The birth celebrations of Aksharbrahman Gunatitanand Swami, the first spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, were held on Friday 18 October 2013 at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London.
The evening programme consisted of an array of bhajans, speeches and video presentations extolling the glory of Gunatitanand Swami’s life, work and key teachings.
Bhagwan Swaminarayan revealed in his teachings that Parabrahma lives on and works through Aksharbrahman in the form of the living guru, or Satpurush. Paramtattva Swami recounted notable occasions where Bhagwan Swaminarayan reiterated this principle and explicitly identified Gunatitanand Swami as the personified form of Aksharbrahman.
Satyavrat Swami further elucidated upon Gunatitanand Swami as the first of the Gunatit Gurus and how that lineage continues today through Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
In keeping with tradition, five artis were performed as a part of the festivities, allowing all those present in the assembly, including children, youths and senior devotees, to participate.
The mahilas organised a similar festival on the evening of Saturday 12 October 2013 with an equally enlightening programme. Drawing upon references from ancient Hindu scriptures, they highlighted the essential role of Aksharbrahma in one’s quest for spiritual liberation.
Young children recited some of the wise teachings of Gunatitanand Swami, and elaborated upon their inspiring and spiritually uplifting messages.
The celebrations concluded with a motivational speech that described how the current living form of Aksharbrahman is Pramukh Swami Maharaj. A vibrant and colourful dance programme was organised thereafter through which the ladies offered their devotion.