Acharya of Shree Swaminarayan Gadi - Beacon of Spirituality

Acharya Swamishree Maharaj is the reverential spiritual leader of many thousands of people around the world. He travelled the world tirelessly, preaching and promoting the divine philosophy of Lord Shree Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa and guiding innumerable souls to resort to the supreme divine shelter of Shree Swaminarayan Gadi – the Karan Satsang.

Sant Mandal

Just as soldiers defend our borders, Sants defend us in the fight against our inner enemies.
Acharya Swamishree Maharaj

Under the leadership of Acharya Swamishree, a devoted mandal of ascetics, called Sants, have left their homes and families, and renounced their wealth and personal pleasures in order to dedicate their lives to Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan. They relentlessly work for the service of society.

The saffron colour of their clothing represents the colour of fire; i.e. those who have accepted the path of renunciation and become ascetics have burnt all worldly afflictions. Their un-sewn clothing and shaven heads symbolise the simplicity of their lives.

Global Vicharan

Jyaa divo tyaa daatan nahi, jyaa daatan tyaa divo nahi.
Acharya Swamishree Maharaj

Acharya Swamishree Maharaj has embarked on tours (vicharan) around the world, travelling nearly 2.3million kilometers for His disciples. This is the equivalent of going around the world 50 times. Acharya Swamishree Maharaj embarked on these tours to preach and promote the sublime philosophy of Lord Shree Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa. He also sought to raise awareness of the fundamentals of humanity and morality – benevolence, tolerance, and living in harmony with Mother Earth and with each other.

Since 1979, Acharya Swamishree Maharaj has travelled over 1,000,000 kilometers by air, 900,000 kilometers by road, and 375,000 kilometers by rail to visit the homes and workplaces of over 21,500 people around the world.

Ashirwad (Divine Blessings and Sermons)

The blessings of God are essential in life's every step.
Acharya Swamishree Maharaj

Explaining the glory and philosophy of Lord Shree Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa and the greatness of Shree Swaminarayan Gadi, Acharya Swamishree Maharaj has held over 10,000 assemblies, and bestowed over 4000 hours of ashirwad to thousands around the world.

Wherever Acharya Swamishree visits, He holds public assemblies and gatherings. He teaches the need for everyone to adhere to the moral teachings of Lord Shree Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa, which advocate the need for compassion and understanding for all humanity.

Religious Festivals & Murti Pratishthas

Discard the darkness of ignorance with enthusiasm and eagerness, as these ignite the flame of true progression.
A religious festival aims to teach the manner to achieve this goal.
Acharya Swamishree Maharaj

Even a person who can incessantly visualise the Lord's Murti must remember the various events performed by the Lord and retain memories of them all. This is necessary because, if the Murti of the Lord is forgotten during one's last moments, the memories of the celebrations will remind that person of the Lord's Murti and then, that soul can attain salvation.

It is for this reason that Acharya Swamishree Maharaj arranges magnificent celebrations and festivals, and celebrates the festivals such as Pragatya Jayanti, Gurupurnima, Murti Pratishthas and Patotsavs around the world.

Honours and Accolades

Recognising Acharya Swamishree Maharaj’s great qualities, efforts and achievements, leading scholars have bestowed numerous awards and honorary titles upon Him.

This certificate was presented to Acharya Swamishree Maharaj when He was bestowed with the honorary title, ‘Vishwa-Vatsalya-Mahodadhi - Greatest ocean of spiritual love and compassion for the entire world’ by the eminent scholars of Kashi, Haridwar, and Rishikesh.

Acharya Swamishree Maharaj

Sad-dharma-jyotirdhar - Beacon of true religiosity
Sad-dharma-ratnaakar - Ocean of true religiosity
Sanatan-dharma-sanrakshak - Protector of the eternal religion
Dharma-rakshak-chudamani - Greatest jewel for the protection of religion
Sanskar-bhaskar - Sun of true morality
Sidhant-vagish - Utmost proclaimer of the most elite principles
Vishwa-vatsalya-mahodadhi - Greatest ocean of spiritual love and compassion for the entire world
Sat-sidhant-divakar - Great illuminator of the true principles
Seva-murti-param-tapah - Service incarnate of the highest austerity
Darshanik-sarva-bhaum - Leader of all six categories of the ancient Hindu philosophy
Ved-ratna - Sacred gem of the ancient Hindu philosophy
World Peace Ambassador – awarded by the eminent global peace research organisation, International Peace Research Association (IPRA)

I have a personal involvement with Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan because many of its adherents have construction companies in this country and have been intrinsically involved in the improving of Kenya's infrastructure very speedily and economically. I am proud that Acharya Swamishree has such a close affiliation with this country.

Mr Daniel Arap Moi President of Kenya, 4 October 1984

It is essential that the people of India abide by the moral teachings of Lord Swaminarayan in order that this Country continues to progress and becomes more and more prosperous. The work of Lord Swaminarayan's successors such as Acharya Swamishree, is essential in moulding and preserving the elite character of our Nation.

Dr Shankardayal Sharma President of India, 15 September 1991

I have great regard for Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan for two main reasons; the immense work it undertakes to make people free of addictions, and its philanthropic projects for the welfare of society. Due to this Organisation, countless young men and women have received guidance and rejuvenation, as a consequence of which, they have reached unexpected statuses in various fields.

Shree Chimanbhai Patel Chief Minister of Gujarat, 15 September 1991

The Nation's progress and prosperity reside at Acharya Swamishree's divine feet.

Shree Gyani Zail Singh President of India, 20 February 1992

I am happy to take note of Acharya Swamishree’s efforts in spreading the message of our Shree Swaminarayan Bhagwan so fervently all over the world. The teachings of our Lord are sure to remain flourishing and consequently, this will make the world a better place for living.

Shree Pramukh Swami Maharaj Akshar Purushottam Sanstha, 27 March 1992

Coming here, I remembered a saying of Mahatma Gandhi, “One's patience is tested only when one lives amongst the people, but not when one stays in solitude, at the top of the Himalayas”. The Swaminarayan Faith has brought a remarkable new opportunity for the entire world to improve in all respects. Acharya Swamishree is one such eminent world spiritual leader, who personally helps the people when they are in need. He does not merely remain in His ashram and give commands to others. I have the utmost respect for His dedication to humanity.

Acharya Shree Sushil Muni Leader of Jain Religion in USA, 1992

Swamiji! The stability of Bharat (India) has been maintained due to the pacifying, holy presence of divine Sants such as you. I pray to you, to give me the blessings, so that I can serve the country well. There is a divine strength within you and you disseminate this to everyone who comes into your contact. You give eternal peace to all. Your sole aim is to give, just give; and never take. Your charitable nature is extraordinary. We have a lot to learn from you.

Shree Lalkrishna Advani Home Minister of India, 24 September 1997

I am confident that whilst spiritual leaders such as Acharya Swamishree remain on the Earth, mankind will continue progressing towards the ultimate aim; eternal happiness. In the presence of Acharya Swamishree, progress never halts. He serves as the beacon, guiding all to the truth.

Shree K R Narayanan President of India, 29 October 1998

I am delighted and encouraged by Acharya Swamishree's activities to aid the society at large.
Acharya Swamishree has demonstrated an extraordinary love towards all the people, but especially to those who are poor, hungry and in need. This gives inspiration to us all.

Shree Atal Bihari Vajpayee Prime Minister of India, 17 October 1999

His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree provides morality teachings to children of all ages and saves them from the clutches of immoral and illegal pursuits. I am delighted to have been able to meet Acharya Swamishree and learn about his remarkable work for the benevolence of society. I have learnt a lot from him.

Rt Rev David Gillett Bishop of Bolton, 7 August 2000

I have come here all the way from the Himalayas to meet Acharya Swamishree. Like Him, I too am an ascetic and a spiritual leader. However, I am truly impressed by hearing about Acharya Swamishree's work for society. I am convinced that salvation is attained through such social services. Through such spiritual leaders, one attains the direct contact with the Almighty. That is what I am experiencing today

Anantshri Vibushit Shree Satyamitranandgiriji Maharaj, and Shri Bharatmata Mandir Haridwar, 12 April 2001

I am proud to witness this wonderful centre of Indian culture here in the USA. This is due to the
relentless efforts of Acharya Swamishree. The West has a great deal to learn from our sublime heritage; it is essential that they do. Only spiritual teachers such as Acharya Swamishree can fulfil this task. The establishment of temples such as this will strengthen the foundations of our Hindu faith and preserve and protect its philosophy. Such a monumental achievement can be performed only by Acharya Swamishree, who lives on this Earth, but actually, who is a form of God Himself.

Shree K S Sudarshan Leader of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, 30 July 2001

For as long as divine, saintly leaders such as Acharya Swamishree are present on the Earth, the Hindu faith will continue to grow and prosper at an extraordinary manner. It is a matter to be proud that He has created this centre of morality and spirituality in the USA.

Shree Ashok Singhal Leader of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, 30 July 2001

Attaining a true spiritual teacher is a rare, but vital event in one's life. You are truly fortunate to be able to have such a remarkable, sincere spiritual leader [Acharya Swamishree], who is bringing the sublime teachings of the ancient Hindu philosophy to the USA and making this land pure and auspicious. I am honoured to be in His divine presence today and obtain his blessings.

Shree Bawa Jain Secretary-General, The Millennium World Peace Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders, United Nations, 1 August 2001

I am truly fortunate to have attained an acquaintance with Acharya Swamishree. Wherever in the World He may be, I feel that He is always close with me, because I have a photo of Him in my office and whenever I get confused or upset about any matter, I look at Him, and He gives me the strength and wisdom to do what is right. His teachings and his presence give me an unexplainable peace, which I have not experienced anywhere else. From the moment I first met Him, I realised that He is no ordinary person. His work for society is extraordinary. He is the epitome of universal brotherhood.

Mr John Reilly Deputy Mayor of Secaucus, USA, 1 August 2001

I highly commend Acharya Swamishree for his relentless endurance in nurturing our future generations with spirituality and divine knowledge, and for ensuring that our Nation is guided to morality and virtuosity.

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam President of India, 12 October 2002

I feel very delighted and privileged to come and meet, and greet His Holiness. To me, it a great privilege to stand and shake hands with the man of God. Over the past decade, the development of Kenya’s infrastructure has increased rapidly; this is due to the effort of this Community’s people; who have lived in Kenya and have regarded it as their home. We are proud of you all. The Kenyan Government will continue to support you wherever necessary.

Honourable Mr Raila Odinga Minister of Roads and Public Works, 6 January 2003

Our Nation is proud that the Swaminarayan Faith is flourishing. Because of its activities and the
relentless work of sants like Acharya Purushottampriyadasji Swamishree, India has remained prosperous and spiritual. I am experiencing divine lustre emanating from the feet of Acharya Swamishree - He is no ordinary mortal.

Shree Shree Ravishankarji Maharaj 'The Art of Living', 19 February 2004

I have attained this position, to serve India as its Prime Minister, by the grace of God. I pray to Acharya Swamishree and ask for His blessings, that I am able to fulfil my duty with sincerity and loyalty.

Dr Manmohan Singh Prime Minister of India, 18 October 2004

Acharya Swamishree has led this heritage walk to commemorate the historical event of Ahmedabad’s 600th anniversary. He has been accompanied by a group of 400 people who have differing backgrounds and faiths. But Acharya Swamishree has brought them all together for the single purpose of promoting Ahmedabad as a Heritage City by UNESCO. Today’s interfaith prayers at the Jama Masjid for world stability and peace is the first of its kind. Acharya Swamishree is to be commended for His efforts to unify the world.

Mufti Shabbir Alam Siddiqui Jama Masjid, Ahmedabad, 25 February 2011

We are delighted to attend this special occasion of Acharya Swamishree Jeevan Darshan and wish this Organisation the best for the future. May Acharya Swamishree continue performing His selfless acts of true charity and humanitarianism for many more years.

Lord Dolar Popat, Mike Freer MP and Mr Rami Ranger MBE 2 September 2012

I am hugely impressed at what you have achieved here. London is the world’s most diverse city and what better example of that diversity than what we see here today - a traditional, magnificent Mandir on one side of the courtyard and a modern sports and community centre on the other.

Mr Boris Johnson Mayor of London, 28th May 2014

Bapa, thank you for gifting London with this generous community and for gifting London with this beautiful iconic Mandir. We’re proud that this Mandir is known as the world’s first Eco temple – a beacon to the rest of the world. I hope that through your inspiration, we’ll now have a wave of Eco Mandirs, Eco Gurudwaras, Eco Mosques, Eco Synagogues and Eco Churches.

Mr Sadiq Khan Mayor of London, 28th August 2016

Sant Mandal

Global Vicharan

Ashirwad (Divine Blessings and Sermons)

Religious Festivals & Murti Pratishthas

Honours and Accolades

This certificate was presented to Acharya Swamishree Maharaj when He was bestowed with the honorary title, ‘Vishwa-Vatsalya-Mahodadhi - Greatest ocean of spiritual love and compassion for the entire world’ by the eminent scholars of Kashi, Haridwar, and Rishikesh.

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