The fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and spiritual leader of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha has departed his mortal body on Saturday, August 13, 2016 at the age of 95. His devotees and disciples from around the world dashed to the village of Sarangpur in Gujarat, India, to pay their last respects before his final rites were performed on Wednesday, August 17, 2016. Many had traveled overnight from the United States to attend the cremation.
A pious and selfless person, Pramukh Swami Maharaj had dedicated his entire life towards the service and personal development of others, establishing mandirs (Hindu temples) to preserve spirituality for current and future generations, as well as developing and overseeing schools, hospitals, and disaster relief services to provide infrastructure and support across communities of all sizes.
Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi has went to Sarangpur, Gujarat and addressed saddened devotees before the funeral rites and said, “His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj was a stalwart among humans who embodied compassion and humility. Today you have lost a Guru, but I have lost a father.”
Senators, congressmen, and governors offered their condolences. Congressman Ed Royce of California wrote, “He touched countless lives, providing hope and guidance during his tireless travel across India and around the world. As a spiritual leader, he will indeed be sorely missed and my prayers are with the millions around the world who mourn his passing and celebrate his remarkable life.”
Pramukh Swami Maharaj was born as Shantilal Patel on December 7, 1921, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, was initiated as a swami (Hindu monk) on January 10, 1940 and received the name Narayanswarupdas Swami. On May 21, 1950 he was appointed as Head of the organization and came to be known as Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
Chaitali Inamdar of Edison, New Jersey said, “Although I am deeply saddened by the news, I truly believe he will always be with us through his teachings. I lost a friend but even in that loss, I have gained insight and wisdom in the reassurance that his message thrives in how I choose to live my life.”
Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life and message of spirituality has left a lasting impression on the community of Hindus who will now work to carry his work and teachings forward under the guidance and leadership of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, Keshavjivandas Swami, sixth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Guru of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.
On Sunday, August 21 at 3:30pm at BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, 460 Rockbridge Road NW, Lilburn, GA 30047, Bhajan and Katha is being organised to remember the life of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj. All are expected to join this Shradhanjali Sabha to pay obeisance to His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
By Premji
