The World Sanskrit Conference is a prestigious international gathering dedicated to the Sanskrit language – a celebration of one of the world’s most ancient and profound languages. Held every three years in different countries, the conference brings together thousands of scholars from around the globe to present research and engage in meaningful dialogue on Sanskrit language, literature, and philosophy.
This year, the 19th edition of the five-day conference was inaugurated by the President of Nepal. Reflecting Nepal’s sacred connection to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, the organizers dedicated a special session to the Akshar-Purushottam Darshan – the unique Vedantic philosophy revealed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
In the late 18th century, Bhagwan Swaminarayan had journeyed across Nepal for nearly three years, sanctifying the land through his austerities, yogic practices, and divine knowledge. It was during this sacred journey that he expounded the core principles of the Akshar-Purushottam Darshan, which has since become a revered school of Vedantic thought.
On June 28, the special academic session on Akshar-Purushottam Darshan involved esteemed scholars from Nepal, India, the United States, China, Japan, and various European nations.
The session was chaired by Mahamahopadhyaya Swami Bhadreshdas, author of the Swaminarayan Bhashyas, a commentary on the Prasthanatrayi, and a globally recognized scholar of Vedanta. Many distinguished academics and institutional leaders graced the session, including:
-
Shri Kashinath Nyaupane – National Coordinator of the World Sanskrit Conference and renowned scholar from Nepal
-
Prof. Srinivasa Varakhedi – Vice Chancellor, Central Sanskrit University, Delhi
-
Prof. Murli Manohar Pathak – Vice Chancellor, Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit University, Delhi
-
Prof. G.S. Murthy – Vice Chancellor, Central Sanskrit University, Tirupati
-
Prof. Bhagyesh Jha – Renowned Sanskrit scholar and former IAS officer
-
Prof. Sukanta Senapati – Vice Chancellor, Shree Somnath Sanskrit University, Gujarat
-
Prof. Rani Sadashiv Murthy – Vice Chancellor, Vedic University, Tirupati
-
Prof. Hareram Tripathi – Vice Chancellor, Kavikulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit University, Nagpur
-
Prof. Ramsevak Dubey – Vice Chancellor, Jagadguru Ramanandacharya Rajasthan Sanskrit University
-
Prof. Vijay Kumar C.G. – Vice Chancellor, Maharshi Panini Sanskrit & Vedic University, Ujjain
-
Prof. Ramnarayan Dwivedi – Secretary General, Kashi Vidvat Parishad
-
Dr. Sachchidanand Mishra – Member Secretary, Indian Council of Philosophical Research (ICPR)
Representatives from several prominent Nepali organizations also attended, including Nepal Sanskrit University, Rashtriya Dharma Jagaran Abhiyan, Jayatu Sanskritam, Nepal Shikshan Parishad, Nepal Panchang Nirnayak Vikas Samiti, Nepal Pandit Mahasabha, Nepal Maharshi Vedic Foundation, and Valmiki Vidyapeeth.
A defining feature of this session was that the Akshar-Purushottam Darshan as revealed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan was formally introduced in Nepal to the scholarly community for the first time. On this historic occasion, Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj conveyed his blessings and prayers for the success of the entire conference through a heartfelt video message.
During the session, scholars presented research papers on various tenets of the Akshar-Purushottam Darshan. Topics and presenters included:
-
Prof. Dr. Atmatruptdas Swami: A Study on the Composition Process of the Swaminarayan Bhashyas on the Prasthanatrayi in 21st Century Sanskrit Literature
-
Prof. Dr. Aksharananddas Swami: The Akshar-Purushottam Darshan’s Analysis of Dharma in the Bhagavad Gita
-
Prof. Acharya Brahmananddas Swami: The Concept of Divine Manifestation in Akshar-Purushottam Darshan Revealed by Parabrahma Bhagwan Swaminarayan
-
Prof. Dr. Gnanatruptdas Swami: Akshar-Purushottam Darshan in the Vachanamrut of Bhagwan Swaminarayan
-
Prof. Dr. Sagar Acharya: The Unified Philosophical Structure of the Swaminarayan Bhashyas on the Prasthanatrayi from the Perspective of Aksharbrahma
-
Prof. Acharya Tarun Dhola: A Study on the Brahma-Parabrahma Relationship According to Akshar-Purushottam Darshan
-
Prof. Acharya Harikrishna Pedhadiya: An Analysis of Brahma-Atma Unity in the Gita Bhashya of Akshar-Purushottam Darshan
-
Acharya Tejas Koria: A Comparative Study of the Concept of Akshar in Vishishtadvaita and Akshar-Purushottam Darshan Based on the Bhagavad Gita
In his keynote remarks, Prof. Srinivasa Varakhedi praised the Akshar-Purushottam Siddhant revealed by Parabrahma Bhagwan Swaminarayan as a distinct and original contribution to the Vedic philosophical tradition. He further announced that the Central Sanskrit University has formally incorporated the Akshar-Purushottam Darshan into its curriculum from this academic year.
In his concluding address, Mahamahopadhyaya Swami Bhadreshdas emphasized the sanctity of Nepal, Bhagwan Swaminarayan journey, and the divine truths of the Akshar-Purushottam Darshan he shared with seekers. He also highlighted the unbroken flow of the Sanatan Vedic tradition, which continues to give rise to new insights and schools of thought over time.
Today, countless aspirants across the world are striving to internalize the principles of the Akshar-Purushottam Darshan. Leading scholars have recognized it as a unique and foundational contribution to Vedic Sanatan Dharma. Notably, numerous global universities are now offering courses and academic programs focused on this school of thought, furthering its reach and scholarly exploration.
To commemorate this occasion, Shri Kashinath Nyaupane, National Coordinator of the World Sanskrit Conference, formally declared, “Today, we in Nepal joyfully welcome, honor, and establish the Akshar-Purushottam Darshan.”
Thus, the special session on Akshar-Purushottam Darshan at the 19th World Sanskrit Conference became a memorable occasion – both from the perspective of Vedantic philosophy and the sacred bond between Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the spiritual land of Nepal.