The Swaminarayan Faith is a branch of Hinduism, which was founded by Lord Shree Swaminarayan Himself, at the end of the eighteenth century in Northern India.

Lord Shree Swaminarayan instilled into people the ideology of high morals, love and compassion for all, irrespective of caste, creed, color or gender. His sole intention was to rejuvenate the principles of true religion, which were being disintegrated by irreligious and evil practices.

Lord Shree Swaminarayan taught by example; He encouraged the donating of charity and welfare to the unfortunate, poor and hungry, and personally attending to their needs. Compassion and tolerance for all living beings are His most essential teachings. The only means that Lord Swaminarayan used to inspire the masses to follow Him was His immense
love and care for them all.

By holding public assemblies and magnificent festivals, Lord Shree Swaminarayan’s preaching swiftly spread through all facets of society; instigating social, cultural, moral and spiritual reformation. He gave strength and encouragement to the oppressed; removed mental barriers and prejudice; and brought about a renaissance in their faith, morality and spirituality. Countless people became free from their addictions to drugs, intoxicants and other vices.

Vile practices that had become prevalent in society such has doodh-piti, the killing of a newborn female baby by drowning her in milk, and sati, the burning of a wife on her husband’s funeral pyre, were abolished from society. Lord Shree Swaminarayan advocated learning for people of all sectors of society, not only the higher castes. He even provided education for women, which was totally unheard of at the time.