Brahmaswarup Bhagatji Maharaj

Through Gunatitanand Swami’s grace, Bhagatji Maharaj attained the realization of Parabrahma. Just as Shriji Maharaj was under the loving command of Gunatitanand Swami, he was equally at Bhagatji Maharaj’s command. Entrusting him with the responsibility of guiding the devotees, Gunatitanand Swami appointed Bhagatji as the Guru of all followers and granted him the authority to impart spiritual knowledge and administer atonements for purification. Furthermore, Gunatitanand Swami gave him a special āgnā, “You are my dearest disciple. According to my wish, spread the true knowledge of Akshar throughout the entire Satsang.”

Following this āgnā, Bhagatji Maharaj began proclaiming the glory of Akshar. Just as a moth burns in a flame and becomes one with it, Bhagatji willingly endured all hardships with a smile, upholding Gunatitanand Swami’s instruction. Whether people liked it or not, he fearlessly declared that Swami is Akshar. Because of this, many opposed him - even during meals or social gatherings, people ridiculed him. Some even went to the extent of insulting him with harsh words.

Once, Bhagatji explained to Kamā Sheth of Unā that Gunatitanand Swami is Akshar. Enraged by this statement, Kamā Sheth slapped Bhagatji. Yet, Bhagatji bore it with a smile. In the Satsang, Bhagatji’s identity was described as, “The one who endures the most insults yet remains calm and unwavering - that is Bhagatji!”

As Bhagatji’s proclamation of Akshar spread, influential figures in the sampradāy opposed him even more. They sought ways to stop him, eventually expelling him from Satsang and forcing him to leave Junāgadh Mandir. As Bhagatji left Junāgadh, Bhandāri Kunjvihāridas mixed poison into his food. On his way to Mahuvā, Bhagatji unknowingly ate some of the poisoned sweets. The poison spread throughout his body, and he suffered its effects for the rest of his life. Yet, even after being poisoned, Bhagatji never wavered in spreading the truth that Gunatitanand Swami is Akshar.

Even after being excommunicated, he sat outside the mandir and continued preaching about Akshar. When Gunatitanand Swami went on vicharan from the Amdāvād Mandir, Bhagatji would tell the devotees, “Akshardham is passing by - have its darshan!” Pointing at Gunatitanand Swami, he would declare, “The one lying down is Akshar, the one speaking is Akshar, and the one walking is Akshar.” Through his efforts, around 150 swamis and 200 devotees in Junāgadh firmly believed that Gunatitanand Swami is the eternal Akshar.

Bhagatji Maharaj inspired many prominent devotees, including:

• Vāghā Khāchar of Sārangpur

• Fulchandbhāi of Mahuvā

• Dāmodar Sheth

• Devjibhāi of Vanthali

• Mangalji Thakkar of Rājkot

Among swamis, he convinced:

• Kothāri Trikamdas of Junāgadh

• Nirgun Swami of Amdāvād

• Vrundāvandas Swami

• Sadguru Pavitrānand Swami

Before Bhagatji Maharaj, the knowledge that “Gunatitanand Swami is Akshar” was limited to Junagādh. However, he spread this truth across the entire Swaminarayan Sampradāy. Just as Bhagatji sacrificed his body for this principle, we too should dedicate ourselves to preserving the principles, sansthā, and glory of the Satpurush - for that is the highest form of sevā.