Acharya Swamishree Purushottampriyadasji Maharaj

Jeevanpran Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa was a remarkable, divine personality who revolutionised the entire Swaminarayan Faith.

Acharya Swamishree Purushottampriyadasji Maharaj manifested on this earth on 28th May 1942 in the town of Bharasar in Kutch, Gujarat, India. On 21st March 1962 Acharya Swamishree Maharaj was initiated as a sant by Jeevanpran Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa at Shree Swaminarayan Mandir, Maninagar.

In 1979, Jeevanpran Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa nominated Shree Purushottampriyadasji Swamishree as His divine successor and spiritual heir. Jeevanpran Swamibapa handed the helm of Shree Swaminarayan Gadi to Swamishree Purushottampriyadasji Maharaj at the anniversary celebrations of Shree Swaminarayan Mandir, Maninagar on Wednesday 28th February 1979. The supreme principles and benevolent practices taught by Lord Swaminarayan and propagated throughout the world by Jeevanpran Swamibapa are alive today at Shree Swaminarayan Gadi, through His Holiness Acharya Swamishree.

His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree has continued in the pioneering divine footsteps of gurudev Jeevanpran Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa, spreading the supreme tenets of Lord Swaminarayan and Jeevanpran Shree Abji Bapashree throughout the world. His Divine Holiness has been instrumental in the establishment of new Temples, centres of spiritual, cultural and social welfare, throughout the entire globe.

Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Smruti Mandir

Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Smruti Mandir

Acharya Swamishree has exemplified his absolute devotion unto his Guru Jeevanpran Swamibapa by inspiriting the creation of Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Smruti Mandir (Memorial Temple) in Godasar, Ahmedabad - at the exact eternal samadhi site of Swamibapa. This magnificent marble Temple contains unique architecture, art and sculpture, all describing Jeevanpran Swamibapa's service to society.

Acharya Swamishree and President of India, Dr Shankardayal Sharma at Smruti Mandir

The Smruti Temple was opened in 1991 CE by His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree, in the presence of the President of India, Dr Shankardayal Sharma. This beautiful marble temple, has unparalleled intricate architecture. Leading world dignitaries have described the Temple to being even more superior in beauty then the Taj Mahal.

The building represents the love and devotion of His Holiness Acharya Swamishree towards His Guru Jeevanpran Swamibapa, (Guru Bhakti). Leading artists have become awe struck at this tale of true love, and have acclaimed this as an unbelievable fairy tale that had come true, in the twentieth century, when the world is said to be rife with hatred.

His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree

His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree is the Spiritual Leader of Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan, a Worldwide Centre for Spiritual, Cultural and Social Welfare.

His Divine Holiness:

Achievements of Acharya Swamishree during His Investiture

Recognising His great qualities, leading scholars, saints and religious workers have bestowed many honorary titles upon His Divine Holiness, which describe His divinity:

• Sad-dharma-ratnakar - The ocean of true religiousness

• Sad-dharma-jyotirdhar - The beacon-torch of true religiousness

• Sanatan-dharma-sanrakshak - The protector of the eternal religion, Sanatan Dharma

• Dharma-rakshak-chudamani - The greatest jewel for the protector of dharma

• Sat-sidhant-divakar - The great illuminator of the true religion

• Darshanik-sarva-bhaum - The Leader of all 6 categories of the ancient Hindu spiritual philosophy

• Sidhant-vagish - Elite proclaimer of the most elite principles

• Seva-murti-param-tapa - The service incarnation of the highest austerity

• Sanskar-bhaskar - The Sun of true morality

• Vishwa-vatsalya-mahodadhi - Greatest Ocean of spiritual love and compassion for the entire world

• Ved-ratna - Sacred gem of the ancient Hindu philosophy

Eminence of Acharya Swamishree

Leading dignitaries worldwide, regularly come for the blessings of His Holiness Acharya Swamishree and attain inspiration from Him to further themselves in their own activities, even though they may not be Swaminarayan religion followers, or even Hindus. But they have recognised that His Holiness is special, and is not a mere mortal like the rest of us. Of course this is absolutely true. He is the Acharyashree of Shree Swaminarayan Gadi, and through Him, the supreme Lord SwaminarayanBapa Swamibapa remains ever-present upon this earth.

Dignitaries with Acharya Swamishree

Acharya Swamishree and President of India, Gyani Zail Singh at All Faith Unity Conference

"The Nation's progress and prosperity reside at Swamishree's divine feet." (Former President of India, Gyani Zail Singh, at the All Faith Unity Conference held in New Delhi in 1993.)

President of India Dr K R Narayanan and Achayar Swamishree during the opening of the Dr Ambedkar Law College

"I am confident that whilst Sants such as Acharya Swamishree remain on this earth, mankind will continue progressing towards the ultimate aim, eternal happiness. Swamishree is like a beacon, guiding us all to the truth." (President of India Dr K R Narayanan, during the opening of the Dr Ambedkar Law College at Ghandhinagar in 1998.)

Acharya Swamishree meets Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Bajpayee at the Raj Bhavan

"I am delighted and encouraged by Swamishree's activities to aid the society at large. 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." (Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Bajpayee at the Raj Bhavan - Parliament House, New Delhi in 1999.)

His Divine Holiness - The personification of benevolence

Blood Donation Camp

Acharya Swamishree regularly instigates campaigns, to offer free medical assistance, distribute vital medicines, and provide assistance in educating the poor.

His Holiness identifies the needs of the unfortunate and offers aid appropriately. During the cold months, He donates thick blankets and warm clothes. His Divine Holiness - The ultimate humanitarian Acharya Swamishree says, "Our aim is to save lives; not only spiritually, but also physically." Thus, His Holiness encourages His sants and disciples to donate blood.

His Divine Holiness - The unparalleled patriot

Acharya Swamishree blesses soldiers

Acharya Swamishree promotes world peace, tolerance and understanding of all faiths and nations. Essentially, He is an absolute pacifist. In 1999, His Holiness visited the Indian Military barracks to boost the wailing morale of the brave soldiers who had risked their lives to protect the integrity of the country. Acharya Swamishree showered His divine blessings upon them. Swamishree said, "It may be unfortunate that military presence is required at all, but the work of these young men is vital in ensuring that peace is maintained."

His Divine Holiness - Conservationist

Acharya Swamishree planting a tree

Acharya Swamishree says that clean water and air are the fundamental elements that are crucial to life. He encourages water conservation and initiates projects to dig reservoirs. His Holiness says, "Keep the planet earth green. Plant trees. Do not destroy them. Trees will keep our air free of pollution, and ultimately keep us healthy."

His Divine Holiness - Compassion towards all of God's creatures

His Holiness Acharya Swamishree feeding grain to peacocks, the national bird of India

During times of drought, Acharya Swamishree travelled to those inflicted regions and saved the lives of thousands of starving animals by providing them with food and water. He says, "Animals are also God's creatures. How can we neglect them."

Acharya Swamishree giving aid to the needy

His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree Maharaj is ever alert to the needs of the poor and needy in the community. Apart from maintaining the hospitals, schools, colleges, etc. established by Jeevanpran Swamibapa, His Holiness Swamishree has instigated the creation of many famine, drought and earthquake relief programs. Blood donation camps are a regular site at the major festivals held throughout the world. Even efforts to promote topics such as Aids Awareness are made regularly. His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree identifies the needs of the community and inspires His disciples to provide aid accordingly. An example of this was at the Murti Pratishtha Mahotsav held in London in the year 2000. A dire need in the UK from the Asian community was found to be body organ donations. His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree instigated organ donation campaigns throughout the country and inspired all His disciples to enrol on the organ donation register.