When a Brilliant Youth Heard the Call of Eternity

A brilliant young mind heard the call of eternity and, with serene and steadfast footsteps, embraced the timeless path of renunciation in service of God and humanity

Revered across the world, Mahant Swami Maharaj is the spiritual head and guru of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. From the creation of the world-renowned Akshardham in Robbinsville, USA, the largest active Hindu temple complex in the world, to the magnificent Hindu mandir in Abu Dhabi; from the consecration of the remarkable temple in Paris to the creation of the largest Hindu mandir in the Southern Hemisphere in Johannesburg, Mahant Swami Maharaj has carried the banner of Indian culture and spirituality across the world.

But who is this great spiritual personality? What is his life story? Today, on the occasion of his birthday (according to the Indian calendar), let us take a glimpse into the life of this revered ascetic and understand the journey that has made him a spiritual guide to millions. Born on Ashwin Krishna 9, Samvat 1989 (13 September 1933), Mahant Swami Maharaj has now completed more than nine decades of dedicated spiritual service.

In Jabalpur (MP), in the residential area known as Napier Town or Civil Lines, stood house number 23. There, in the home of Manibhai Patel and his wife Dahiba, a divine child was born. A few days after his birth, Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj, the founder of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, visited Jabalpur. He blessed the newborn child and named him Keshav. Within the family, however, he was lovingly called Vinu.

Vinu grew up in a diverse neighborhood, but he respected everyone and everyone enjoyed his company. They were deeply touched by Vinu’s polite and humble nature. Raised in a satsangi family, he was immersed in the values of dharma, devotion and selfless service. His life would become an extraordinary example of intelligence, renunciation, austerity and service.

Through senior Cambridge at Christ Church Boys’ School in Jabalpur, Vinu excelled in his studies. He was deeply attentive in class, possessed a remarkably sharp memory, and consistently stood first or second in his class. He was quiet, thoughtful and ever-smiling, yet athletic and helpful. He loved reading, possessed an innate talent for drawing, and enjoyed football, in which he played as a left full-back. His school principal, Mr Robinson, was so impressed by his intelligence and character that he once remarked that Vinu would one day become a religious leader.

The year 1951 became a turning point in Vinu’s life. Vinu moved with his family to Anand, Gujarat. He first studied at V.P. Science College and then enrolled at the Bansilal Amrutlal College of Agriculture, completing his B.Sc. in Agriculture in 1956. His intellect was strongly rational and logical; he did not readily accept ideas without understanding them. Yet beneath this analytical mind lay a deep spiritual inclination waiting to unfold.

Once, Yogiji Maharaj (the fourth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and disciple of Shastrii Maharaj) came to Anand. He stayed at Vinu’s home, as his father, Manibhai, was a devoted and staunch satsangi.

Young Vinu watched Yogiji Maharaj quietly, drawn by a warmth and purity he had never experienced before. Yogiji Maharaj’s loving gaze and affectionate words touched the young student’s heart deeply. Though the meeting was simple, its impression remained unforgettable.

For Vinu, it was more than an encounter with a sadhu; it was the first gentle call of an eternal spiritual destiny that would eventually lead him from a promising worldly life to the path of renunciation.

Deeply influenced by the spiritual presence and selfless love of Yogiji Maharaj, Vinu began spending his summer vacations travelling with Yogiji Maharaj during his satsang vicharan. Thus, he was drawn even closer to satsang and ultimately to the life of renunciation.

In 1957, he received parshad diksha (monastic initiation) from Yogiji Maharaj and became known as Vinu Bhagat. After receiving Bhagwati diksha, he was given the name Keshavjivandas Swami. In 1961, Yogiji Maharaj appointed him as the mahant (head) of the Swaminarayan Mandir in Mumbai and entrusted him with guiding the newly initiated sadhus. From then onward, devotees came to know him affectionately as Mahant Swami.

In this way, through his extraordinary qualities of austerity, self-discipline, devotion, humility and service, the fragrance of his saintliness gradually spread far and wide.

Following Yogiji Maharaj’s passing in 1971, Mahant Swami Maharaj devoted himself completely to his guru, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, with the same unwavering devotion and loyalty that he had shown towards Yogiji Maharaj. At the wish and direction of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, he travelled extensively throughout India and abroad, inspiring countless devotees and strengthening satsang communities. He also played an active role in BAPS festivals, children’s and youth activities, Akshardham projects and numerous other spiritual and community initiatives.

After Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s passing on 13 August 2016, Mahant Swami Maharaj became the sixth spiritual guru in the Gunatit tradition of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Through his inspiring discourses, Mahant Swami Maharaj has touched and enlightened countless devotees and seekers, inspiring them to lead pure, disciplined and addiction-free lives.

Dr Swami Gyanananddas is a dedicated follower of the Swaminarayan tradition and has earned a PhD from MS University; Views presented are personal.