A historic discourse based on the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita Swaminarayan Bhashyam was held on the banks of the sacred Indradyumna Sarovar. Bhagwan Swaminarayan graced this ancient pilgrim place with his divine presence in 1797–1798 CE (Samvat 1853–1854). During his six-month stay in Jagannath Puri, Bhagwan Swaminarayan further sanctified the sarovar on numerous occasions by bathing in its holy waters. In memory of his stay at this holy place, a small shrine has been constructed in which the divine murtis of Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj have been consecrated. Commemorating Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s talks of Akshar-Purushottam that might have transpired at this location, a historic discourse was organized in the presence of distinguished scholars of East India.
After welcoming and garlanding all the scholars, Atmatruptdas Swami conveyed the significance of the Indradyumna Sarovar as well as the history of the Akshar-Purushottam Darshan’s vibrant growth. Thereafter, Mahamahopadhyay Bhadreshdas Swami elaborated on the verse 54 of chapter 18 of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita. After first reciting its commentary, he conveyed the verse’s contextual reference, spiritual significance and practical implications in a scholarly Sanskrit manner. The discourse culminated with a poignant discussion as all the scholars candidly expressed their experience and emotions. Shri Harekrishna Shathapathiji concluded the event with his address, in which he stated, “Today, my 20 years of doubt and questioning have been solved. I used to explain that the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita is a journey from despair to bliss. But I was unclear on how to attain this bliss. I tried by searching where the word ‘prasad’ is found within the Gita, but I was still not content. In today’s lecture, which was based on the Akshar-Purushottam Darshan, I learned that when one becomes brahmarup one attains ‘prasad’, meaning bliss. After hearing this, like Arjuna, my disillusion has been destroyed and I am overjoyed. Now, we scholars will all endorse and spread the Akshar-Purushottam Darshan. We are soldiers of the Akshar-Purushottam Darshan.” All the scholars present unanimously and joyously applauded thereby expressing their delight and support for Shathapathiji’s experience and perspective.