Welcome to another chapter in the life of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. This week we will look at highlights of 1961 to1971. You can find a more detailed account on www.baps.org
Gadhada kalash Festival: May 1961
The beautiful marble Akshar-Purushottam Mandir in Gadhada was complete and the kalash pots were to be placed on top of the spires. As the scriptures state, they contain nectar of elixir: “May those who see the kalash be blessed with and eternal place in Akshardham.” During the celebrations, over 40,000 devotees attended, and 51 educated youths were blessed by Yogiji Maharaj and Swamishri as they were initiated into the sadhu fold. This included Sadhu Keshavjivandas (later, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj).
Beginning of new Mumbai Mandir: 1961
The Sanstha officially acquired a property that Yogiji Maharaj had set his eyes upon, opposite Dadar Railway Station. Thus, the foundations of the mandir in Dadar, Mumbai were laid.
Guru agna despite loss of beloved mala
Swamishri had been gifted a mala by Shastriji Maharaj, which had also been sanctified by Bhagwan Swaminarayan himself. Once an individual tricked Swamishri into giving it to him by saying he wants to borrow it for a few minutes. Once when Swamishri was performing puja in Ahmedabad, Yogiji Maharaj came holding the hand of that individual, and said: “From now on, don’t think of receiving the sanctified mala back. Take blessings!” Swamishri instantly replied: “Very well. I received it as per your wish; now if such is your wish, then let the mala remain with him.”
There is only one guru: 1965
One morning, Swamishri passed by his sevak, who was performing his daily puja. Swamishri noticed that the sadhu had kept his (Swamishri’s) murti in his puja. Swamishri instantly leaned forward, took the photo, tore it up and threw it away. He explained: “As long as there is Yogiji Maharaj, you can never keep the photo of anyone else. Believe only one as your guru.”
Yogiji Maharaj Amrut Mahotsav: 1967
Under the able leadership of Pramukh Swami, the BAPS Sanstha celebrated the 75th birth anniversary of Guru Yogiji Maharaj in Gondal. Despite the challenges, Pramukh Swami left no stone unturned in ensuring the success of the festival, playing a key role in ensuring that adequate water supplies were in place to cater for the tens of thousands of devotees who attended.
Swamishri’s first birthday celebrations in Mumbai: 1968
Pramukh Swami’s first birthday celebration took place in Mumbai when he was 48 years old in Mumbai. Despite his protests, Yogiji Maharaj insisted that Swamishri stay back in Mumbai for the evening festival celebrations. On this occasion, Yogiji Maharaj explained the glory of Pramukh Swami and blessed him that he would initiate 700 sadhu in the future..
BAPS Humanitarian work: 1969
The year of 1969 witnessed many areas around Gujarat severely affected by a drought. As part of the relief work for this callous calamity, the Sanstha undertook the responsibility of sheltering and providing for 700 cows for six months. In later years and many humanitarian projects later, BAPS’s reputation as a world class emergency relief provider was recognised.
Bhadra Mandir opening: 1969
Under the able leadership and guidance of Pramukh Swami, a spired mandir was established at the birthplace of Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami in Bhadra. Swamishri himself toiled for two months to ensure the digging of wells and the construction of a pipeline to ensure adequate water supplies.
Last Visit to Africa by Yogiji Maharaj: February to June 1970
Yogiji Maharaj, Swamishri and sadhus left Mumbai for Nairobi in February 1970. A new Mandir was consecrated by Yogiji Maharaj in Nairobi. During their stay in East Africa for 108 days, the sadhus travelled across Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya. Since their last visit in 1960, satsang in East Africa had expanded and was full of dedication. Towards the end of this trip, in Mombasa, Yogiji Maharaj was given an outstanding gift – some around 20 youths were ready to be initiated as sadhus!
Establishing Satsang in Europe: May to July 1970
Yogiji Maharaj wanted to visit London, but was reluctant because of the cold climate. However, he managed to extract a promise from the devotees in London to establish a small mandir. This was the first visit by any Swaminarayan sadhus to the UK. At the time, there was a small community of Indians already spread over various cities. Yogiji Maharaj opened the first BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir on western soil in Islington in the heart of London. He also sanctified the River Thames. The stay in UK lasted 46 days with Yogiji Maharaj predicting that there would be many more mandirs in Europe. A small group of sadhus later left for USA. Yogiji Maharaj further predicted that there would soon be a mandir built in New York in 2 to 4 years and that Pramukh Swami would come to open it. The sadhus returned to India in July 1970.
Yogiji Maharaj departs for Akshardham: 23 January 1971
Yogiji Maharaj’s health was now deteriorating quite rapidly. At one stage, he also gave his puja to Swamishri. In Gondal, when his health took turn for the worse, doctors suggested that he be moved to Mumbai for treatment. Unfortunately, on 23 January 1971, he left his mortal body and departed for Akshardham, leaving a well-structured and deeply rooted Satsang community in the capable hands of Pramukh Swami, who now assumed the spiritual leadership as well as the administrative leadership of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha as previously instructed by Yogiji Maharaj.
At that time, BAPS had around 70 mandirs and a large following in India and East Africa, and around 150 sadhus.
