosts and spirits hanging around him. He had a trishul in his hand, blood red eyes, very tall, broad face, sharp beard, voice like of a donkey and chewing beast in his mouth. As this was the tree where he lived, he made a fierce noise. Hearing this...

 “I am least afraid.” “God should never be afraid of his own creation,” replied Nilkantha Varni. The bawas were surprised. Nilkantha went ahead patiently, followed by the fearful bawas. It was night. The bawas climbed up the trees for their sleep. While Nilkantha Varni spread a dearskin and slept on the floor. ...

Shriji Maharaja was fond of festivals. He liked to celebrate festivals. When these festivals were celebrated, thousands of devotees had the DARSHAN of Maharaja. They would get the opportunities to see the Leelas of Maharaja. They would also listen to the speeches of Maharaja. ...

If he be a true saint, he would not be tempted by money. With the lightning speed, Alaiya Khachar took some dust from the ground and threw it into the open mouth of the sadhu and said, “A hypocrite has dust in his mouth. (Fie on such a hypocrite!)” Then Alaiya Khachar narrated the whole story of this sadhu. ...

One day Ghanshyam was playing with His friends Pragh, Madhav and Veniram by the banks of a lake near Chappaiya. They saw a fisherman in a boat fishing. Seeing the fishes dying outside the water in baskets, Ghanshyam Maharaj became very upset. Ghanshyam Maharaj swam up...

Shriji Maharaj left the home at a very early age. Then he bore the name of Neelakanth Varnee and started severe penance in the Himalayas. He acquired YOGA. Then he travelled all over India (Bharat Khand) and came to Saurashtr and Kutch. There was an Ashram of Ramanand Swami at LODGE village near Mangola in Saurashtr. ...

There was a rich man (sheth) named Narottama in Bhuj. He had a daughter named Kalawati. He got married his daughter to a son of a rich man called Dhanpal of Mandvi. While sending her to her father-in-law's house Narottama Sheth addressed her in the presence of all “My dear daughter, don't forget four steps! ...

Child Ghanshyam was familiar to all temples of Ayodhyapuri. Among them, the temples of Rama-Janma Bhoomi and Hanumanghadhi Ghanshyam liked the most. He went there for Darshan everyday. He used to sit to listen to the Katha and would participate in devotional songs. Once he went for Darshan ...

Once young Ghanshyam’s maternal aunt Chandabai went to fetch water from a well. While she was drawing the pot from the well , her nose-ring suddenly fell into the well. She returned home and informed about the loss. Many of her relatives were good swimmers and divers. One of them said, “I will go and find...

RamaPratapbhai returned to Ayodhyapuri with all the members of family after the death of Dharmdev. By this time, Ghanshyam was eleven years of age. He thought: “Now the time has come to perform my acts of incarnation. It is now imminent to leave the home.” He was searching for an excuse to leave the house. Once an ...

When God is born on the earth, he appears like a man. He will show his godliness on some specific occasion but not always. He always appears as an ordinary man. Child Ghanshyam appeared like other children. He would gather all his village companions and would play various types of games. He would cut...

One evening just after sunset however, the drinking water was not sufficient (ran out) so Bhaktimata collected a pot and a rope and she walked to the well. She tied the rope around the neck of the pot and let it down the well. The ghosts seized the pot and started to make frightening loud noises. Bhaktimata was terrified...

There was a farmer. He had two oxen and a plough. He earned his livelihood by the help of the oxen and ploughed the field. All of a sudden one of his oxen died. The farmer was very unhappy. The king's poet ( poet lariat ) took pity on him. He said, “ Ramjibhai our king is very kind. When I sing a poem, he pleases and gives ...

There was a small village named Devli. The king of Devli was suffering from a dreadful disease. Many drugs were applied to him, but in vain. Then the doctors said to the king, “There is God in garb. You can just try with some saints. He will recover you from the disease. “Go and find out a saint...

Once upon a time the king of Sirpur was holding a meeting. There came a Brahmin from the land of Tailang He said, “O king, I am a great learned man have studied all scriptures and Vedas. Welcome me.” The king said, “You yourself tell me how to welcome you in a pleasing manner.”...

If temples remain unconstructed, Shriji Maharaja will not rebuke you, but if religion disappears, Shriji Maharaja would scold you. Therefore be cautious in religion. ...

Once Swami Shri Sahajananda Maharaj was seated on a cot in Dada Khachar's court in Shri Gadhada. Saints and Paramhansas were present in the meeting. Shriji Maharaj began. “How is God pleased? With whom is He pleased ?” It is not so that God is pleased only with the man...

Ramanand Swami on the day of ekadashi, asked Nilkanth Varni about his birth place, Caste, parents, Veda, Ishtadevta, reason for his vairagya etc. God gave satisfactory reply to all the questions. Knowing about Nilkanth varni parents Swami told that “ O brahmachari! You are ours; we know you ...

Maharaj had a gourd in his hand, a deerskin on a shoulder, and dishevelled hair on his head! It appeared as if a teenager had turned a sanyasi! “I am hungry, please give me a loaf,” requested Maharaj. “We have already taken our meal just now, nothing is left now,” said the brothers. “Please give me something from your evening food...

There was a caterpillar. He was lying in the ruts of carts. Meanwhile a cart appeared there.The caterpillar jumped out of the rut. On seeing it, a saint said, “Hey ! Why did you come out ? It would be better if you had been lying there”. The happiness is in living and not in dying.” “What is happiness in the living of a caterpillar?” ...

There was a young man named Haridas. He wished very much to attain the kingdom of God. He said to his friend, “My dear friend, what should I do to attain God ? ”. “Come with me, only our sect (PANTHA) is capable of showing the way to attaining God”, said his friend. He continued ...

There is a village near Ayodhya named Chapaiya. There lived Dharmdev with his wife Bhakti. Dharmdev was a man of great knowledge and was also a saint. Lord Narayan, according to his promise, was born on the earth. Lord Narayan was born in their house as a child on Monday on ...

Once Shriji Maharaja came to Bhuj. His devotees welcomed Him with pomp and music. Maharaja was dressed in white. He was riding a horse. The procession came to Surajba's house. Maharaja encamped there. Surajba and other devotees did Maharaja's 'AARTI' and took place. Then group repetition of prayer {DHUN} took place. After the prayer, Maharaja had a religious discourse ...

Once upon a time, a certain Shastri told Shriji Maharaja, there will be your praise far and wide, if you show a miracle before a great man.” “ I have no such fond relation with a great man,” Said Shriji Maharaja “ Why do you know ? ”continued Maharaja, “ Such a great man has a pride for power and wealth. ...

There is village Mankuva near Bhuj in Kutch. It is a small village. There lived a brahmin named Lavji. He used to practise black art. He prepared idols [statues] of iron and wood, pasted them with vermilion and worshipped them. He had long hair on his head. Leaving his hair untied, he shook his head violently...

It was like as if the path for the divine journey had become even more easier for young Ghanshyam after the death of his parents. After the death of the father, on the twenty-first day, Ghanshyam went for a bath early in the morning as his daily ritual on the banks of river Saryu. This day was quite different ...

When Paramatma left sirpur town, with him were many other siddhapurushas. After many days bhagwan came near the town near to Kamakshi Devi. In a big garden, god and several other devotees started cooking meal. Hearing the arrival of devotees, the chief of the cult came down there with his disciples...

Once Ghanshyam, accompanied with his friends, Veni and Madhav, had gone to taste rose apples of a Jambul tree.
It was the month of Jyestha (June). There were ample rose-apples on the Jambul tree. Everyone ate as many as they could. They climbed down the tree but Ghanshyam was still ...

Ghanshyam was now eight years of age when it was decided to give him a Yagnopavit [to have a religious thread-ceremony]. Dharmadev calls a learned Brahmin to find an auspicious day (Muhurat) and Monday Fahgan Sud 10 1845 is chosen. Dharmadev begins preparations for this ceremony. This is very important day...

This is originally a song singing the importance of Shriji Maharaja. The following is the prose rendering of the poem entitled “JAY JAY SAHAJANAND HARI” Lord Krishna left Mathura for Dwarika and made Dwarika a place of pilgrimage. Similarly Shriji Maharaja left Chhapaiya for Kutch and Saurashtra, and lakes, stars, planets shine ...

Kala Bhagat, a farmer and faithful devotee lived in Kundal. He served the saints of Shree Swaminarayan bhagawan and talked to all about the bliss of holy fellowship... 

Kalidatta was very wicked. He wanted, by any means, to ruin and kill child Ghanshyam. Once child Ghanshyam was playing in a garden under a mango tree with his young friends. Kalidatta found his way with them in a deceitful disguise. He wanted to take charge of Ghanshyam. When Kalidatta tried to catch him Ghanshyam...

Having prepared Himself, Ghanshyam Maharaj left home, heading for the Saryu River. Ghanshyam maharaj arrived at the bank of the river and thought, "If I wait for the boat to take me across, someone may see me and know of my leaving." Ghanshyam Maharaj therefore contemplated swimming across...

Bhanji Mehta was jealous of Shriji Maharaj. He would slander Maharaj very often. There was a Sepoy [a policeman] under him. He was a Mohmedean [a Muslim]. His name was Kesarmiya. Kesarmiya had a great respects for Shriji Maharaj, so much that he would be ready to sacrifice his head for Shriji Maharaj. Once a Brahmin ...

There lived in Mandvi a certain Khatri named Khaiyo Khatri who knew the Vedas well. He was rich and happy in all respects. He came to know that there came one God of Swaminarayan in Mandvi. He smiled and said, “All come as God. But God is faultless and formless. How can we regard a man as God ?”...

Ghanshyam was very fond of listening to KATHA [a talk on religious subjects with narrations of stories form the scriptures]. A sadhu named Haridas used to read the Ramayan in his hut. Ghanshyam would go there along with his friends and listen to the Ramayan. ...

On the west side of Chhapaiya there is a small lake now known as Khapa Talavdi (lake). It is filled with water all year round. Many trees, plants and beautiful flowers covered the area surrounding the lake and there was a constant aroma of fresh flowers. This made it a popular place for all the local children to come and play. On the bank ...

Dharmdev had a farm of fruits and flowers near his house. Some naughty people of the village liked to steal and eat the fruits of that farm. Many Jack-tree fruits ripened at that time. Two to three such scheming men entered this farm to steal the Jack-tree fruits early in the morning. No sooner did they ...

The demons (evil spirits) did not like the birth of Lord Narayan. Some of the demons lived in Chapaiya. Kalidatta was the master of such demons. He was a Brahmin by caste but, his deeds were those of demons. He used to eat meat and drink liquor and he never observed the principles of ethics and good behaviou. He had many sorceresses / witches (evil goddesses)....

There was a saint (Rhishi) named Sandipani. His ashram was situated on the river bank of Kshipra. It was a renowned ashram, so Krishna came to study there from Mathura. There he made a friendship with one student. The student's name was Sudama. He was a poor brahmin boy from Porbundar. ...

There were many followers of Maharaj in Bhuj. Ladhibai was one of them. She had become a widow at a very early age. She always meditated God, day and night. On the very first `darshan' of Maharaj, she had become a staunch follower of Maharaj. Maharaj visited her many times...

Once Laduba was returning to Gadhada in a chariot. It was summer. The sun was bright. She saw some saints seated along the roadside. On inquiry, she found that one of the saints had fallen ill and was unable to walk. On hearing this, she was full of tears. She got down from the chariot at once. ...

Swami Brahmananda was himself Ladudanjee. There is an incident in his life. He had the Darshan of Shreeji Maharaja for the first time. This Darshan had so great an effect on Ladudanjee that he never returned home. He finally decided to devote his life in the service of Shreeji Maharaja. His maternal uncle...

Ghanshyam Maharaj left home on Ashadh Sud 10 1849 at the tender age of 11 years, 3 months, and 1 day. Ghanshyam Maharaj woke up earlier then normal in the morning to avoid being seen by others as He left. After completing his pooja, He collected the essential items to take with Him....

After coming down from the Navlakha Mountain, the Lord came to a fountain of hot water called Wadwa kund. From there bhagwan went to the meeting place of Gangasagar River. Bhagwan then visited the ashram of Kapilbhagwan - the founder of Shankhyayoga. From there bhagwan went to Jagganathpuri...

After giving moksha to Gopalyogi, bhagwan moving in Bengal came to a town called Sirpur, which was ruled by a religious king called SiddhaVallabh. On the request of the king bhagwan stayed there for the Chaturmas. Because of the excellent nature of God, the king kept a Sadhu named gopaldas in bhagwans service. There were...

After leaving the Kamakshi town, Bhagwan went straight to Navlakha Mountain. That mountain is known as Navlakho because there were nine lakh siddhas doing their penance there. It is said that when Sukdevji, the son of Vyas muni were about to be born on earth, Sukdevji asked for...

Paramatma completed his Chaturmas in Lojgam but still Ramanand Swami did not turn up, so Nilkanth became anxious to go to Bhuj and said:” Still Ramanand Swami has not come! Is my luck tough! Give me permission, I myself will go to Bhuj.” Muktanand Swami...

Young Ghanshyam loved to bathe in rivers and brooks. He would jump into the river even though the river would be flooded. He would never stand idle when he saw someone drowning, he would readily jump into the river, and would save the drowning person. He had such understanding even at an early age. He had a group...

Child Ghanshyam was just beginning to crawl. Once Dharmadev had a thought: “This child is going to be victorious on the earth but, how will it materialize? Will he become an emperor ? Will he become a Sovereign by conquering all countries? Will he become the richest man? Will he became a great merchant...

Lord Swaminarayan sat down with prominent saints and servants, closed His eyes and peacefully left His mortal body and returned to Akshardham, on the 10th day of the bright half of the month of Jeth VS 1886 (1st June 1830 AD), aged 49 years 2 months and 1 day....

In the morning of Ekadashi, gods were installed and mahapuja done.108 offerings of Ghee were made and Shri Hari was given a white cloth and a dhoti and a double beaded Tulsi mala to wear, a tilak, chandlo was done on Shri Hari forehead and a Krishna Ashtakshar mantra was given into his ears. Ramananda Swami also explained ...

Shreeji Maharaj was fond of giving dinner to others with love. Once he was in a certain village. There he gave a dinner to the whole village. People who were outsiders and happened to visit this village were also lovingly offered food. The whole village with its visitors dined,...

Shriji Maharaj would address other ladies by their names but would call Gangabai as “Mother.” All Saints and devotees would call Gangabai as “Mother” because Shriji Maharaj called her so. Thus Shriji Maharaj's mother was mother of all. And thus Gangama became the mother of all. She would serve hot and fresh food...

“Satsangi who count the beads of rosary in our name and worship me, I , similarly, count the beads of rosary by chanting their names for their well being. We roam from village to village on foot, braving cold, heat and rain, only for their welfare. I want to make my devotees faultless. So meditating I count these beads of rosary...

Mansi Pooja or mental worship is a kind of worship in which the devotee serves Maharaj as if Maharaj is standing before the devotee to receive all His oblations. This mode of worship is the best spiritual means that increase our love for Maharaj. Mansi Pooja is offered five times a day.

There is a small town in Saurashtra named Manavadar. There lived a brahmin. His name was Mayaram Bhatt. Once he was going to a nearby village riding on his horse. On the way, he met two ladies, a mother and a daughter. The mother said to Mayaram, “My daughter is sick. Would you kindly take her on your horse?”...

“The Master of Satsang for whom I was awaiting has come at last,” said Ramananda Swami, “Who am I in comparision with him? I have been telling all the time that I am merely a harbunger [announcer of the coming of Great Master]. The real player is yet to come. Now he has come.” ...

Prabhu Varniraj set off to the south of the Pulhasharam after paying tributes to other muktapurushas doing their penance and offering prayers to Muktinath. Varniraj went into a dense forest crossing over many rivers, lakes and mountains. The forest was so dense that no sunlight reached ...

In Loj village resided fifty saints including muktananda swami of the Uddhav Sampraday founded by Ramananda swami who were the incarnation of Udhhavji. Amongst them a saint named Sukhananda came to the Vaav to take a bath. Seeing the divine face of Nilkanth, he asked: “ O lord! where do you come from? Where are you ...

When Bhagwan set off from Jagganathpuri, he had made up his mind not to stay at one place except for religious duties and penance but being of a very high philanthropy and mercifull on the sufferings of the people, Bhagwan had to stay more than required to relieve people and devotees from evil and pain. Once while walking towards...

There is a pond named Shravan Talavadi. A fair was held there. At this fair, bathing in the pond was considered important. So Dharmdev and others came to the fair. Young Ghanshyam also accompanied them. A mendicant (friar) Saint was sitting on its bank in a typical posture. Some blind persons ...

At Amod in Bharuch district in Gujarat there lived Dinanath Bhatt, a great scholar. He used to compose Sanskrit hymns and verses which he recited before Shreeji Maharaj. But unfortunately the seeds of doubt about the Godhead of Shreeji Maharaj were sown in his mind by Swami Nirvikalpanand, the unfortunate one, who was expelled from the Satsang, the group of followers.

Because of the power of the penance, the idol of peace, all the saints very surprised and started talking to each other: We have seen so many saints but none like Varniraj who are of such a tender age. Nilkanth varni penance and the young age! He surely is no ordinary person. He might be the living sun or the moon itself...

There lived a Brahmin boy named Muljee. His mind was bent towards saints right from his childhood. So he became a sadhu in young age. He was named as Mukundananda. People called him Muljee Brahmachari. Muljee Brahmachari became Shriji Maharaj's disciple on the very first Dharshan of Maharaj. He always stayed with Maharaj and served Maharaj ...

Siddharaj Jaisinh is considered to be the greatest king of Gujarat. Patan was his capital. There were many learned men in his court. Acharya Hemchandra Suri was the greatest of all those learned men. He was a Jain Yati. He was so learned a man that he was regarded as a person knowing all in the KALIYUG. He was famous in the whole of Bharat ...

It was the Vikram Era, year 1882. Shriji Maharaja thought, “ Satsang is satisfactorily popularized in the country. But now it is very necessary to have my followers volume ( Shastragranth ).” Having finally decided, Maharaja stayed in Vadtal. There he prepared this volume. The volume was named SHIKSHAPATRI...

The child was three months of age, when Markandey Rishi, who was on pilgrimage, came to Dharmdev’s house.
“O Rishi,” said Dharmdev, “Name the child (give a name to the child).” Rishi was pleased. He said, “This child is going to remove [har] the plight of people, so his name will be Hari..

There was a devotee of Shriji Maharaj in Baroda. Everyone called him Nath Bhakt. He was illiterate but he understood one fact very clearly. Tthat one should always act according to Maharaja's order and never to be angry with anyone. If, by chance, you are angry with anyone, fall at his feet. ...

Bhakta (a devotee) marries God. That means, he dedicates his whole life to god. It is not a child's joke. Dedication of whole life to god is similar to the Rajput proceeding to fight on a battle-field and he fights vigorously without the fear of death. Dedication of whole life to god is such vigour...

Once the elder brother Rama Pratap had gone to weed away grass in his field. His younger brother Ghanshyam was with him.
Maize and cucumis grew side by side in the field. And the grass grown between these two was to be weeded out. On seeing the elder brother working, Ghanshyam also thought of working. So he also started working. But instead of weeding out grass...

“Maharaj, you have come here for the last three days, but I could not come for your Darshan. My husband had forcibly shut me up in a room. I have come here deceiving him. Maharaj, kindly save me from this trouble. Take me under your protection”, said the woman. “O lady, whosoever remembers me even once keenly I do unfailingly protect him”. Don't worry, your trouble will be wiped out”...

Once Shreeji Maharaj and his one hundred and fifty saints and followers visited this village. The devotees of the village welcomed them warmly. Maharaj stayed for fifteen days in this village. He was holding a meeting everyday. There was a religious discourse and a prayer. It was a strict rule of Maharaj that no one would doze in a meeting, and if anybody was found dozing...

On Vikram Samvat 1856, Jeth Vad 12 (Thursday 18th June 1800), revered Ramanand Swami met Nilkanth Varni for the first time in Piplana. The Lord and devotee were both really pleased to have acquaintance and affectionately embraced each other with tears of love rolling down both eyes. This pastime (Leela) of...

God thus coming out of the river started walking towards the black Himalayas. Nilkanth Varni entered the forest fearless facing various wild animals, snakes and reptiles. Nilkanth varni entered the deep forest walking with his bare but tender feet. Sometimes used to eat the fruits fallen..

Once Swami Nishkudanand was passing from the road of Botad. The sheriff of the town saw him, "I am lucky today," thought the sheriff, that I had a darshan of such a great saint. He joined his hands and said, "Swami, please come to my place, take some dinner and then proceed."Swami had to go to other places, but he was helpless ...

Anantrai Rawal, a well known Gujarati scholar says on the Garbi's describing the separation caused by the passing away of Shriji Maharaj, composed by Premanand. “These songs of separation have been written in ink of agony of `Premsakhi'. The above meant Garbi entitled “O Lord! you should not have done that” is one of them. ...

Pandu, the king of Hastinapur had five sons, Yudhisthir, Bhim, Arjun, Sahdev and Nakul. They were called Pandavas. Pandavas mean Pandu's sons. Pandava's cousins were called Kauravs. Kauravs were hundred in number. Duryodhan was the eldest of all. Kauravas disliked Pandavs because Kauravas had to share ...

Once Shriji Maharaj came to Anand from Vadtal. He was taken into a procession along with saints and devotees. Some jealous persons did not like this. They stormed. They abused Maharaj in the centre of the market, and pelted him with cow-dung, dust, pebbles, brick-bats, and whatever was available to them. There were some Kathi devotees in the procession, one of them being Joban Pagi ...

Agatarai is a village in Sauashtra. There lived a farmer named Parvatbhai. He was a devotee of Shriji Maharaj. He contineuously recited the name of Maharaj while sleeping, eating or working in his field such as ploughing, sowing, or reaping. He regarded all works as of Maharaj, “I am an agent of Maharaj and I work on his behalf”...

A river was flowing in the cave in-between two mountains. “Where should I go from here,” they thought. At that instance, Himalayas coming in a form bowed down to the divine Paramatma and said that if you walk against the flow of this river, you will find your way forward. Taking the word of the Himalayas, God...

After completing penance in the Himalayas, Neelkantha Varni started pilgrimage to various Indian places of pilgrimage. He came to a village of Asam. There lived a Brahmin whose name was Pibek. He had accomplished the black art, after offering PRASAD to the Goddess, He used to eat meat and drink wine. He used to frighten away...

Doshabhai considered Maharaj's pleasure as the success of his life. He left Hathi in the service of Maharaj. Maharaj initiated Hathi and gave him the name of Premanand. Premanand's personality blossomed extraordinary under Maharaj's shelter. Not a single lapse could be found in his art of playing musical instrument and singing songs....

Once Shriji Maharaj was encamping at Ghadhada. There were some student-Sadhus at Ghadhada. Once Maharaj called all those young Sadhus to him and addressed, “All of you will ask me questions”. Sadhus would be pleased when they got the chance to talk to Maharaj personally. Among those young Sadhus...

On the day of Mokshada Ekadashi, Ramanand swami had a big celebration in faleni village and on the 12th day, then fed many Brahmins and saints and on the 13th day they took a bath in bhadra river, came back to temple, sat in padmasan and in a few minutes went into Samadhi and left their body for Akshardham. They were thus relieved from the curse of Durvasa and attained divine body...

The month of Vaishak was completed staying in Lojgam. Ramanand Swami seated in a chariot took leave from all the devotees in Bhuj and came to Piplana to the house of Narsimha Brahmin. They sent their messenger Kuvarji to lojgam. The messenger told muktanand swami that Ramanand Swami...

Ramanand Swami read both the letters given to them by Mayaram Bhatt in the assembly. Their eyes were filled with tears. After praising the lord to every one present in the assembly they then started writing the reply to both Muktanand and Varni. ...

Ramo Hati replied, “A lion will eat only his own food, not our (man's) food.” “Such an understanding is found even in an animal, hasn't he ?” said sadhu. “Yes, that much understanding animals do have,” replied Ramo Hati. The sadhu patiently continued, “What a strange thing it is that animals do not eat the food we men eat, whereas we eat the food that animals eat!...

Once Shriji Maharaj was in Ahmedabad. Some rope dancers went to him. They said, “Maharaj, kindly witness our art of rope dancing.” Maharaj agreed. All rope dancers were thus encouraged and they were full of enthusiasm. They showed Maharaj different artistic rope dancing. Maharaj was much pleased...

Swami Sachhidanand was a staunch follower and saint of Shriji Maharaj. He was a great ascetic and YOGI. When he would be in company of Shriji Maharaj, Swami would go down deep in meditation and trance. Sometimes, the whole day would pass by in SAMADHI (trance). Sometimes he would be in trance for more than two-three days. Such was Swami Sachhidananda...

There was a Sadhu named Mohandas. He wanted to go to the Himalayas for penance, but he was lost on its way. He wondered in a dense forest. Suddenly he saw a young ascetic. On seeing such a young ascetic going all alone in the forest, he was surprised. He bowed to the ascetic and said, “Namo Narayan”....

Nilkantha Varni had started for pilgrimages in India. Once he was in South India. He met a sadhu. This sadhu had studied the scriptures and religious books very well. When he lectured upon the Bhagwat, people showered upon him heaps of rupees. He tied these rupees to his waist and moved here and there. He had at least a thousand gold ...

A devotee means a devotee. Devotees have no castes or colour. He might have been born in any family, he might be in any job, but a devotee is a devotee. Sagaram Vaghari was such a devotee. He was a poor man. He had to go many a time without food. Once he had the Darshan of Shriji Maharaj. He heard Maharaj's Speech. As a result ...

Once Shriji Maharaj was in Kutch. He was moving along with his saints from village to village. It was summer. It was scorching heat. The earth was hot. Maharaj was going on with his sadhus. Maharaj had `mojdi's (shoes) on his feet. But the saints were bare footed. They were walking on the ground as if they were walking on burning coals...

Once Shriji Maharaj was staying at Gadhada. There, once He became very much disappointed. He thought, “I have come on the earth for the redemption of crores of lives. I move about from village to village. Still much is yet to be done.” Thinking thus constantly, He got up in the midnight. He took one of his devotees...

So Nilkanth Varni stayed in the Ashram waiting for Ramanand Swami. They started offering Seva to Saints and other pilgrims. They used to bring the leaves to make the plates made from leaves (patrawala), collect wood for fire and also collect dung, bring water from the well...

We must remember that any pastime the Lord performs is always for the benefit of the devotee and always a one to remember. Shree Hari Antardhaan / Tirodhaan / Swadhaam gaman leela took place on the Vikram Samvat 1886, Jyest Sud 10.

Akhandanand swami used to enjoy spiritual bliss through inborn vision of Shreeji Maharaj. Once he was on his way for the purpose of preaching. He entered the jungle...

The poet thinks of a balance (scale) one dish of which consists (contains) the story (KATHA) of Shriji Maharaj and the other has all the happiness of the world that could be imagined. The dish containing Shriji's Katha will be heavier than the others. ...

When we read the Leela's today, some people might feel that had they been born during the times when Shriji was there, they would have remained engrossed in the service of Shriji, they would have renounced the worldly pleasures for the sake of Shriji's service, they would have been so humble that they would...

Maharaj inquired, “Did you get Shukdevji?” “No”, replied the saints. Then Maharaj smiled and said,” The person who has come with you is himself Shukdevji. Jagannath did not understand all this. He bowed down his head to Maharaj. Maharaj blessed him by putting his hand on Jagannath's head....

Like a normal child, Ghanshyam Maharaj developed a high fever one day. Bhaktimata became worried as Ghansyam was not eating His food. Bhaktimata became worried as Ghanshyam was not eating His food. Being a small village, news soon spread around Chappaiya of Ghanshyam Maharaj illness. Hearing this Chandamasi ran ...

Shriji Maharaj used to take keen interest in every sphere of human activity. There are various festivals such as Holi, Diwali, Rama Navami and Janmashtami. Maharaj has directed us how to celebrate each festival. Marriage is also such kind of festival in the man's life. But many bad customs had entered on the marriage occasion. Fatana...

There was a learned `Charan' named Gaja Gadhavi. He was a staunch follower of Shriji Maharaj. He regarded Shriji Maharaja's walking not as an ordinary walking of an ordinary man but divine. He has composed many devotional songs on Shriji Maharaja's walk. Once on hearing Gadhavi's reputation ...

There was a tailor in Bhavnagar City. His name was Aatmaram. He was an expert tailor. He worshipped Shriji Maharaj heartily. He prepared a coat for Shriji Maharaj. For this he worked hard for days and nights. Then he offered it to Shriji Maharaj. Maharaj liked the coat very much. He wore it. He said...

At that time someone suggested him to call Shriji Maharaj. By his blessings the sick man will be cured. The sick man's relatives ran to Maharaj; and requested him to go with them. Maharaj was very kind. He went to his place and stood near the sick man's bed. Maharaj noticed a black thread tied to the leg...

Surajbai placed this five KORIS in Dhanbai's hands and said, “ Take this. perform YAGNAS and SAMAIYAS. Invite Vaishnavas on lunch. Build temples and you are free to do anything in the name of Maharaja. Remember that this wealth will only be exhausted when the greatness, significance, importance of Maharaja is exhausted.”...

The son of a certain Patidar of Rampur of Kutch went away from home to become a Sanyasi. All his relatives and friends forcefully told Patel, “You are the leader of our caste and the leader of this village, and yet how strange it is that your own son is not under your control!...

There is a small village named Dhufai in Kutch. There lived a Bhanusali farmer in this village. His economical condition was very poor but he was generous at heart. He would daily go to a temple for Darshan. He would have the Darshan of the idol in the temple. He would have the Darshan of the Sadhu who might have come to the temple....

Two hundred years ago, a child was born in the house of a Brahmin named, Motiram Bhatt, in this village. The child's name was Khusal. He was very intelligent right from his childhood. He, at the very early age, studied Sanskrit and got mastery over the language. But, he was not satisfied with mere scholarship, he wanted to have Darshan of God. For this, he used to go...

The boy named Mukunda from Amreli was expert in singing and playing musical instrument. When he started the recital of the Ramayana, none would have thought of the night being over. Such was the musical power in his voice. Whenever he went for the reciting or KATHA, he would never miss the opportunity to visit any sadhu...

A carpenter named Lalji lived in Shekhpat of Jamnagar District. He was a good carpenter. His mind was towards God. So he continuously thought about God while at work. He did customers' work considering it as God's work. Customer's work, as a result, was very nicely done. This Laljee had a friend named Muljee Sharma. Mr Sharma lived three miles away...

The father, Vishnu Sharma, was a great scholar, at the same time his son, Dinmani, was not less clever than his father. He was also a great scholar. He studied and learnt the art of learning by going from Lucknow to Benaras. Scriptures were very important for the father, whereas the son regarded the inner (hidden) meaning of the scriptures important. To understand...

Ramanand Swami gave Nilkanth Varni the names of Sahajanand Swami and Narayan Muni after his initiation at the village called Pipalana. Then within a short span of a year Ramanand swami installed Sahajanand Swami on his own seat. Sahajanand Swami was only twenty years of age ...

Vasaram went to Bhaktimata’s house and said, “Sister, the fruits of cucumis are bitter. If they had been sweet, I would have taken Ghanshyam to the field to eat. He likes the fruits of cucumis, doesn’t he?”
“The fruits of cucumis for Ghanshyam can never be bitter,” said Bhaktimata.

While Nilkantha was roaming the whole country, he happened to come to the land of penance and meditation. Many ascetics were performing penances and meditation. They were meditating `Niranjan, Nirakar Brahma' (God). Nilkantha always had an idol [Shaligram] of Balmukunda with him, and was in the habit of...

Nine lacs! But still there was not the slightest stirring. All of these Siddhas were motionless like wooden statues. Varnee entered at a stretch into their meditating trance. He asked, “O Siddhas, why do you perform this penance? Have you any aim behind it?” “We want to be immortalised bodily” replied the siddas. “I considered you all highly...

Shreeji Maharaj was very fond of wrestling from the early childhood. He had defeated many wrestlers before he left the house at the age of eleven. He appeared very lean and thin in physique, but his strength was boundless. He came to Saurashtra after travelling far and wide in the whole of India as Nilkanth. At that time his body...

On seeing this special favour to Varnee, other Sadhus became jealous of Varnee. They met together and decided, “We should make the king feel own power so that king's love for Varnee might disappear. A sadhu named Gopaldas served Varnee daily. The so called Siddhas fond of black art, experimented their black art on this Gopaldas. ...

Katha [a lecture] means the Bhagavad - Katha, the stories of the glories of God. To tell Bhagavad Katha is an art. Similarly, to listen to it is also an art. Shatanand Muni has written in Sanskrit `Satsanghi Jeevan' containing 17627 slokas. Shriji Maharaj has praised this volume as a great book of the Swaminarayan Sampraday. ...

Similarly painters have created typical art of Swaminarayan paintings. Among these painters, there are saints and devotees too. Among these devotee-painters, Naranjee Hirjee Suthar of Bhuj-Kutch is one of them. The well-known vaishnava Sunderjee suthar was his uncle. Narayanjee was the painter to the king of Kutch. ...

The Kauravas and the Pandavas were cousins. The Kauravas were cruel and cunning (fraudulent). The Pandavas were the followers of justice and ethics. The Kauravas involved the Pandavas into gambling and managed to defeat them. They usurped the Pandava's kingdom. ...

God was every ready today to give Arjun what ever he wishes. He granted the wish of Arjun. He said, “Arjun, you won't be able to see my divine form by your physical eyes. So, I am going you divine sight”. Saying thus, God gave him divine sight. ...

There was a village. Blind people lived there. Once they went to see an elephant. They touched the elephant with their hands. The first blind man touched the elephant and had the elephant's tail in his hand. He shouted “oh, I have seen the elephant. The elephant is like a rope.” The second blind man touched...

Please accept Jay Swaminarayan and blessings of Shree Sahajanand Swami, your presiding deity of your family. The aim of writing this letter is as follows:- Leave your houses, princely rule and riches, wherever you are, on reading this letter. Go to Jetalpur, initiate yourself...

If God wills the whole world will convert itself into a world of Satsangis, or the world of Satsangis might be destroyed. All depends on God's will, but never feel happy or miserable for that. Whatever happens is only by God's will. Therefore live in happiness surrendering oneself to God's will as the dry leaf floats with wind. Worship God. Never feel agony. ...

Shriji Maharaj thought, “The work for which I had to be born is achieved, but something should be done towards its continuation of tradition. For this, some Acharya should be established.” He called for his saints and asked,” How do you find if I nominate one of you as Acharya and entrust him the whole charge of Sampraday ?” The saints humbly...

Loj is a small town near Mangrol in Saurashtra. Once early morning of the sixth day of the month of Shravan Vad, the women folk of the town went to fetch water from a well. They saw a very thin celibate sitting there in the posture of meditation. He was about 18 years. But he was so thin that he appeared hardly 13 or 14 years of age. ...

Once Shriji Maharaja was holding a conference. Most of the saints were present. Suddenly, Maharaja asked, “Are you ever possessed by evil spirit ? ”. “Evil Spirit ? Can a sadhu ever be possessed by an evil spirit? What an absurd idea! ” Everyone fell a-thinking, nobody spoke. Maharaja smiled ...

When Hindu society was dominated by the upper strata of society-the rich, the royal class and the priests, Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan spread the true catholic spirit of Hinduism among the have-nots, the exploited and the fallen. He taught the dignity of labour to the upper classes, ...

Nearly two hundred years ago, Ahmedabad was ruled by the Peshwas of Poona. Ahmedabad was the residence of the Governor of the province of Peshwa. Like Peshwa, the governor was also a brahmin. Unfortunately, the governor's father died. The jealous people poisoned the ears of the governor ...

Roaming thus, Nilkantha Varni arrived in a city. Those were the rainy days. Varni encamped on a river bank. There he began to enchant loudly the verses [chopai] from the Ramayan written by Tulsidas [Rama Charit Manas]. This loud enchantment of the Ramayan mixed with the loud thunders of the rainy clouds...

Once Suwashini bhabhi thought: “Ghanshyam is still very young. Why should I serve such a big quantity of milk to a child?” So she served big bowls full of milk to others but to Ghanshyam she gave a small cup. Ghanshyam did not say anything to anyone. But when in the evening Suwashini bhabhi....

The Brahmin said, “Maharaj, how long am I to live! I could pull on torn clothes and will continue to do so, but when am I going to get a chance of offering to you? It is worth living today.” Maharaj was pleased, put his hands on Brahmin's shoulder and said, “You have given me the most precious gift.” ...

There was an association consisting of more than fifty sadhus directly under the supervision of Muktanand Swami. Once he was travelling along with these sadhus for the spread of religion. He came to a strange land. Hence, disrespect was more in his luck than respect. `Bhiksha' was also rarely available. Sometimes they received bricklats, beatings...

Child Ghanshyam decided to play a jest. He took the ring without the awareness of his sister-in-law. Then he went with the ring to a sweetmeat seller in the market. He said to the sweetmeat seller, “Take this ring and give me sweets to eat.”...

Swaminarayan Sampraday has all varieties of these architects. These artists have been immortalised by their works. Among poets, there are Muktanand, Brahmanand etc. Aadharanand Swami is among the famous painters. Premsakhi, and Premanand are among the great musicians. Among painters, Narayanji Suthar ...

Shriji Maharaj was once, on peregrination in Kutch, travelling through Kutch, he came to Tera. He was accompanied by many saints where Santdasji was one of them. Santdasji was a great saint who cared for nothing except spiritual joy. He would not regain consciousness for days together when sat in meditation. ...

There was a temple to be built at the village of Gadhada. Stones were required for the foundation of the temple. Maharaj ordered, “There are many stones on the river bank. Everyone should go to the river, take a holy dip (bath) and bring one stone each.”Shriji Maharaj was not such a Maharaj who orders his devotees...

During the last decade of the eighteenth century, Lord Shree Swaminarayan was on His religious ministry in the city of Bhuj in the principality of Kutch. The state was de facto ruled by Fatehmamad Jamadar, a brave Muslim warrior, an astute politician as well as a connoisseur of men and their worth. ...

There is a town named Mangrol near Junagadh. There lived a Baniya. His name was Govardhanbhai. He was a follower of Shreeji Maharaj. He thought of Maharaj day and night. When a customer came to buy or give anything from his shop, he would regard him as Maharaj. If somebody brings any provision or commodities,...

There is a small village named Nardipur in north Gujarat. There lived a follower of Shreeji Maharaj. His name was Tribhuwan but everyone called him Tita Bhagat. He used to sing Bhajans (prayer), when in the house, but even when he was out of his house, he kept on singing Bhajan. So people laughed at him. Once in the days of Holi,...

From Jagganathpuri, god started walking south and soon crossed the dense forest after staying a short while at the pilgrim place of Adikurma and reached the town of Manaspur. Here, the king Satradharma ....

About 200 meters away a Youth with loin-cloth was spreading his deer-hyde on a raised platform around a huge tree. The fury of the winter-wind had silenced all the sounds. The Mahant just rushed to that Boy, Who seemed to be in His adolescence. He caught the young Boy with his hand and said: "Come on, good Boy. This is the place for tiger to sit at night, not for men. There is dense jungle all...

“O guru! If you find me capable for a blessing then bless me- my mind always be in the devotion of Paramatma. At the time of death, a person suffers a lot of pain. A devotee of god should never suffer that pain and instead, may his pain come to me....

If a follower of the sampraday suffers the pain of a scorpion sting, that pain must befall on me millions upon millions of times, but the satsangi of this sampraday should enjoy peace.

If a follower of the sampraday suffers hardship of getting food and clothes, and has to beg according to his fate, I beg those Hardships befall on me and the satsangi should get food and clothes easily.

Shriji Maharaj was seated in glory in the court of Dada Khachar at Gadhada. Dada Khachar was all-in-all in Gadhada. He had already offered himself with mind, body and wealth, at the feet of Maharaj. He had two sisters, Jivuba and Laduba. They were elder sisters and he was the youngest. All the three were devotees of Shriji Maharaj....

“My dear sons, be regular in writing your credit-debit account. Write it daily. How much you receive and how much you lend others should be written along with their names and places. Don't be lazy in writing the account.” Dhiraj followed his father's advice. He wrote in good handwriting the account daily. But Suraj said, “A person who fails to remember (whose memory is poor) writes the account....

Once Varni was advancing all alone towards Badrinath. He was bare-footed and no woollen clothes on his body. He was stopped by men from advancing towards a way which would lead him in the jaws of death. “So cancel your idea of going there”. “Death! where's death? I can see death nowhere,” replied Varni. ...

In the following probe rendering of a poem we note down how naughty Kanaiya affectionately tells a lie. He tells to mother Yashoda, “I have taken a vow not to eat butter. That's why I don't touch it though there are pots full of it in our house. In saying this he indirectly suggest he eats on the butter of others not his own. ...

Hours passed but Ghanshyam could not be seen. Ghanshyam’s friends began to search for Ghanshyam. Every nook and corner of all the temples of the village was searched. The distant search on the river-bank was conducted. But alas! Ghanshyam was not found any where. There was no limit to the elder brother’s sorrow. He wept and wailed: “O Ghanshyam, come back. I promise never to scold you.”

Gopalanand Swami answered, “There are five kinds of people.” The first type prays to God and whosoever goes to him will turn to God. The second type is a man who prays to God but never bothers about other people. The third type is a man who never prays to God himself but likes to pray...

Shriji Maharaj was very fond of wrestling. He used to arrange `Yajna', celebrations of a samaiya and big assemblies. At that time he would arrange wrestling, and particularly he used to arrange it in Bhuj-Kutch. There was a wrestler in Bhuj. He was a staunch follower of Shiji Maharaj. His name was Gangaram...

Lord Shri Krishna hailed from YADAVA family. Hence, all of them were called Yadavas. Yadavas had a name and fame all over India because of Lord Krishna. He amassed such a huge of riches that the city of Dwarika was called the city of gold. But the yadavas had become haughty due to wealth and pomp. They had totally forgotten...