Mahant Swami Maharaj Guides Grand Consecration
At the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha in Ahmedabad, on July 20, 2012, Pramukh Swami Maharaj announced the appointment of Mahant Swami as his spiritual successor in the esteemed presence of senior sadhus.
The grand inauguration of the BAPS Hindu Mandir, a remarkable architectural masterpiece in the Middle East, is scheduled to take place on Wednesday. The temple will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while the consecration will be conducted by Mahant Swami Maharaj, the esteemed spiritual leader of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.
In preparation for the inauguration of Abu Dhabi’s first Hindu temple, the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Mahant Swami Maharaj had the opportunity to meet with devotees. He graciously interacted with the attendees of this momentous occasion and bestowed his blessings upon them
Mahant Swami Maharaj – Spiritual Guru Of BAPS Sanstha
Mahant Swami Maharaj, also known as Swami Keshavjivandasji, currently serves as the spiritual leader of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Sanstha. He holds the esteemed position of the organization’s sixth spiritual guru.
Born on September 13, 1933, in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India, Mahant Swami Maharaj was given the name ‘Keshav’ by Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj, the founder of BAPS. His family affectionately called him Vinu, as stated by BAPS Sanstha. Manibhai, originally from Anand in Gujarat, had settled in Jabalpur for business.
Vinubhai spent his early years in Jabalpur, where he received his primary and secondary education in an English-medium school. Showing exceptional brilliance, he completed his Class-12 education at the Christ Church Boys’ Senior Secondary School in Jabalpur. He then returned to his hometown of Anand and enrolled in the College of Agriculture.
In 1951-52, Mahant Swami Maharaj came into contact with Yogiji Maharaj, the spiritual successor of Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj of the BAPS Sanstha. Impressed by Yogiji Maharaj’s spiritual charisma and selfless love, Vinubhai began traveling with him.
Vinubhai completed his bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Anand and made the decision to embrace a life of renunciation. In 1957, Yogiji Maharaj initiated him with ‘parshad diksha’ and gave him the name ‘Vinu Bhagat’. Vinu Bhagat was then entrusted with the responsibility of managing Yogiji Maharaj’s daily correspondence and other services during their travels, known as vicharans.
During the Kalash Mahotsav of the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Gadhada in 1961, Yogiji Maharaj bestowed saffron diksha upon 51 educated youths, including Vinu Bhagat, who was then named Swami Keshavjivandas. Yogiji Maharaj appointed Swami Keshavjivandas as the head (‘mahant’) at Dadar Mandir, which eventually led to him being respectfully addressed as Mahant Swami.
Mahant Swami’s virtues of austerity, self-control, devotion, humility, and service earned him the blessings and joy of both Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami Maharaj. After the passing of Yogiji Maharaj in 1971, Mahant Swami dedicated himself entirely to Pramukh Swami Maharaj, maintaining the same level of devotion and loyalty.
Since 1971, Mahant Swami has been actively traveling within India and abroad, strengthening the organization and connecting with countless devotees. He has actively participated in the Sanstha’s major festivals, children and youth activities, the Akshardham projects, and various other endeavors.
On July 20, 2012, in the presence of senior sadhus in Ahmedabad, Pramukh Swami Maharaj declared Mahant Swami as his spiritual successor. Following the passing of Pramukh Swami Maharaj on August 13, 2016, Mahant Swami assumed the role of the sixth guru in the ‘Gunatit Parampara’ tradition of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Currently, Mahant Swami Maharaj serves as the spiritual guide for numerous devotees and oversees the global socio-spiritual activities of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.