On the life and works of Swami Sahajānanda, 1781-1830, founder of the Swaminarayan sect.

Vacanāmr̥ta of Swami Sahajānanda, 1781-1830, work on Swaminarayan.

An Introduction to Swaminarayan Hindu Theology provides a comprehensive doctrinal account of the Swaminarayan tradition's belief system, drawing on its rich corpus of theological literature, including the teachings of Swaminarayan himself and classical commentaries on canonical Vedāntic texts.

Bhagwan Swaminarayan incarnated on the Earth in the latter half of the eighteenth century, a time that is aptly considered one of the darkest periods in history. Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s achievements in religion, society and education were absolutely herculean in nature, considering his short lifespan of 49 years and the acute anarchy that afflicted India at the time. Many intellectuals, after recognizing Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s achievements in the fields of society and religion, have established Him as a grand reformer. Some go one step further and identify Him as a divine personage. Moreover, a large number of people consider Him an incarnation equal to Bhagwan Ram and Bhagwan Krishna. In actuality, however, He is the Supreme God. At the tender age of 11, Bhagwan Swaminarayan left His home and began His journey of spiritual revival throughout India. From the Himalayas to Kanyakumari, from Jagganath Puri to Loj and through harsh winters, monsoons and summers, His journey spanned more than 12,000 Kilometers and lasted for more than seven years. He endured these conditions barefoot and wearing nothing but a loincloth. He finally settled in Gujarat and became the head of the holy fellowship at the very young age of twenty-one. In less than three decades, He founded the fastest-growing holy fellowship ever, comprising more than 1800 saints, 800 female ascetics and over 500,000 disciples. Six magnificent temples were constructed by the holy fellowship and more than 100 scriptures and 30,000 kirtans were composed. Most importantly, Bhagwan Swaminarayan was worshipped as Supreme God by hundreds of thousands devotees during His lifetime. If, without any prejudice or preconceived notion, one attempts to evaluate the life and work of Bhagwan Swaminarayan in context of that era, one will invariably be convinced about His Supreme divinity. We sincerely hope this book will help anyone in do so. This book is a humble attempt to delve into the glory of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. It depicts Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s biography and His unparalleled work as a reformer in social, religious, educational and economic fields. The five pillars of the holy fellowship (i.e. Disciples, Saints, Acharya, Temples and Scriptures) are explained, along with a brief note on philosophy. Twenty-nine unique personality traits of Bhagwan Swaminarayan are described. Finally, various scholars’ opinions of Bhagwan Swaminarayan are noted. Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s life, action, vision and personality were so unique, unparalleled, limitless, incomprehensible, charming and thoughtful that it is impossible to provide a complete account, but this book is a humble attempt to present His glory to anyone interested in learning about it. The responsibility for any mistakes and for any ideas expressed herein is mine alone. I have already been rewarded in this project by the sheer joy and satisfaction I have derived by being given the opportunity to study various scriptures and books related to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and considered myself fortunate to be a part of this book. There were many books used for reference as mentioned in bibliography, but the below three books were used extensively and deserve special recognition: 1. “Contribution of Swaminarayan Sampraday to Gujarat in nineteenth century” (in Gujarati) by Rashmiben Tribhuvanbhai Vyas. 1st edition published by Shri Swaminarayan Gurukul, Rajkot in 1997. 2. “Swami Sahajanand athawa Swaminarayan Sampradaya” (in Gujarati) by Kishorelal Mashruwala. 2nd Edition published by Navjivan Prakashan, Amdavad in 1940. 3. “Sri Swami Narayan” by Manilal C Parekh. 2nd Edition published by Sri Bhagwat Dharma Mission House, Rajkot in 1960. Throughout this book, some original terms whose translation cannot convey the intended meaning have been italicized. The glossary explains each word with a brief definition. This book is the product of the blessings of saints and intense teamwork.

It is a great pleasure for us to publish the spiritual scripture Vachanamrutam translated in English, by the grace of Purna Purushottam Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan. There is an acute demand for English Vachanamrutam, not only from the devotees from India and abroad but also from other learned persons interested in philosophical literature, specially in the philosophy professed by Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan Mahaprabhu. Shri Swaminarayan Gurukul, Rajkot has published a number of religious and philosophical books. Further Shikshapatri has been published duly translated in English and this book will be an appreciable addition not only to the literature of Shree Swaminarayan Mission, but also to the Philosophical Literature of the World. It was the desire of Reverend Pujya Sadguru Shastriji Maharaj, Shri Dharmajivandasji Swami, the founder of Shri Swaminarayan Gurukul, Rajkot and its branches, to get the Vachanamrutam translated in English. Rev. Purani Swami Shri Premprakashdasji was also giving inspiration for this important translation. By their blessings and resultant God's grace, the Vachanamrutam, translated in English is now published by shri Swaminarayan Gurukul, Rajkot. Pujya Shastriji Maharaj always emphasised the need of reading Vachanamrutam daily and for understanding the same. His method of explaining the underlying principles of Vachanamrutam was extraordinary and unique. At this juncture, I am pleased to note here that the translation of Vachanamrutam done by Late Dr. Jagmohandas J. Mody was handed over by him to this Gurukul for publication, thro' Shri Mahendrabhai Shelat, the Late editor of Sadvidya. The most valuable services rendered by Dr. Shri Jagmohandas Mody for this will ever be remembered. He has done this translation in his retired life with deep interest. Further his eldest son Dr. Shri Raghuvirbhai Mody has also taken the opportunity of rendering some monetary services fot this publication. May Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan bestow eternal peace to Late Dr. J. J. Mody in His divine abode Akshardham and give happiness and affinity to our holy fellowship to all his sons Dr. Shri Raghuvirbhai Mody, Shri Kunjviharibhai Mody, Dr. Vibhakarbhai Mody and Shri Sudhakarbhai Mody and his family. Shri Mahendrabhai Nandlal Shelat has minutely gone thro' the translation and has rendered good services for editing and carrying out necessary additions and alterations in the translation of Vachanamrutam and also in the Introductory Chapter to put the translation in proper and final form for publication. He had also compiled the informative Index and translated the Vachanamrutam, known as 'Khagol-Bhugol' Vachanamrutam. May Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan bestow eternal peace to Late M.N. Shelat in His Akshardham and give happiness to his son Ambarish and bestow more strength for rendring services for Shri Swaminarayan Mission. I am glad to note here that the introductory chapter has been translated by Hon. Justice Shri S. D. Dave the High Court Judge, of Gujarat High Court, sparing valuable time from his active busy life. May the choicest blessings of Bhagwan shri Swaminarayan be showered on him and his family for all kinds of happiness and for still higher achievements in life. Here I take the special note of our institute Hyderabad Gururul where computerised type setting has been done accurately and carefully for this third crown size edition. Moreover Swami Laxminarayandasji the editor of 'Sadvidya' has taken the special care for proof checking and page setting work. He also tried his best to revise as well as to review this translation and has corrected some references wherever required. May Lord shree Swaminarayan give him more strength for rendering services for Religious literature. Our elderly Saint Pujyapad Shri Jogi Swami Shri Hariprakashdasji who has the references of all the Vachanamrutams on the tip of his tongue and who is always engrossed in meditation and devotion conveys his blessings to all who have given services for this publication directly or indirectly and to all other devotees and readers of this Vanchanamrutam. At this juncture I hope this english translation of the Vachanamrutam would be instructive and inspiring to all for achieving the final goal of life.

An Introduction to Swaminarayan Hinduism, third edition, offers a comprehensive study of a contemporary form of Hinduism. Begun as a revival and reform movement in India 200 years ago, it has now become one of the fastest growing and most prominent forms of Hinduism. The Swaminarayan Hindu transnational network of temples and institutions is expanding in India, East Africa, the UK, USA, Australasia, and in other African and Asian cities. The devotion, rituals, and discipline taught by its founder, Sahajanand Swami (1781-1830) and elaborated by current leaders in major festivals, diverse media, and over the Internet, help preserve ethnic and religious identity in many modern cultural and political contexts. Swaminarayan Hinduism, here described through its history, divisions, leaders, theology and practices, provides valuable case studies of contemporary Hinduism, religion, migrants, and transnationalism. This new edition includes up-to-date information about growth, geographic expansion, leadership transitions, and impact of Swaminarayan institutions in India and abroad.