In Samvat 2029 Fagan Sud 3, the annual installation anniversary of Shree Ghanshyam Maharaj at Shree Swaminarayan Temple, Maninagar was celebrated. Shreemad-acharya-pravar Jeevanpran Swamibapa then led a group of disciples on a salvation-granting pilgrimage (Moksh-dayi-yatra) of Northern India Samvat 2029 from Fagan Sud 5 to Fagan Vad 13 (Friday 9th March to Sunday 1st April 1973). The pilgrimage entourage left Maninagar by coach. There were twenty coaches for the devotees and two coaches for the sants.

The pilgrimage passed through many villages and towns, where Jeevanpran Swamibapa held assemblies before arriving in Kashi, where an unprecedented event took place. The eminent scholars of Kashi held a special assembly in honour of Jeevanpran Swamibapa. During this extraordinary assembly, the Mayor of Banaras, Shree Puranchandra Pathak presented the City Award to Jeevanpran Swamibapa. The scholars presented Jeevanpran Swamibapa with two honorary titles, ‘Ved-shastra-sanrakshak’ and ‘Vishwa-dharma-chudamani’ (Samvat 2029 Fagan Vad 5, Saturday 24th March 1973).

The great scholars of the Vedas performing the Vasant Pooja to honour Jeevanpran Swamibapa in Kashi (Banaras) They also presented Jeevanpran Swamibapa with two honorary titles, 'Vedshastra-sanrakshak' and 'Vishwadharma-chudamani'

Then, the great scholars of the Vedas performed the Vasant Pooja to honour Jeevanpran Swamibapa whilst singing verses from the Sam-ved. Shreemadacharya-pravar Jeevanpran Swamibapa then delivered a lecture about the Samved scripture, in the Sanskrut language.

A magnificent procession was held through the streets of Kashi – Banaras, with Shreemad-acharya-pravar Jeevanpran Swamibapa presiding on an elephant (Samvat 2029 Fagan Vad 6, Sunday 25th March 1973). Everywhere, the people of the city honoured Swamibapa and showered flowers over him. The pilgrimage then proceeded to Allahbad, Prayag (Triveni-sangam), Chitrakut, Ujjain, Dakor and Bavla, before returning to Maninagar.

Throughout the pilgrimage, Shreemad-acharya-pravar Jeevanpran Swamibapa was warmly welcomed and honoured at each place. Thousands of people warmly greeted him. Such is Jeevanpran Swamibapa, the beloved father of all.

Extract from the scripture, Shree Swaminarayan Gadi, translated by Acharya Swamishree Purushottampriyadasji Maharaj. Chapter 31 – Jeevanpran Swamibapa