Brahmaswarup Yogiji Maharaj, the fourth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, was born in the village of Dhari in Gujarat on 23 May 1892. His life of purity and devotion, his child-like innocence and selfless love, and his exuberant and charming personality, captivated the hearts of young and elderly alike.
The 125th birth anniversary of Yogiji Maharaj was joyously marked on Tuesday 23 May (also the actual birthdate according to the Hindu calendar) at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London.
The evening programme began with devotional singing by youths which illustrated Yogiji Maharaj’s enthusiasm for spirituality and service. Sadhus elaborated further on Yogiji Maharaj’s life thereafter through a montage of discourses that drew upon inspiring incidents from his life. Video presentations of Yogiji Maharaj’s visit to the UK in 1970 invoked cherished memories for senior devotees.
Addressing the gathering Dixit Joshi, Managing Director at Deutsche Bank said: “We live in increasingly uncertain and unpredictable times. We have seen upheavals of political leadership occur with more frequency – look at this weeks events in Brazil, or last year in Turkey, the US, or even here in Britain.
“It is precisely at times like this that we need the balance, the perspective and the anchor that our Hindu values provides.”
Special assemblies were also held on Saturday 20 May to celebrate Yogiji Maharaj’s life. Children learned of his exemplary virtues of discipline, honesty and courage from when he was a child himself.
The Kishore Mandal explored the teachings and messages of Yogiji Maharaj through heart-warming experiences of devotees. The Sanyukta Mandal contributed to the festivities with a musical journey through his life.
Sadhus also shared their own perspective and wisdom of Yogiji Maharaj and encouraged everyone to apply his example for their own personal spiritual advancement.
