Bhagwan Swaminarayan

Shriji Maharaj built six magnificent shikharbaddha mandirs to preserve upāsanā. He consecrated various pairs of avatars within these mandirs: Narnārāyan Dev in Amdāvād and Bhuj, Laxminārāyan Dev in Vartāl, Gopināth Dev in Gadhadā, Madanmohan Dev in Dholerā, and Rādhāraman Dev in Junāgadh. He then appointed swamis to reside in these mandirs, practice, and propagate Satsang. Over time, these swamis began to identify themselves with the specific avatars of their respective mandirs, adopting labels such as ‘Narnārāyaniyā’ or ‘Laxminārāyaniyā’.

One day, Shriji Maharaj gathered the swamis and instructed them, “Those who identify as ‘Narnārayaniyā,’ sit on this side. Those who identify as ‘Laxminārāyaniyā’ sit on this side...” He systematically separated the swamis according to their perceived affiliations. When no one remained, Shriji Maharaj remarked, “Is there no ‘Swāminārāyaniyā’ among you? You all wear my janoi [sacred thread], my kanthi, and my tilak, yet none of you claim to be mine?” The swamis immediately recognized their error. They prostrated themselves before Shriji Maharaj and declared, “Maharaj, we are all ‘Swāminārāyaniyā’!”

If we relate this incident to the present context, we see that during samaiyā celebrations or while doing sevā in different departments of the mandir, everyone takes responsibility and serves with dedication. However, these sevās can sometimes become sources of attachment, leading us to think in terms of ‘my sevā’, ‘my department’, ‘my mandal’ or ‘my mandir’. This mindset fosters feelings of rivalry or subtle jealousy towards devotees from other sevās, departments, or mandirs.

We must remember that we are all devotees of the same Bhagwān, disciples of the same Guru, followers of the same siddhānt [principles], and members of the same sansthā. The Satpurush is the body, and the various sevās, departments, and mandirs are all different integral parts of that body. When we neglect, envy, or fail to support a particular sevā or department, we are, in effect, failing to support the Satpurush. On the other hand, when we cultivate a sense of unity and love with other volunteers, departments, and mandirs offering assistance and celebrating their progress, we are truly serving the Satpurush. If we serve and do bhakti with this understanding, our efforts will be truly meaningful.