Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit his home-State Gujarat on Monday to pay last tribute to Pramukh Swami Maharaj, a well-known saint. Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of Swaminarayan sect - Bochasanvasi Akshar Purushottam Swami (BAPS) - having widespread following across the globe. Swamiji breathed his last on Saturday evening at Sarangpur near Botad.
It is not however confirmed whether Modi would attend the cremation of the saint. Pramukh Swami's last rites will take place at 3.00 pm on August 17. Post his Independence Day speech at Red Fort, Modi will come to Bhavnagar and from there he will reach Sarangpur, where dead body of the head of Bochasanvasi Akshar Purushottam Sanstha (BAPS) has been kept. Describing Pramukh Swami as his mentor, Modi tweeted that every-time before taking oath as Gujarat Chief Minister he used to make it a point to the seek blessings of Pramukh Swami. Giving his condolences, PM Modi in his tweet called him "a stalwart among humans who embodied compassion & humility."
The 95-year-old guru of BAPS followers had been unwell for over last three-four years and breathed his last on Saturday evening at Botad (Sarangpur) in Saurashtra region, where he was stationed.
Born on December 7, 1921, as Shantilal Patel, he was ordained as Shastri Narayanswarupdas. He received initiation as a swami in 1940 from Shastriji Maharaj, founder of BAPS, and took over as guru of BAPS followers in 1971. The followers of BAPS believed that Pramukh Swami was the fifth spiritual successor of lord Swaminarayan.
As head of BAPS, Pramukh Swami Maharaj has overseen the growth of BAPS from an organisation centered in Gujarat, to one maintaining Hindu Temples and centers across several countries in the world. He also spearheaded the efforts of the charitable service organisation affiliated to BAPS. Among several global leaders, former President of India late APJ AbdulKalam was seen to be among the leading disciples who would seek guidance from Pramukh Swami on spiritual matters.