Bhagwan Swaminarayan

Out of immense compassion, Parabrahma Bhagwān Swaminarayan graced this Earth. His primary purpose was establishing ekāntik dharma, a mission he accomplished in just 30 short years. Subsequently, Shriji Maharaj decided to return to his divine abode, Akshardham. During his final illness, he called Gunatitanand Swami from Junāgadh to Gadhadā. In a private meeting in Akshar Ordi, Shriji Maharaj conveyed his intention to depart for Akshardham. Shriji Maharaj instructed Gunatitanand Swami, “Through your association, teach others to cultivate my sarvopari nishthā, inspire them to become brahamarup, and make them worthy of Akshardham.” Following this, he recited verse,

“Mithā vāhlā kem visāru māru tamathi bāndhel tan ho,

Tarsiya ne jem pānidu vāhlu, bhukhyā ne bhojan ho…”

[My beloved, I can never forget you; how can I describe my attachment to you? Just as water is precious to the thirsty and food is to the hungry, you are equally precious to me.]

Through these words, Shriji Maharaj revealed his oneness with Gunatitanand Swami. Emphasizing Gunatitanand Swami’s mahimā, Shriji Maharaj declared, “This Gunatitanand Swami is Gunātit (who transcends the three guns - sattvagun, rajogun, and tamogun) and he is my abode, Akshardham. In his divine form, he is always with me (he is inseparable).”

On Jeth Sud 10, Samvat 1886 (1830 AD), the morning had inauspiciousness in the air. Bhagwān Swaminarayan, who had sanctified this Earth for 49 years independently and by his own will, returned to his divine abode. The grief of this departure spread throughout the land. Everyone, with heavy hearts, performed Shriji Maharaj’s final rites at Laxmi Vādi in Gadhadā.

After the final rites were completed, Gunatitanand Swami, carrying a tumbdi (water pot), walked towards the bathroom in Laxmi Vādi. Observing the lush green grass beside a flowing stream of water, he reflected, “Oh! Just as water is the life of this grass, bringing it joy and vitality, Maharaj was my life, and he has left me.” Overwhelmed by this thought, Gunatitanand Swami lost consciousness. In reality, Parabrahma and Aksharbrahma are never separate. However, the physical separation from Shriji Maharaj caused Gunatitanand Swami to faint. Within that moment, Shriji Maharaj appeared before him and awakened him, saying, “Where have I gone? I reside forever within you, forever within you, forever within you.” With these words, Shriji Maharaj showered his infinite love upon Swami.

Although Bhagwān Swaminarayan physically departed from Earth, he remained present through his Anādi Mul Aksharmurti, Gunatitanand Swami, to ensure the path to moksha remains perpetually open for spiritual aspirants. This incident serves as proof of this truth.

Throughout the Vachanāmrut, Shriji Maharaj repeatedly assured his devotees of his enduring presence through the Gunātit Satpurush. “Whenever God is not manifest on this earth, one should seek the refuge of the Sant who has the realization of God - because the jiva can also attain liberation through him.” (Vachanāmrut Vartāl - 10)

Presently, we have attained that same Shriji Maharaj through Mahant Swami Maharaj.