Guru Parampara

The Paramhansas of Lord Swaminarayan were the noblest sadhus the world will ever see. Their spiritual purity, sacrifice, selflessness, devotion, and zeal to uphold goodness are incomparable. The lives of our Gunatit Parampara saints were their message which has inspired countless people.

Ramanujacharya

An outstanding philosopher, theologian, and saint named Ramanujacharya, usually referred to as Sri Ramanuja lived in India in the 11th and 12th centuries. He is a revered figure in the philosophy of Sanatan Dharma because of his profound teachings and important contributions to the Vaishnava tradition, which have permeated generations. Ramanujacharya's life and teachings are of utmost significance since they have shaped Indian religion and spirituality and inspired innumerable followers across the world.

In Tamil Nadu, India's town of Sriperumbudur, Ramanujacharya was born in 1017 CE. He showed outstanding intelligence and a strong spiritual tendency from an early age. Ramanujacharya's religious enthusiasm, which he developed while growing up in a devout Brahmin family, was shown through his never-ending thirst for knowledge and devotion to Lord Vishnu. His family sent him to study under the direction of the eminent Vaishna scholar Yadava Prakasha after realizing his extraordinary talents.

The most important contribution made by Ramanujacharya was in the field of religious philosophy. He created the school of philosophy known as Vishishtadvaita Vedanta, which promotes qualified non-dualism. According to Ramanujacharya, Brahman (the Supreme Reality) is not devoid of attributes; rather, it qualifies them. In order to achieve spiritual emancipation, he emphasized the idea of bhakti (devotion), and he promoted the act of prapatti (surrender) as a way to receive God's mercy.

The revival of the Vaishnava tradition, notably the adoration of Lord Vishnu as the Supreme God, was greatly aided by Ramanujacharya. He put forth a great effort to spread the Bhakti movement and open up religious teachings to everyone, regardless of caste or social standing. Ramanujacharya made sure that spiritual knowledge was available to the general public by translating holy writings like the Vedas and Upanishads into the local tongue of Tamil. The social hierarchies that were in place were contested by this all-inclusive strategy, which also significantly aided in the democratization of spiritual wisdom.

Ramanujacharya's influence endured long after his death, permanently influencing Hinduism's philosophy and spirituality. Millions of followers are still inspired by his teachings, which emphasize the value of dedication, surrender, and inclusive spirituality. Because of Ramanujacharya's emphasis on equality, regardless of background, society has become more harmonious.

Additionally, several generations of academics and philosophers have been affected by Ramanujacharya's contributions to the Vishishtadvaita Vedanta philosophy. Truth-seekers continue to research and reflect on his profound insights into the nature of reality, the connection between the individual soul and the Supreme, and the road to liberation.

To spread their beliefs, Sri Vaishnavas, Ramanujacharya's followers, founded Mathas, or religious organizations. Generations of academics and devotees were raised by the Mathas, which evolved into institutions of education and spiritual direction. These Mathas, like the Melukote and Srirangam Mathas, are still essential to preserving Ramanujacharya's heritage today. Ramanujacharya's ideas have influenced thinkers, philosophers, and spiritual seekers across a range of religions, stimulating ecumenical conversation and advancing religious tolerance.

The life and teachings of Ramanujacharya are of utmost significance to India's and the world's religious and spiritual traditions. Numerous people continue to follow in his footsteps as they travel the spiritual path because of his emphasis on commitment, inclusivity, and the way of surrender. Ramanujacharya's philosophic contributions and his initiatives to revive Vaishnavism have left a lasting legacy, ensuring that his teachings are still applicable and motivating even in the contemporary period. Let us be motivated by his devotion, compassion, and profound insights as we consider his life and embrace the path of love, harmony, and spiritual development.

Vallabhacharya

Philosopher, theologian, and saint Vallabhacharya, commonly known as Vallabha, resided in India around the 15th century. The Bhakti movement and the growth of the Pushti Marg, a devotional path within the Vaishnavism tradition, have both been greatly influenced by his life and teachings. His spiritual legacy has inspired and guided millions of followers, making Vallabhacharya a respected figure in Hindu thought. 

In the Indian state of Chhattisgarh, near the town of Raipur, Vallabhacharya was born in Champaran in the year 1479 CE. He showed extraordinary brilliance and a strong affinity for spirituality from a young age. Vallabhacharya, who was raised in a household of academics and acquired a thorough education, studied logic, Vedanta, and Sanskrit grammar. His spiritual journey was paved by his profound intellect and undying love for Lord Krishna.

The most important contribution made by Vallabhacharya was in the field of religious philosophy. He established the Pushti Marg, also referred to as the Path of Grace, which places an emphasis on the path of devoted love for Lord Krishna. The central idea of Vallabhacharya's philosophy is Shuddhadvaita, or pure non-dualism. He propagated the idea that Lord Krishna, the Supreme Soul, and the individual soul, or jiva, are inextricably linked. According to Vallabhacharya, attaining nirvana requires total submission to Lord Krishna's merciful favor.

Vallabhacharya was a key contributor to the revival of India's Bhakti movement. To achieve spiritual oneness with the divine, he highlighted the significance of unwavering love, dedication, and selfless service. Many of the Padavali hymns and devotional songs that Vallabhacharya wrote are still performed by his devotees today. Millions of people have been moved by his poetic depictions of divine love, and they still serve as an inspiration for followers on their spiritual paths.

The spiritual practices and teachings of Vallabhacharya have had a significant influence on India's religious and cultural environment. People from many social backgrounds have responded favorably to his focus on devoted love and submission to Lord Krishna's divine mercy. The ideology of Vallabhacharya encourages inclusivity and togetherness, bridging social divides and establishing spiritual peace.

Additionally, Vallabhacharya's influence extended beyond just the spiritual world. He made important contributions to the arts, music, and writing. His contributions to Sanskrit grammar, poetry, and devotional music have enriched India's cultural heritage.

The Pushtimargis, or followers of Vallabhacharya, have continued his teachings and built temples and ashrams dedicated to his devotional practice. The most well-known of these is the Shri Nathdwara Temple in Rajasthan, which houses a statue of Lord Krishna that Vallabhacharya himself initially revered. Pushtimargis continue to uphold the values and customs established by Vallabhacharya through acts of selfless service and devotional rituals.

Indelible traces of Vallabhacharya's life and teachings can be seen throughout India's religious and cultural heritage. Millions of followers are still motivated by his teachings of devoted love, surrender, and the path of grace today. The emphasis placed by Vallabhacharya on inclusivity, oneness, and the pursuit of divine love provides direction and comfort to seekers on their spiritual paths. In order to achieve spiritual emancipation and oneness with the Supreme Lord, let us appreciate his life and teachings and adopt the path of devotion and grace in our lives.

Ramanand Swami

In Vikram Samvat 1795 (1738 AD), Ramanand Swami (Rama Sharma) was born to a Brahmin family in Ayodhya. Ajay Sharma, (father), and Sumati, (mother), were his parents. He was said to be the manifestation of Krishna's close friend Uddhava. In the Bhagavata Purana, Uddhava plays a key role and receives direct instruction from Krishna in the practice of bhakti yoga. Ramanand Swami was the founder of the Uddhav Sampraday. The Vaishnava Vishishtadvaita concept, first expounded by Ramanuja several centuries before, was embraced by Ramanand Swami.

Ramanand Swami explained that during his early journeys to Srirangam in Southern India, Ramanuja offered him diksha (initiation) and designated him in his line as an Acharya in a dream. Ramanand Swami later proceeded to Vrindavan, the location of Lord Krishna's divine pastimes. The pinnacle of his spiritual aspirations and the culmination of his unwavering devotion to Lord Krishna was his divine darshan there. Ramanand Swami then traveled West to Saurashtra to spread the philosophy of Ramanuja. Ramanand Swami handed over control of the Uddhav Sampraday to Swaminarayan before passing away in 1858.

On June 28, 1792, the day after both of his parents passed away, 11-year-old Swaminarayan (Ghanshyam Pande) left his home. He began a journey through India that would last seven years, one month, and eleven days. As he traveled, he adopted the name, Nilkanth Varni. In quest of an ashram or sampradaya that practiced true Vedanta, Samkhya, Yoga, and Pancaratra (the four main schools of the Sanatan Dharma), Nilkanth Varni traversed India and regions of Nepal.

He posed the following five questions regarding the fundamental categories of Vedanta to identify an ashram that correctly followed the meaning of these four key schools of the Sanatan Dharma:

What is jīva?

What is Īśvara?

What is Maya?

What is Brahman?

What is Parā brahman?

Nilkanth Varni studied Ashtanga yoga (eightfold yoga), during his travels. His journey as a yogi came to an end in the village of Loj in Gujarat's Junagadh region, in the year 1799. A senior disciple of Ramanand Swami (Muktanand Swami) was introduced to Nilkanth Varni in Loj and answered all five of His questions successfully. He then convinced Nilkanth Varni to stay so that he might meet Ramanand Swami, a student of whom Nilkanth Varni would subsequently become.

Sadguru Shree Gunatitanand Swami

Sadguru Shri Gunatitanand Swami, known as Akshar Brahm, was a prominent saint who made invaluable contributions to the growth of the Swaminarayan Sampraday (holy fellowship).

He was born in Bhadara, Saurashtra, on the full moon day of the month of Aaso in the S.Y. 1841. His birth name was Muljibhai. From childhood, he had divine visions and could see, with his inner eyes, the activities of Ghanshyam (Bhagwan Swaminarayan) during his childhood in Chhapaiya, far away in U.P.

As a result, he witnessed Ghanshyam's thread ceremony on the same day and described it to his family. He possessed divine sight and occasionally had the holy vision of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

Inspired by a divine vision of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, he renounced worldly attachments and left home in the S.Y. 1865. In the S.Y. 1866, he received initiation as a saint from Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan. He embodied all the virtues of a saint and lived a simple yet spiritual and service-oriented life. Bhagwan Swaminarayan was pleased with him for his constant willingness to serve ailing saints, setting an exemplary standard for others.

He spent approximately forty years in Junagadh, serving as the mahant (head) of the Swaminarayan temple. Even in this position, he humbly engaged in tasks such as sweeping and assisting in construction work. Despite having no formal education, he would deliver hours-long discourses on profound philosophy in a simple, practical, and captivating manner that left his audience spellbound. His talks had a transformative effect, even on wicked individuals, inspiring them to lead virtuous lives. The book "Swami ni Vato," containing his teachings, remains an eternal testament to Swamiji. It provides inspiration and guidance to many on the path to salvation.

His blessings subdued worldly desires and immediately controlled the senses and passions. He left his body in Gondal in the S.Y. 1923, independently, while seated in the Padmasan pose, after foretelling his departure.

Sadguru Shree Balmukunddasji Swami

Sadguru Shri Balmukunddasji Swami, the disciple of Sadguru Gunatitanand Swami, was also a powerful and divine saint. He was born in a village in Saurashtra on the third day of Chaitra in the S.Y. 1887. His birth name was Gordhanbhai. From childhood, he had a deep inclination towards the devotion of God. Upon coming into contact with Akshara-murti Gunatitanand Swami, he felt an inner inspiration to renounce worldly life.

Shortly after his initiation as a saint in S.Y. 1909, Yogiraj Gopalanand Swami blessed him, predicting that he would possess the power to shoulder the responsibilities of the sampradaya (spiritual fellowship).

Aacharya Maharaj Shree of Vadtal held Swamiji in high regard due to his extraordinary capabilities. He had undergone rigorous penance and strictly adhered to the Code of Conduct for Saints as taught by Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

Swamiji had unwavering faith in Bhagwan Swaminarayan as the Supreme Lord. As a realized saint, he often had divine visions of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Being a Vachan Siddh saint, whatever he spoke as inner inspiration would invariably come true. He alleviated the distress of numerous devotees. His teachings emphasized the worship of God, attaining the realization of one's divine nature, and recognizing the soul as distinct from the physical body.

Through his blessings, many were able to overcome worldly desires. While chanting the name of Swaminarayan in his presence, several individuals attained final salvation by leaving their physical bodies and miraculously reaching the divine abode of God. This great saint foretold the day and time of his departure from this world, and accordingly, he left for Akshardham in Junagadh in the S.Y. 1972.

Sadguru Shree Dharmaswarupdasji Swami

Sadguru Shri Dharmaswarupdasji Swami was a saint known for his kind-heartedness and continuous visualization of God. He was born in the village of Mota Gokharvada in Saurashtra, and his birth name was Arjanbhai. From childhood, he had a strong affinity for associating with saints. As he did not find worldly life appealing, he left home one day and went to the Junagadh temple. His father disapproved of this, so he punished him, brought him back, and locked him up. However, miraculously, God placed him in the Junagadh temple the next day.

Sadguru Gunatitanand Swami was highly pleased and blessed him for his service-oriented nature, detachment, and devotion. Sadguru Gunatitanand Swami entrusted him to Swami Balmukunddasji, who initiated him as a saint. He would caution devotees about potential difficulties and save them from harm. He also played a significant role in the construction of many new temples.

After completing the reading of the holy scripture Vachanamrutam, he made the final decision to go to "Akshardham" (God's abode).

Sadguru Shree Gopinathdasji Swami

Sadguru Shri Gopinathdasji Swami, also known as Purani Swami Gopinathdasji, possessed remarkable virtues and made noteworthy contributions to the Sampraday (holy fellowship). He was born in the village of Vankia in Saurashtra in the S.Y. 1920. His birth name was Govindbhai. After coming into contact with Swami Balmukunddasji at the Vankia temple, he left home and received initiation as a saint under the guidance of Swami Dharmswarupdasji in the S.Y. 1934.

He was a highly learned Sanskrit scholar with practical wisdom. Adbhutanand Swami had blessed him, foretelling that he would become prominent among learned individuals. His significant contribution in establishing the Swaminarayan Sampraday as Vedic, presented at the Panditas' conference in Kashi in the S.Y. 1964, was highly commendable. During recitations (Parayans) of religious scriptures, he would lucidly describe each event and explain the essence in a sweet, simple, and engaging manner, captivating the interest of many listeners.

Following the instructions of Swami Balmukunddasji, he oversaw the construction of temples in Jetpur and other locations, as well as the renovation of several temples. He also provided services for various needs at the Junagadh temple. He undertook new construction projects at the Gondal temple and Akshar-Deri. With a deep understanding of Bhagwan Swaminarayan's teachings and His greatness, he put those teachings into practice. He possessed a kind heart, and many had their desires fulfilled through his blessings. On one occasion, while chanting the names of Bhagwan Swaminarayan with unwavering determination, he had a divine vision of the Lord. When he peacefully left his body in the S.Y. 1974 in Gondal, several saints witnessed his miraculous transition from this world with Lord Swaminarayan.

Sadguru Shastriji Maharaj Shri Dharmajivandasji Swami

The Guru-Shishya tradition is a unique feature of the Sanatana Dharma. In this tradition, the disciple receives knowledge, virtues, ideologies, values, and life objectives directly from the Guru in a practical and personal manner. The Guru's vision becomes the guiding force and mission of the Shishya. A great and versatile scholar emerged from within the divine lineage of the Guru Parampara of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya. Shastriji Maharaj Shree Dharmajivandasji Swami was a tough-minded optimist and a kind-hearted Guru, a staunch advocate of Karma and Bhakti yoga. Thousands of people in Gujarat revered him as the Saint of the century. In 1948 he established the first Swaminarayan Gurukul in Rajkot to provide a value-based education system to all, especially the financially disadvantaged.

Sadguruvarya Shri Devkrishnadasji Swami

Pujya Guruvarya Shri Devkrushndasji Swami is an embodiment of Vairagya (detachment). Swami was born Devjibhai Kaila in the village of Vejalpar to parents Javerbhai and Parvatiben Kaila. In 1960, he was admitted to the Gurukul for his schooling, during which time he developed a deep affection for Pujya Shastriji Maharaj and the Gurukul.

After completing his B.A., he received Bhagavati Deeksha (initiation) from Acharya Shri Narendraprasadji Maharaj, of the Lakshminarayan Dev Gadi of Vadtal, in 1965. When the health of Shastriji Maharaj began to deteriorate in 1974, he entrusted the responsibilities of the Gurukul to Pujya Guru Maharaj and his sixty disciple saints.

Guru Maharaj remains a strong advocate of traditional value systems and the spiritual heritage of Hinduism. He has a profound interest in serving animals and has organized over 100 veterinary medical camps. Guru Maharaj has participated in numerous tree-planting ceremonies. A staunch supporter of environmental conservation, he encourages others to do the same. In addition to his spiritual practices, he takes a keen interest in various social welfare activities of the Gurukul. Swami often becomes engrossed in reading scriptures and performing mantralekhan (an endeavor to please the Supreme Lord by typing His Mahamantra online) when he is not involved in the Gurukul's activities.

Pujya Swamiji now oversees all educational, social, and religious activities of Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul Rajkot and its branches in India, the USA, the UK, Canada, Africa, and the Dominican Republic.

The images of our great saints were provided by the Rajkot Gurukul website. The images of Ramanujacharya and Vallabhacharya are freely distributed on Wikipedia under the following licenses: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creative_Commons - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en (GFPGAN inference blind face restoration algorithm applied, and images rescaled in the GIMP)