Tuesday 16th February marked Shikshapatri Jayanti – the 195th anniversary since Lord Shree Swaminarayan gifted to the world, His superlative scripture of commandments, the Shikshapatri. This day also marks the start of the spring season in India – Vasant Panchmi. 

On this auspicious day, every Shree Swaminarayan Mandir around the world celebrates by holding a communal recital of the scripture, which is the essence of the ancient Hindu scriptures that the Lord synopsised into 212 verses of knowledge and advice. In keeping with the current societal restrictions, the scripture was recited at Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kingsbury while disciples had this darshan via a live broadcast, whilst reading along from their homes. 

The Lord has advised in Shikshapatri that to remain happy in this life and the next, we must abide by the rules set out in this holy scripture. This applies not only to those of the Swaminarayan faith, nor just to Hindus – but to all people. The Lord has therefore stated in the Shikshapatri that it is for the benefit of all souls. Disciples of Shree Swaminarayan Gadi therefore read this scripture every morning as part of their daily Pooja, to remind themselves of this vital framework of thought, behaviour and conduct, for them to live a moral, just and contented lives.