Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami

In Samvat 1922 (1866 AD), during the Chaitra Punam festival, Gunatitanand Swami arrived in Vartāl. Pragji Bhakta had begun spreading the message that ‘Gunatitanand Swami was the avatār of Aksharbrahma’, as per Gunatitanand Swami’s wish. However, some people were displeased with this idea, and they planned to rebuke Gunatitanand Swami during the festival’s sabhā.

On Punam morning, in the main sabhā, Karunānand Brahmachāri from Gadhadā, under the guidance of Hariswarupdas (a disciple of Shukmuni Swami), questioned: “This Gunatitanand Swami is also being worshiped like God. People revere even his nails and hair! Why does no one object to this?”

Hearing this, Shukmuni Swami added, “Swami, why don’t you control this? This belief is causing many issues in Junāgadh - are you in favor of it?” Turning to the assembly, he declared: “Do not call me Shukji anymore!”

Then, pointing at Gunatitanand Swami, he warned: “And Swami! You must not allow people to call you Akshar!”

An outpour of insults followed, like a heavy storm. Unperturbed, Gunatitanand Swami calmly listened. Then he said in a grave tone: “Only Shriji Maharaj is God. Nobody else can become God. I am a sadhu. But, just as where there is the rule of a king, there is also the rule of a queen. So, where the king’s order prevails, there too, the queen’s order prevails. Similarly, just as where there is the glory of God there is the glory of his Sadhu as well.”

Hearing this, no one could respond further.

Seeing the great Sadhu insulted in the sabhā, Prabhudas from Sinjiwādā stood up and challenged everyone: “Who among you has the right to speak to Swami like this?”

At that precise moment, someone went to call Āchārya Bhagwatprasādji Maharaj, and soon, the ārti began. The assembly dispersed to attend the shangār ārti (morning ārti).

Gunatitanand Swami accompanied Āchārya Maharaj to the mandir for darshan. As they were leaving, a gardener stood waiting with a garland of fresh roses. Following the Āchārya’s instruction, the gardener garlanded Gunatitanand Swami. After darshan, Gunatitanand Swami was walking back to the dharmashālā (monastery), when he encountered Hariswarupdas, the very disciple who had criticized him earlier.

Without hesitation, Gunatitanand Swami removed the garland from his neck and placed it around Hariswarupdas’ neck. With a smile, Gunatitanand Swami recited a verse:

Haldi jaradi nav taje, khataras taje na āma;

Gunijan gunako nav taje, avagun na taje gulāma.

Meaning, “Turmeric never loses its yellow hue, sourness never leaves tamarind. A virtuous person never abandons virtues, nor do the wicked forsake their faults.”

Then Swami walked ahead gracefully. Shortly after, Sadgurus like Adbhutānand Swami, Shuk Swami, and Pavitrānand Swami invited Gunatitanand Swami to their seat. With deep reverence, they offered him dhotiyā, performed his ceremonial pujā, and placed a sack of sugar at his feet as a token of respect. They folded their hands and said, “Swami, please forgive our words.”

Even in moments of intense honor or dishonor, Gunatitanand Swami remained completely undisturbed. Seeing such unwavering stability, even the senior swamis realized the truth - Gunatitanand Swami truly was ‘Gunatit’ - beyond all worldly qualities!