From 5.00 pm to 8. 15 pm, a vast open ground near APMC Market on National Highway 48, Vadodara, became the venue of a spectacular celebration for the 92nd birthday of Mahant Swami Maharaj. It was celebrated with profound spiritual splendour. Nearly 200,000 devotees, well-wishers and around 800 BAPS swamis from India and abroad assembled to offer heartfelt tributes to Swamishri’s exemplary saintliness and selfless community services.
The colourful stage backdrop comprised giant decorated suns with photos of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the Guru Parampara, symbolizing the timeless source of divine light, compassion, and guidance for humanity.
The programme commenced with dhun and kirtan by BAPS swamis and youths, followed by a graceful thematic welcome dance for Swamishri.
The celebration was themed ‘Vande Guruparamparam, Vande Mahant Swaminam’, which portrayed the unbroken flow of divine wisdom from Bhagwan Swaminarayan to the present guru Mahant Swami Maharaj. After each drama performance, related to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the Guru Parampara, senior BAPS swamis delivered inspiring thematic discourses that highlighted the divine life, virtues, and contributions of Mahant Swami Maharaj.
Bhagwan Swaminarayan: Transformative Divine Presence
The opening segment unfolded with a drama about the transformative impact of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. The Gujarati literary stalwart Kavi Shri Dalpatram narrated his experience of the divine radiance of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. The presentation also briefly portrayed how Shriji Maharaj’s divinity transformed the dacoit Joban Pagi.
Aksharvatsaldas Swami then elaborated in his speech about Mahant’s Swami Maharaj’s divine impact on individuals and transformatory works in society.
Gunatitanand Swami: Power of His Speech
The next chapter highlighted the spiritual power of Gunatitanand Swami’s speech through a drama. Maharaja of Gondal Bhagvatsinhji narrated his profound experience about Swami’s discourses.
Atmatruptdas Swami related this legacy to the present, sharing incidents about how Mahant Swami Maharaj’s gentle yet spiritually powerful words impact the lives of countless aspirants.
Bhagatji Maharaj: His Brahmisthiti
The brahmisthiti (God-realized state) of Bhagatji Maharaj was portrayed through a drama about the renowned Sanskrit scholar Rangacharya’s testament.
Anandswarupdas Swami elaborated upon the presentation through incidents about Mahant Swami Maharaj’s God-realized state.
Shastriji Maharaj: Loyalty to Upasana
A powerful mime presentation by youths, based on Brahmanand Swami’s bhajan ‘Tek na mele re…’, portrayed Shastriji Maharaj’s unwavering resolve to uphold the Akshar-Purushottam siddhant in the face of stiff opposition. A drama presentation portrayed Shri Gulzarilal Nanda, former Prime Minister of India and Bharat Ratna awardee, sharing his personal account of Shastriji Maharaj’s indomitable spirit, moral courage, uncompromising adherence to truth, and as a living embodiment of Satyameva Jayate.
A video presentation reflected Shastriji Maharaj’s spiritual conviction today through Mahant Swami Maharaj, who remains firmly rooted in principles while guiding the BAPS Sanstha with quiet strength and humility.
Yogiji Maharaj: His Touching Humility
The monumental humility of Brahmaswarup Yogiji Maharaj was portrayed through a reflection by Padma Shri Dula Bhaya Kag, the celebrated Gujarati poet. A rendition of his bhajan ‘Jogi joyā jovā nu kāi na rahyu re…’ with an animated raas dance set the tempo of the story.
Building on this, Bhagwatsetudas Swami highlighted how Mahant Swami Maharaj continues Yogiji Maharaj’s vision today by nurturing children with values, spirituality, and character. He underscored how Mahant Swami Maharaj inspired over 15,000 children to memorize the Satsang Diksha shastra.
Children Living the Satsang Diksha: Values in Action
A deeply touching programme, anchored by Shri Dilipbhai Joshi, showcased how children, inspired by Mahant Swami Maharaj to memorize 315 slokas of the Satsang Diksha, imbibed the values of honesty, respect for parents, and hard work. Through video narratives and live presentations, children and families shared how these teachings transformed their lives and inspired others to pursue a value-based and spiritual life.
Each virtue was supported by children reciting appropriate Sanskrit shlokas from the Satsang Diksha, illustrating how scriptural wisdom is being lived under the inspiration of Mahant Swami Maharaj.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj: His Purity and Transformative Power
A short, riveting drama unfolded on the stage with a youth playing the role of Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Mr Kalam shared his experiences of Pramukh Swami Maharaj and claimed him to be his ultimate teacher and praised his profound humility.
Brahmaviharidas Swami narrated how the same humility shines through Mahant Swami Maharaj, who attributes all success to Bhagwan and the Guru Parampara and identifies himself simply as “das na das.”
Guinness World Records Recognition
A historic highlight of the evening celebration was the formal recognition by Guinness World Records for the ‘Largest Simultaneous Hindu Text Recitation’. Inspired by Mahant Swami Maharaj, over 15,000 children memorized all 315 Sanskrit shlokas of the Satsang Diksha within one year. Of these, 12,723 children present were acknowledged by officials of the Guinness World Records.
The honour was presented to Mahant Swami Maharaj by the adjudicator Mr Swapnil Dangarikar.
Addresses by Chief Guests
A message from the Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah was read during the assembly.
The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shri Mohan Yadav praised the Guru Parampara as an elixir and highlighted Mahant Swami Maharaj’s role in connecting the world with Sanatan values through satsang and service.
The Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Bhupendra Patel shared that satsang offered practical solutions to life’s challenges and described Mahant Swami Maharaj’s leadership as one that builds hearts and strengthens the three pillars of Sanatan Dharma, namely, saints, scriptures, and mandirs.
Pujya Doctor Swami shared, “May we live in accordance with the teachings prescribed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the Guru Parampara. If we uphold unity and harmony, success and peace will surely follow.”
BAPS Print Publications and Initiatives
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Insights from the Satsang Diksha by Mahant Swami Maharaj.
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When the World Sleeps by Soumyavadan Swami.
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Sixteen English audio books released on Akshar Amrutam App.
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A new album on the BAPS Kirtan Channel.
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Launch of BAPS Kids YouTube channel.
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Release of ‘Hetna Hastakshar’ calendar on baps.store.
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Dedication of a mobile school for the education of tribal children in Sabarkantha district, Gujarat.
Blessings of HH Mahant Swami Maharaj
The celebration climaxed with Mahant Swami Maharaj’s blessings. He humbly offered all honour and recognition at the feet of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the Guru Parampara. Swamishri said, “All this has happened by Bhagwan’s grace and compassion. He alone is the doer; we do nothing. Shastriji Maharaj established this Sanstha through Herculean efforts. Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami Maharaj carried it forward.
“Whatever honour bestowed here today I offer at the feet of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and all the Gunatit gurus. This recognition belongs to the children, swamis, volunteers, and parents. They have all worked tirelessly and with devotion.”
The Mahotsav concluded with the rituals of mantra-pushpanjali and arti. The devotees departed, inspired to live with humility, faith, unity, and selfless service as exemplified by Mahant Swami Maharaj.
Collective Effort
Preparations for the celebration spanned over three months, involving hundreds of BAPS swamis and 14,000 volunteers in 34 departments. The Vadodara Municipal Corporation provided generous support for security, safety, and civic services.
Devotees worldwide joined the celebration through live broadcasts on live.baps.org and Aastha Bhajan channel.