Lineage of Shree Swaminarayan Bhagwan

In the Vachanamrit (Vadtal 18), Shreeji Maharaj explains the importance of knowing one’s Guru Parampara (lineage). If one is asked about this, a response is immediately given.

Shree Ramanand Swami was the incarnation of Uddhav. He received Vaishnavi Diksha from Shree Ramanuj Acharya, personally, while in a dream-state. Thus, Ramanuj Acharya is Ramanand Swami’s Guru. Shreeji Maharaj is the disciple and successor of Ramanand Swami. In Vadtal, on Prabodhini Ekadashi of Vikram Samvat 1882, after due deliberation, Shreeji Maharaj adopted His nephews Ayodhyaprasadji Pande and Raghuveerji Pande as His sons. Establishing the two Gadis, NarNarayan Dev Gadi at Ahmedabad and LaxmiNarayan Dev Gadi at Vadtal, Shreeji Maharaj instructed the two brothers to draw lots to decide who would be seated on which Gadi. He then instructed all followers present to perform poojan of their respective Acharyas.

Ayodhyaprasadji Maharaj was appointed the inaugural Acharya of the NarNarayan Dev Gadi (also known as the Uttar Vibhag – Northern division), while Raghuveerji Maharaj became the inaugural Acharya of the LaxmiNarayan Dev Gadi (also known as the Dakshin Vibhag – Southern division).It is worth recalling the event when Suvasinibhabhi, his sister-in-law, was bathing Ghanshyam Maharaj. She noticed various symbols on the soles of His feet. When Ghanshyam Maharaj asked what she was looking at, Suvasinibhabhi replied that Baapuji mentioned the lines on his feet indicated he would be a king in the future. Ghanshyam Maharaj calmly replied that if that were the case, he would give his kingdom to her son.

The current Acharya of the NarNarayan Dev Gadi at Ahmedabad is His Holiness Acharya Shri Koshlendraprasadji Maharaj.

The method for appointing future Acharyas is enshrined in the document known as Desh Vibhag No Lekh. This document, which has withstood the test of time, provides instructions primarily to the Acharyas, with specific directions for ordinary followers as well.

Acharya Shree Ayodhyaprasadji Maharaj

Ayodhyaprasadji Maharaj was the first Acharya of the Ahmedabad seat of the Swaminarayan sect. According to a document prepared by Shree Hari on the divisions of the sect based on regional considerations, Ayodhyaprasadji Maharaj was entrusted by Shree Hari with the responsibility of implementing these divisions. He was born in the village of Chapaiya. His father, Rampratapji Pande, was the elder brother of Shree Sahajanand Swami. Ayodhyaprasadji Maharaj was known for his politeness and humility. He remained unaffected by pride or position. His long and continuous association with Shree Hari revealed many admirable qualities in him. His self-righteousness and sense of realization were always at their peak.

Once, Acharya Maharaj was deeply engrossed in the worship of Bhagwan, performing a ritual known as ‘Manasipooja’ at Avadhbhuvan. He transcended all bodily sensations and physical existence. Meanwhile, a scorpion crawled on his back, and despite several bites that left reddish scars, he continued his worship without complaint. It was only after about an hour that he felt the sensation of an insect bite. The devotees were shocked at the painful sight, but Acharya Maharaj pacified them by saying that every creature behaves according to its nature and personality. The scorpion did the same. As humans, we should behave like human beings. He was perhaps the finest example of human qualities such as flexibility and absorption in spiritual matters.

Acharya Maharaj was committed to the principle of equality. He never discriminated among his devotees and followers based on their social or economic status. He was a highly learned individual who loved learning and learners. He was also gifted with poetic excellence. Many of the lyrics he composed are still sung in various temples today. He wrote a commentary in Sanskrit on ‘Satsangijivan’ titled ‘Tatvarth Deepika.’ The structure of the haveli in Ahmedabad is the result of his vision. He was actively involved in establishing various temples in places like Bamroli, Idar, Siddhpur, Mandvi – Kutch, Chapaiya, and more. He started a Sanskrit teaching school in Ahmedabad in accordance with Shree Hari’s command as stated in the holy book ‘Shikshapatri.’

Acharya Maharaj chose his son, Keshavprasadji Maharaj, as his successor to the seat. He served the seat for 42 years and brought glory to the sect. His life and times exemplify the legendary age of the Swaminarayan sect.

Acharya Shree Keshavprasadji Maharaj

Keshavprasaji Maharaj, the son of Ayodhyaprasadji, was born in Ahmedabad at his ancestral house near Rangmohal. He was endowed with all the divine qualities of his holy family. His youthful energies were devoted to worship and devotion, and he followed in his father’s footsteps, continuously serving the seat. After succeeding as the Acharya of the seat, he faithfully and religiously observed every tradition of the sect.

Though he had a somewhat short temper, this never hindered his performance as an Acharya. He was equally kind by nature and always encouraged learning and scholarship. He often kept the company of learned sadhus and saints during his religious journeys.

He played a significant role in the writing of the Sanskrit commentary on the ‘Satsangi Bhushan’ and always promoted literary endeavors. Many kings from the erstwhile princely states such as Dhrangadhra, Morvi, Vankaner, Limbadi, Vadhvan, Malia, and Bhuj-Kutch were brought into the holy fold at his behest. His efforts resulted in the establishment of various temples in Karachi, Prantij, Manasa, Dabhan, Charadwa, Visnagar, and elsewhere. The construction of assembly halls at the temples of Ahmedabad, Muli, Dholka, and Jetalpur are also attributed to him.

Acharya Maharaj served the seat for nearly twenty-two years and selected his son, Purshottamprasadji, as his successor to serve the seat.

Acharya Shree Purshottamprasadji Maharaj

Purushottamprasaddasji Maharaj, the third Acharya of the Shree Nar-Narayan Dev Gadi, was somewhat hot-tempered but also very loving and expressive by nature. He found it difficult to tolerate even the slightest dishonor towards worship and devotion. He traveled extensively through various towns and villages to propagate the ideals preached by Shree Hari. He encouraged literature and creativity and inspired various construction and architectural works at different temples. He was very energetic in creating wealth for the temples to ensure their survival and maintenance were never adversely affected.

Purushottamprasaddasji had no progeny of his own. Hence, he adopted Vasudevprasadji, the son of Kashiprasadji Pande, and made him his successor. He served the seat for nearly twelve years before passing away.

Acharya Shree Vasudevprasadji Maharaj

Acharya Shree Vasudevprasadji was born to Shree Kashiprasadji, a descendant of Rampratapji Pande, the elder brother of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. As his predecessor Purushottamprasaddasji had no son, he adopted Vasudevprasadji. Being a minor at the time of his succession, the trustees managed the administrative affairs until he reached adulthood. Vasudevprasadji was well-versed in Sanskrit and Prakrit literature and scriptures, and proficient in the English language. He celebrated the centenary of the Shikshapatri, the sacred scripture taught by Bhagwan Swaminarayan, at the Ahmedabad temple. The Shikshapatri anniversary continues to be celebrated annually.

Acharya Vasudevprasadji toured various towns and villages in the northern region with a distinguished group of learned saints, singers, and other devotees. Many villagers fondly remember those golden days. The Swaminarayan sect honors him as a legend for all time. Acharya Maharaj served for 36 years and chose his son, Devendraprasadji, as his successor.

Acharya Shree Devendraprasadji Maharaj

Devendraprasadji, son of Acharya Vasudevprasadji Maharaj, was born in Ahmedabad on the auspicious day of Sharad Purnima. He was regarded as an incarnation of the full moon, possessing a cool head, calm heart, and many other virtues. Under his able leadership, the devotional pursuits of the Swaminarayan sect flourished immensely. Devendraprasadji studied Sanskrit at a very young age and could compose verses in the language. He was equally comfortable with Prakrit (Gujarati) and English, and had a deep appreciation for music. Despite not being physically robust, his stamina and willpower were legendary, enabling him to undertake the most arduous tasks with ease.

At only fourteen, he succeeded to his position. The trustees initially managed the administrative affairs, yet his skills quickly became evident. He was instrumental in the construction of various facilities for saints and devotees, including many buildings. One of his most significant achievements was donating all the objects that had been used by Shree Hari, which he possessed, to charity. Devotees are deeply inspired by the sight of these holy and historic objects.

He was also a great patron of literature. The Gujarati translations of three holy scriptures, Satsangi Jeevan and Hari Krishna Lilamrit, are available to us thanks to his efforts and encouragement. It is believed that the religious literature produced during the tenure of Acharya Devendraprasadji has no parallel in the history of the sect. He was keenly interested in promoting education and established the Devendraprasadji Education Trust. Sahajanand Arts and Commerce Colleges are its offshoots. He had three sons and two daughters, the eldest of whom, Tejendraprasadji, succeeded him as the leader of the Swaminarayan sect.

Acharya Shree Tejendraprasadji Maharaj

His Holiness 1008 Shree Tejendraprasadji Maharajshri, the Acharya of the NarNarayan Dev Gadi, Ahmedabad, was appointed by his father, the Late Acharya Maharaj 1008 Shree Devendraprasadji Maharajshri. He was enthroned as Acharya on Aaso Sud 2, Vikram Samvat 2025 (October 13, 1969).

His Holiness assumed the responsibilities of the Sampraday at the age of 14, following the orders of Acharya Shree Devendraprasadji Maharaj. Accompanied by learned saints, His Holiness traveled to East Africa to nurture the Satsang community there.

In a manner reminiscent of his great-grandfather, His Holiness relinquished his further studies to care for Acharya Maharajshri Devendraprasadji Maharaj during his ill-health, just as Ghanshyam Maharaj had cared for His parents during their times of ill-health.

His Holiness is known for his kindness, peacefulness, justice, and love towards all. Despite the pressures of the ever-expanding Sampraday, he never shows signs of fatigue and consistently honors requests from followers to attend festivals and padhramnis (ceremonial visits). Supported by HH Lalji Maharajshri (Acharya-Designate) Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj, who has taken up many Satsang propagation duties, Acharya Maharajshri instills the same ideals of Satsang seva (service) in his grandson, Bal Lalji Maharajshri Vrajendraprasadji Maharaj.

In over 30 years of dedicated service to the Sampraday, His Holiness’ accomplishments are too numerous to list here. The following is a summary of the facts detailed in Dharma Setu, His Holiness’ biography, produced in 1994 during the Silver Jubilee & Golden Jubilee Festival:

Educational Establishments:

• Accommodating over 8,000 male and female students
  • Shree Sahajanand Arts & Commerce College
  • Shree Swaminarayan Vidyaalay (Boarding), Bhuj
  • Shree Sahajanand Elementary School
  • Shree Sahajanand Primary School
  • Shree Sahajanand High School
  • Shree Sahajanand Multi-Course Academy
  • Shree Sahajanand Vaanijay Mahavidyaalay (Commerce College)

Gurukuls/Sanskar Dhams:

• Located in Asaarva, Abu, Jhilvana, Gandhidham, Kalol, Jetalpur, Koteshwar, Mandvi, Chiloda, Idar, Rampur, Saayla, Siddhpur, etc.

NarNarayan Dev Yuvak Mandal (NNDYM):

• His Holiness established branches of the NNDYM across the Northern Zone, under the careful and strategic guidance of HH Lalji Maharajshri (Acharya-Designate) Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj. The organization’s membership includes tens of thousands of youth from diverse backgrounds—students, professionals, businesspersons, etc. Activities include tree planting, blood donation camps, religious camps, conferences, seminars, workshops, and processions.

International Swaminarayan Satsang Organisation (ISSO):

• Established by His Holiness on Vijya Dashmi in 1978 in the USA. Today, the organization spans the world, with active groups on all continents, particularly in the USA and UK, where regular camps and conferences nurture the young and mold them into worthy satsangis (devotees) of the future.

Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan’s 200th Birthday Celebrations:

• In 1981, numerous celebrations were held to commemorate the Bi-Centennial birthday of Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan. Major celebrations took place in Ahmedabad, Bhuj, and Muli. The renowned Pundit Late Dongreji Maharaj recited the Shreemad Bhagwat Katha at the Ahmedabad festival, where hundreds of thousands of devotees gathered. His Holiness then traveled to Kutch and presided over the festival in Bhuj, followed by a grand celebration in Muli.

His Holiness Acharya Maharajshri’s Silver & Golden Jubilee Festival:

• In 1994, His Holiness completed 25 years as Acharya of the Northern Zone and reached his 50th birthday. The Sampraday celebrated this momentous occasion, and, following His Holiness’ directive, any funds raised were used to reconstruct the dilapidated temple at the birthplace of Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan in Chhapaiya. The new temple now stands as a testament to Shreeji Maharaj’s glory.

HH Lalji Maharajshri correctly taught us during the Silver & Golden Jubilee Festival to pray to Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan that we may never be without indebtedness to His Holiness Acharya Maharajshri. His sacrifices for this Sampraday and for us satsangis are beyond contemplation. Long may His Holiness lead us out of the darkness of spiritual ignorance and away from the temptations of this material world.

Acharya Shree Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj (Current Acharya)

Yada Yada Hi Dharmasya Glanir Bhavati Bharat

“Whenever and wherever there is a decline in dharma and the dominance of wicked actions, I incarnate Myself; to protect the good and to destroy evil, I manifest from time to time.”
(Srimad Bhagwad Gita)

In Purushottamprakash, Sadguru Nishkuland Swami explains this verse:

Māṭē sahu dharmakuḷa mānajō, sahu karajō ēnī sēva
an'ya jana jēvā ē nahi, ē chē jāṇajō mōṭā dēva

“All shall believe in the Dharmakul and serve it;
They are not ordinary beings but great deities.”
(Doha verse 40, Purushottamprakash)

The Swaminarayan Sampraday has a unique heritage of leadership originating from Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan. The Dharmakul lineage includes incarnations, starting with the first Acharya of the Ahmedabad Gadi, Shree Ayodhyaprasadji Maharaj, an incarnation of SheshNarayan. Successive Acharyas, sent from Akshardham, have continued this lineage, leading us spiritually.

Currently, His Holiness 1008 Shree Tejendraprasadji Maharajshri leads us, appointed by his father, the Late Acharya Maharaj 1008 Shree Devendraprasadji Maharajshri. He was enthroned on Aaso Sud 2, Vikram Samvat 2025 (October 13, 1969). At the age of 14, he began nurturing the Satsang community, traveling even to East Africa. Following his great-grandfather’s example, he cared for his father during his ill-health, sacrificing his studies.

His Holiness is known for his kindness and dedication, handling the Sampraday’s growth without showing fatigue. Supported by HH Lalji Maharajshri (Acharya-Designate) Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj, who manages Satsang propagation duties, he instills these values in his grandson, Bal Lalji Maharajshri Vrajendraprasadji Maharaj.

Achievements:

• Educational Establishments:
  • Accommodating over 8,000 students.
  • Institutions include Shree Sahajanand Arts & Commerce College, Shree Swaminarayan Vidyaalay (Bhuj), and various schools and academies.
• Gurukuls/Sanskar Dhams:
  • Located in Asaarva, Abu, Gandhidham, and other places.
• NarNarayan Dev Yuvak Mandal (NNDYM):
  • Established across the Northern Zone, fostering youth engagement through satsang activities and social initiatives.
• International Swaminarayan Satsang Organisation (ISSO):
  • Founded in 1978, with active groups worldwide, particularly in the USA and UK.
• Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan’s 200th Birthday Celebrations:
  • Major events held in Ahmedabad, Bhuj, and Muli in 1981.
• Silver & Golden Jubilee Festival:
  • In 1994, celebrated 25 years as Acharya and his 50th birthday, using funds for temple reconstruction in Chhapaiya.

HH Lalji Maharajshri has introduced groundbreaking initiatives like the Jay Shree Swaminarayan TV series, demonstrating his dedication and vision for the sampraday. His philosophy emphasizes surrendering to the lotus feet of Lord Shri Hari to achieve success in all endeavors.

Lalji Maharajshri’s achievements, though vast, only partially capture his greatness. He has accomplished more than any Bhavi Acharya before him, leading us into a new era of satsang.

Let us honor our new Acharya, Shri Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj Pande, and follow his guidance to better the world through service and the message of “sarva jiva hitava” (benefit of all living beings), seeking ultimate salvation.

Our Duty: “You two, who hold the Gadees, have been appointed spiritual preceptors; hence all Sadhus, Brahmacharis, Palas, and followers shall remain obedient and serve you. Honour the preceptors of Dharmadev’s line for your soul’s salvation. Any deviation will result in suffering.”
(Desh Vibhaag Lekh, paragraph 10)