Brahmaswarup Bhagatji Maharaj

In Samvat 1917 (1861 AD), Gunatitanand Swami instructed Pragji Bhakta to stitch a grand canopy (a beautifully adorned large covering placed above the assembly hall) for the sabhā mandap. Bhagatji worked tirelessly for 18-19 hours daily, stitching the canopy while continuously singing bhajans. Bhagatji completed a task that would normally take ten tailors 60 days, single-handedly, in just 41 days.

Gunatitanand Swami was immensely pleased with Bhagatji’s enthusiasm for achieving Brahmavidyā (spiritual knowledge) and said: “Pragji! I am extremely pleased with you. Ask for anything, and I shall grant it.” Bhagatji remained silent. Gunatitanand Swami then added: “Perhaps you are thinking, ‘What can this Sant give me?’ But know this - whatever this Sant says, Shriji Maharaj fulfills. So, ask for anything, and I will grant it.”

Then, Gunatitanand Swami himself said: “I am telling you to go home and travel to Mumbai. In twelve months, you will receive 60,000 rupees (equivalent to approximately 8 million rupees today). Use it to do samāgam of the swamis and experience divine bliss.”

But Bhagatji was firmly committed to his spiritual goal. He also understood Swami’s inclination, vision, and philosophy. Recognizing Swami’s words as a test, Bhagatji folded his hands and said: “I have been in Satsang for thirteen years under Gopālānand Swami and nine years under you, and never have I heard that wealth or sensual pleasures bring true happiness. So, if you are truly pleased with me, grant me these three boons: First, bestow upon me your divine knowledge. Second, show me your true abode, so I know where you reside. Third, ensure that my soul remains firmly devoted to Satsang and that I never stray away for even a fraction of a second from Shriji Maharaj.”

Swami was stunned by Bhagatji’s request. Wanting to further test his disciple, Swami said: “Why do you need spiritual knowledge? Instead, I will grant you the boon that I will personally take you to Akshardham after your death.”

But Bhagatji had already determined what true happiness was. Holding firm to his request, he replied: “If you are truly pleased, I only seek these three boons. Without them, I have no interest in ruling the Earth, attaining Indra’s throne, or even being the master of Prakriti-Purush.” Gunatitanand Swami, overwhelmed with joy, declared: “You can have your three boons if you are prepared to leave home and stay here and dedicate your life for them.”

Now, Bhagatji faced two choices. Swami had already assured him of Akshardham, so he could either accept wealth and live a comfortable life, or he could abandon all worldly ties, endure intense hardships, and strive to attain Swami’s divine knowledge. Without hesitation, Bhagatji chose the difficult path of spiritual pursuit.

Gunatitanand Swami, deeply moved, exclaimed: “Wow, Pragji! Your soul is extraordinary! No one has ever asked for this before.”

To become worthy of Gunatitanand Swami’s knowledge of Brahmavidyā was not as easy as ‘drawing lines in lāpsi (sweet porridge)’ (a simple task) - it was a heroic endeavor, marching onto the battlefield with one’s head in hand and a dagger in one’s stomach, ready to embrace any sacrifice. And such a pursuit was not for the faint-hearted - it required a warrior as fearless as a lion. Bhagatji Maharaj was such a spiritual lion. His life serves as a beacon of inspiration for all true seekers.