Bhagwan Swaminarayan

The queen of Dharampur, Kushalkuvarbā, had immense love and devotion for Bhagwān Swaminarayan. Despite having many servants, she personally undertook the arduous task of hand-husking rice to produce “anishuddha” [flawless/unbroken] grains for Shriji Maharaj. One day, Shriji Maharaj took some of these rice grains in his hand. Selecting a single grain from his palm, he asked the swamis, “Santo! What is this?”

The swamis were surprised by Shriji Maharaj’s question. Everyone knew rice was a daily staple. Why would Shriji Maharaj ask such a basic question? “Maharaj, it is rice,” they replied. Shriji Maharaj repeated his question, “Santo! What is this?” Again, the swamis were perplexed. Muktānand Swami finally asked, “Maharaj! It is a grain of rice. Why do you keep asking?”

Hearing this, Shriji Maharaj smiled. He rose from his seat, approached the swamis, and showed the rice grains. “Santo! See how perfectly whole these rice grains are? Not a single one is broken, neither at the top nor the bottom.”

Hearing that, Muktānand Swami said, “Maharaj! The queen removed the outer husk of every grain with her own hands, so naturally, they are perfect!”

Shriji Maharaj smiled again. “Imagine the effort required to husk each grain by hand, ensuring it remains whole. I want you all to be as perfect as these grains. Do you realize the efforts I put in to make you so?”

Shriji Maharaj’s words caused the swamis to reflect deeply. They were overwhelmed by the boundless compassion of Purna Purushottam Narayan.

Muktānand Swami then said to Shriji Maharaj, “Maharaj! You are right. Your abode, Akshardham, transcends māyā. You strive to make us worthy of that abode by removing every imperfection. This is your immense compassion. Please also grant us the ability to strive for this perfection.”

Shriji Maharaj says in Vachanāmrut Gadhadā II-45, “I don’t want the slightest imperfection to remain in those who are said to be mine.” How fortunate we are that Bhagwān himself has taken the responsibility to perfect us. Today, Guruhari Mahant Swami Maharaj makes the same efforts to eradicate our imperfections and mold us into perfect grains of rice. We must now strive to make his efforts worthwhile!