Shree Hari Naad-vansh Namnaashtak

During the Dvi-shat Rajat Mahotsav, Acharya Swamishree presented the Naad-vansh Namnaashtak at the lotus feet of Shree Ghanshyam Maharaj. These eight verses (ashtak), composed by Acharya Swamishree, magnificently describe the glory of Lord Shree Swaminarayan's supreme, divine heritage – our Guruparampara.

Acharya Swamishree presents the Naad-vansh Namnaashtak at the lotus feet of Shree Ghanshyam Maharaj

In Hinduism, there are two schools of thought about who a spiritual leader's heir can be; his son (bindu-vansh), or who he determines to have the best qualities to take forward his ideals (naad-vansh). Lord Shree Swaminarayan decreed that His supreme spiritual lineage should be chosen from amongst His sants. Lord Shree Swaminarayan Himself appointed Sadguru Shree Gopalanand Swamibapa as His spiritual heir and in this manner, Lord Shree Swaminarayan initiated His Naad-vansh.

In this supreme Naad-vansh then came Sadguru Shree Nirgundasji Swamibapa, Sadguru Shree Ishwarcharandasji Swamibapa and Jeevanpran Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa. Jeevanpran Swamibapa decreed that His heir, the sovereign of Shree Swaminarayan Gadi, is to be Acharya Swamishree. Hence, Lord Shree Swaminarayan's Naad-vansh is personified today through Acharya Swamishree.

Acharya Swamishree has encapsulated the unsurpassed grandeur of our Guruprampara in this Naad-vansh Namnaashtak. Therefore, it should be learnt by all in order to gain a greater appreciation of the supremacy of Lord Shree Swaminarayan's divine lineage of spiritual heirs. Acharya Swamishree has mercifully given us this holy prayer, with which to pay homage to our sublime Naad-vansh Guruparampara. The Naad-vansh Namnaashtak will be recited by sants and disciples when ceremonies are being performed.