Description
Shastriji Maharaj (1865–1951), born as Dungar Patel, was a revered Hindu saint and the third spiritual successor in the Swaminarayan Sampradaya. He is best known as the founder of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a major Hindu denomination. His life was dedicated to spreading the teachings of Lord Swaminarayan and establishing the doctrinal principles of Akshar-Purushottam, which became the theological foundation of BAPS.
Key Aspects of Shastriji Maharaj’s Life and Contributions:
Early Life:
- Birth and Early Spiritual Inclination: Shastriji Maharaj was born on January 31, 1865, in Mahelav, a small village in Gujarat, India. From a young age, he exhibited a deep interest in spirituality and devotion to Lord Swaminarayan.
Spiritual Journey:
- Joining the Swaminarayan Sampradaya: At the age of 17, he became a disciple of Vignananand Swami, a senior saint of the Swaminarayan tradition. He was ordained as a sadhu and given the name Yagnapurushdas Swami.
- Scholarship and Name: His profound knowledge of the scriptures and ability to articulate complex philosophical concepts earned him the title "Shastriji," meaning one who is learned in the shastras (scriptures).
Formation of BAPS:
- Doctrinal Dispute: Shastriji Maharaj championed the Akshar-Purushottam philosophy, which emphasized the worship of both Swaminarayan as Purushottam (the Supreme God) and his divine abode, Akshar (represented by Gunatitanand Swami). This interpretation caused a rift within the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, leading Shastriji Maharaj to establish a separate organization.
- Founding of BAPS: In 1907, Shastriji Maharaj founded BAPS to preserve and propagate the Akshar-Purushottam doctrine. Under his leadership, BAPS began building temples dedicated to this philosophy, the first being in Bochasan, Gujarat.
Temple Building and Legacy:
- Construction of Temples: Shastriji Maharaj established five major temples dedicated to the Akshar-Purushottam doctrine during his lifetime. These temples, including the one in Bochasan, laid the foundation for the BAPS organization.
- Succession: Before his passing in 1951, he appointed Yogiji Maharaj as his spiritual successor, ensuring the continuity of the BAPS mission.
Impact and Influence:
- Global Organization: Today, BAPS has grown into a global Hindu organization with millions of followers and hundreds of temples worldwide. The teachings of Shastriji Maharaj continue to guide the spiritual practices of BAPS devotees.
Shastriji Maharaj’s legacy is marked by his unwavering commitment to his beliefs and his role in shaping a major Hindu tradition that continues to thrive and inspire spiritual seekers around the world.
