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- Published: December 26, 2022 09:26
Bhagwan Swaminarayan rejuvenated the monastic heritage during his presence on earth over 240 years ago. He brought about a peaceful transformation in society by inspiring thousands of people to live a spiritually moral life through the more than 3,000 sadhus (Hindu monks) that he had ordained. Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s fifth spiritual successor, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, brought further glory to this sacred sadhu heritage throughout the world.
To pay tribute to Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s broad vision, saintliness and genuine respect for sadhus of all sampradayas, a National Sant Convention was held as part of the centennial celebrations of Pramukh Swami Maharaj in which more than 250 leading swamis, mahants and acharyas from all over India gathered.
The esteemed delegates arrived at Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar in the morning, where they were ceremoniously welcomed at the main ‘Sant Dwar’ entrance gate by hundreds of BAPS swamis before being led on a colourful procession through the Nagar.
The convention then commenced in the conference hall amid the chanting of Vedic verses.
Excerpts of Speeches from the National Sant Convention
Viveksagardas Swami, Senior Swami of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha: “I bow down to everyone present in the National Sant Convention on the occasion of the centenary celebrations of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. This spiritual confluence of so many revered sadhus from different sampradayas feels like the Kumbh Mela. We may be sadhus of different sampradays, but our root is one. For decades, Pramukh Swami Maharaj has always held sadhus from any sampradaya in the highest esteem. In 1981, during the bicentennial anniversary celebrations of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, he convened around 3,000 sadhus from all over India to offer his respects. Everyone has also had great respect for Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s saintly life and work for Sanatan Hindu Dharma. Just as Swami Vivekanand introduced Hinduism to the West at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago, Pramukh Swami Maharaj spread Hindu culture across the world by building more than 1,200 mandirs.”
Pujyapad Parmatmanand Ji Maharaj, President of Bharatiya Acharya Sabha: “I firstly bow to the globally revered Pramukh Swami Maharaj. The land of Gujarat is incredibly sanctified as many sadhus have blessed it with their holy feet. The very breath of any religious organisation is its sadhus and the saintliness they uphold. Pramukh Swami Maharaj nurtured an order of sadhus who uphold the utmost saintliness. In spite of years of challenges, Hindu culture has been preserved because it is being protected by God himself as well as the sadhus who have gathered here today.”
Ravindra Puri Maharaj, President of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad: “I bow to the Pramukh Swami Maharaj, who was a divine person. Throughout his life, Pramukh Swami Maharaj propagated Hindu culture to every corner of the world. A BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu mandir has been built in countries where people do not even practise Hinduism. Everybody now bows on seeing sadhus in saffron robes, thus we are all indebted to Pramukh Swami Maharaj for increasing the pride of sadhus in our community.”
Krushnamuni Maharaj: “Many sadhus have contributed in making the Indian culture universal. It is the duty of the sadhus to continue building society through our way of life and our work just as Pramukh Swami Maharaj inspired countless with his saintliness.
Gnandevsinhji Maharaj, Chairman of Nirmal Akhada: “I bow to all the sadhus of all sampradays in India, as well as to Pramukh Swami Maharaj and all the swamis of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. It is only due to the grace of Pramukh Swami Maharaj that we are able to be in the presence of all these sadhus of India at Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar. That this is possible is a matter of great fortune for us. Pramukh Swami Maharaj made all in his company spiritually immortal. He embodied a sadhu with the highest form of compassion and lived as a true servant of humanity.”
Acharya Shri Avichal Das Ji Maharajshri: “Anyone who wants to understand the role of a sadhu should look towards Pramukh Swami Maharaj. He was the best example. Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar we see today is a result of the tireless work and meticulous planning of the sadhus. There are many religious sampradayas in India, and each needs a legacy to continue. True to this, Pramukh Swami Maharaj has nurtured an order of more than 1,000 sadhus. It is easy to preach on religious teachings, but only the sadhu who has renounced his home and family in the true sense can uplift society. The spirit of service and dedication are particularly apparent at this Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar.”
Atal Peethadheeshwar Swami Vishwatmanand Saraswati: “It is a matter of pride that we are all present at Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s centenary celebrations. India is a land of saints, ascetics and sages, and it is a matter of great fortune for us all that a great personality like Pramukh Swami Maharaj manifested here. Anyone who comes to Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar will become more familiar with Hindu culture.”
Shri Shri Acharya Balkanand Ji Maharaj: “All sadhus and volunteers have immersed themselves in Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s form as they serve at this Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar. Those who seek refuge of Pramukh Swami Maharaj will experience all their sorrows and pains disappear. Even though Pramukh Swami Maharaj is not physically here today, his presence will remain alive for eternity. Today, I am seeing Pramukh Swami Maharaj present within everyone at this festival ground.”
Jagadguru Shri Dharacharya Ji Maharaj: “Today one can see the forms of dharma (righteousness), gnan (knowledge), vairagya (worldly detachment) and bhakti (devotion) at this most sacred Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar. Pramukh Swami Maharaj would have been overjoyed to see all the sadhus here today. Bhagwan Swaminarayan infused divinity into the blessed land of Gujarat and liberated those in his association. Pramukh Swami Maharaj upheld the principal duty of a true sadhu to connect all swamis and devotees to God. Hindu culture and heritage will remain alive through sadhus like Pramukh Swami Maharaj.”
Ramanandacharya Ji Maharaj: “Today, in BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, one can witness the devotion and dedication of young sadhus. Only here can they channelise such a dedication among youths and spread the message of Sanatan Dharma in different countries.”
Mahamandaleshwar Yatindranand Giri Ji Maharaj: “Pramukh Swami Maharaj was born to spread Sanatan Hindu Dharma across the globe.”
Mahant Shri Devi Prasad Ji Maharaj: “Today I understand how legendary Pramukh Swami Maharaj is when I see so many virtuous sadhus present here to give him a tribute.”
Mahamandaleshwar Bhagwat Swarupdas Ji Maharaj: “It was our great fortune that Pramukh Swami Maharaj had visited our ashram in Haridwar with 250 of his sadhus. Even though we all belong to different sampradayas, our religion and ultimate goal is the same. If we all attach our mind to a sadhu like Pramukh Swami Maharaj, we will undoubtedly attain ultimate liberation.”
Swami Brahmeshanandji Acharya Maharaj (Goa): “Today, the entire world’s expectations are on Hindu values and culture to inspire an ethical lifestyle. The Swaminarayan Sampradaya is spreading the message of eternal Vedic Hindu principles across the world. The Sant Convention that has taken place today at Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar will spread the message of Hindu unity to the entire world.”
Jitendranathji Maharaj, Head of Devnath Peeth: “Devotion towards God has spread worldwide from Gujarat, and praises of Akshar Purushottam are reverberating in all directions. The swamis of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya are at the forefront of relaying the message of Hindu culture to all corners of the world. I firmly believe that if God wanted to descend on this earth in the form of the Guru, then that would be through Pramukh Swami Maharaj. In my opinion, the Swaminarayan Sampradaya will play a prominent role in making India an exemplar for the countries of the world.”
Maha Mandaleshwar Dilipdasji Maharaj, Mahant of Jagannath Mandir, Ahmedabad: “Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s works for religion and society were so phenomenal that today, on the occasion of his centennial celebrations, Hindu religious leaders from all over India have gathered here.”
Pujyapad Acharya Jeeyar Swami Laxmiprapannaji: “A true sant inspires life-transformation not by impressing people but by the purity of their life. Pramukh Swami Maharaj was such a sant. I pray that swamis like Pramukh Swami Maharaj are born on this Earth again and again.”
Mahant Fuldolviharidasji: “Swamis protect society and the nation, and God is ever-present in a sant like Pramukh Swami Maharaj.”
Maha Mandaleshwar Atmanand Saraswatiji Maharaj: “Through the association of a true guru, one becomes pure, and Pramukh Swami Maharaj has created such a society where people live a pure life.”
Pujyapad Chaitanya Shambhu Maharaj: “In my view, Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s Centennial Celebration is the largest celebration of the century. If we imbibe the principles of Pramukh Swami Maharaj in our life, we will certainly become virtuous. Mandirs ignite spirituality, and by building over 1,200 mandirs, Pramukh Swami Maharaj has immensely served society. Pramukh Swami Maharaj has fostered family values by inspiring family home assemblies, and he has guided educated youths to tread on the path of God. The colour saffron is not just a symbolic colour for the swami’s robes but it enkindles Hindu values. Pramukh Swami Maharaj was a confluence of speech, action and spiritual discernment. If we wish to celebrate Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s centenary in its truest sense, then we will have to walk on the path shown by him and imbibe his teachings in our life.”
His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj’s Blessings: “I feel really blessed to have the darshan of swamis and mahants from across India all at once, and I offer my prostrations to you all, because of all of you are greatly serving society.
“I am indebted to you that you have taken out time from your busy schedules to visit the Pramukh Swami Maharaj centenary celebrations. Pramukh Swami Maharaj often said, ‘True religion is that which fosters mutual love.’ Today, as swamis and mahants from so many different sampradayas have gathered together, we see his words becoming a reality. I pray that we may all work together to serve society and that I may forever be the beneficiary of all of your blessings.”
Jagadguru Shankracharya Shri Sadanand Saraswati Maharaj: “I am delighted to be here at Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar, and I would like to thank Mahant Swami Maharaj for organising these centenary celebrations. If all of us sadhus and mahants are unified, then we will be able to serve society in the best possible manner.”
Evening Assembly
In the evening assembly of tens of thousands, Mahamandaleshwar Yatindranand Giriji of the Juna Akshara said, “I bow millions of times at the feet of the head of all swamis and Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar is a phenomenal creation that reminds me of the creation of a new universe as described in the Puranas, and I commend the 80,000 volunteers who served selflessly in its creation. In the Ramacharitmanas, Rama Bhagwan taught us that one will find devotion to God only in the life of the true sant. Such a true sant was Pramukh Swami Maharaj. At his feet, all the problems of one’s life are resolved. Contact with Pramukh Swami Maharaj liberated millions from slavery to addictions and connected them with God. We are fortunate to have been inspired by the immortalizing nectar of his divine words that taught us to be better humans and do good for others.”
Dattatreya Hosabale, General Secretary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, said, “The activities of BAPS and Pramukh Swami Maharaj have never been for their own benefit, but for the benefit of society, the nation and the world. The extraordinary programmes organized at Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar are enkindling the sentiments of spirituality in the hearts of millions. There can be no greater service to humanity than creating a sense of spiritual contentment and joy in the hearts of people. Spiritually enlightened souls like Pramukh Swami Maharaj enkindle the dormant spirituality in people’s hearts and grant them the experience of spiritual bliss and contentment.
“Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life was an embodiment of the four virtues of dharma – truth, purity, compassion and austerities. Pramukh Swami Maharaj inspired people not only through his words, but through his life. He lived his motto “In the joy of others lies our own,” and served others every second of his life. The true celebration of his centenary is not for just one month or one year, but it is to live the values he taught throughout one’s life.
“It is our good fortune that we have been born in India in this era. We have the confidence that India will show the world a path forward through the darkness due to the inspiration of great souls like Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Everyone can pay homage to Pramukh Swami Maharaj by improving their own life. We may not be able to give light to the whole world like the Sun that was Pramukh Swami Maharaj, but taking inspiration from him, we can be a lamp that eradicates the darkness in our vicinity by following in his footsteps with all the strength we have.”
Chidanand Saraswatiji, Head of Paramarth Niketan Ashram, was also present in the assembly. He shared, “I have been deeply touched by Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s simplicity and humility, gently guiding society by seeing God within everyone. He may have been anywhere in the world, yet regularly took out time to read and respond to letters even from villagers in India. Thus, I had declared many years ago that Pramukh Swami Maharaj is the ‘Saint of the Century.’
“An event like this would typically not attract 80,000 people, but here the volunteer count itself is 80,000 people! I witnessed how everyone has a smile on their face. It convinces me that Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s spirit is alive here. Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar is an extraordinary place infused with the divine messages Pramukh Swami Maharaj conveyed through his life. Unlike entertainment parks, it gives the world his message of peace which needs to be infused in every village and city across India. By remaining true to our values, ideals and spiritual roots, peace and harmony will be strengthened in our families and across the world.
“This festival is teaching the millions who attend that our global challenges such as conflicts, climate change and environmental degradation can only be addressed by implementing spiritual ideals in individuals, in families and in neighbourhoods, as that will ultimately transform the country and the world.”
Singh Sahib Giani Ranjit Singhji, the Head Granthi of Gurudwara Bangla Sahib in New Delhi, added, “Pramukh Swami Maharaj embodied the virtues of spirituality, humility and renunciation, which are the virtues of a true sant. Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life was for others. From schools, hospitals and deaddiction campaigns to water pumps and many such humanitarian activities, for 100 years, Pramukh Swami Maharaj worked to reduce others’ pain and benefit their lives. Thus we must pledge to follow his example by respecting all and loving and serving one another.”
In conclusion, Mahamandaleshwar Dr. Swami Rameshwardasji Maharaj of Manokamna Siddh Shri Hanuman Mandir, said, “88,000 rishis performed austerities at one time in Naimisharanya Kshetra, one of the most sacred of sites in India. The 80,000 volunteers serving here are a representation of those rishis. Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s spiritual and social outlook and vision was broad and for the good of all. He revolutionized the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, creating mandirs and transforming society. The world follows the path set by sadhus. The efforts and austerities of Pramukh Swami Maharaj are the reason why the world considers him the spiritual leader of all.”
