The upcoming 6th of April marks the commemoration of the ‘Swaminarayan Jayanti’ that is dedicated towards the life of the founder of Swaminarayan Sampraday, Swaminarayan Bhagvan, on his birthday. He was born on Chaitra Sud 9. This day links to the festival of Lord Rama’s birthday which increases the importance of this day in Hindu culture. This year, millions around the world will show their devotion towards this day.
Mythological and Historical Significance
Bhagwan Swaminarayan, originally named Ghanshyam Pande, was born in 1781 in Chhapaiya, a small village in modern-day Uttar Pradesh, India. The Hindus consider him an avatar of Narayana who descended to renew dharma when the moral and social aspects were declining. It is said that at the age of 11, he left home to devote his life and went on a 7-year-long pilgrimage around India as the Neelkanth Varni, preaching the combination of devotion and dharma.
He later founded the Swaminarayan Sampraday that focused on the ekantik dharma, which was a new form of dharma that combined dharma, bhakti, gnan, and vairagya. His followers believe that he performed many miracles and divine acts, such as reviving the ancient Vedas, building temples, and reforming the society.
Historical Evidence of Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s Contributions
In both historical documents and archaeological finds, Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s impact on Hindu society is well established:
- The Vachanamrut: This scripture comprises his discourses and provides great understanding of Hindu insights as well as remaining a core scripture for his followers.
- The Shikshapatri: A conduct code written by Bhagwan Swaminarayan that included moral, ethical, and spiritual instructions, has remained intact in numerous stores like the Bodleian Library in the University of Oxford.
- Temple Construction: Bhagwan Swaminarayan started to construct magnificent temples, including ones in Ahmedabad, Bhuj, Vadtal, Gadhada, Dholera, and Junagadh, all of which are still historical and architecturally beautiful.
- Social Reforms: According to history, Swaminarayan’s efforts to abolish Sati, eradicate untouchability, and empower women were quite progressive for his time.
- British and Other Contemporary Records: Reports from British officers documented that Swaminarayan was influenced all over the country for the social impact and order his followers led.
Traditional Rituals and Celebrations
The Jayanti of Swaminarayan is celebrated with a lot of culture and pious activities, like
1. Kirtan and Aarti
Devotees come to the temple to sing bhajans and offer aarti in expectation of God’s grace. These devotional songs capture the life and attributes of Swaminarayan, instilling faith in his followers.
2. Discourses
Saints and scholars give lectures about Swaminarayan’s life, his teachings, and their significance in today’s world. Temples read and discuss the book Vachanamrut, which compilSwaminarayan Jayant is a celebration of one of the steps taken by humans to reach the divine. This festival motivates the followers to become religious, do charity, and become virtuous as much as they can. The approach of Swaminarayan Jayanti 2025 makes us ponder over his ideal words and wish for a better and more just society.es his discourses.
3. Fasting
Many devotees do fast without eating or drinking anything or consume only fruits as an act of devotion and self-control. Evening prayers signal the end of the fast.
4. Shobha Yatras
Other localities host Shobha Yatras of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, during which murtis perform in public while singing, dancing, and engaging in other activities.
5. Temple Decorations
Swaminarayan temples use flowers, rangoli, and decorated lights to enhance their beauty, in addition to intricate designs and artistic depictions of his divine acts.
6. Annakut and Philanthropic Work
As a token of gratitude, followers offer Annakuts as food to the god. Followers also participate in other benevolent works such as feeding the needy, organizing medical camps, and setting up educational institutions for the needy.
Swaminarayan Jayant is a celebration of one of the steps taken by humans to reach the divine. This festival motivates the followers to become religious, do charity, and become virtuous as much as they can. The approach of Swaminarayan Jayanti 2025 makes us ponder over his ideal words and wish for a better and more just society.
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