Mahant Swami Maharaj

Present Life

In 1961, on the occasion of the Kalash Mahotsav of the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Gadhada, Yogiji Maharaj gave bhagwati (saffron) diksha to 51 educated youths. Among them, Vinu Bhagat was named Swami Keshavjivandas. Thereafter, Yogiji Maharaj instructed the 51 newly initiated sadhus to study Sanskrit in Mumbai. Swami Keshavjivandas was appointed as their head ('mahant') at Dadar Mandir. Hence, over time, he became respectfully known as Mahant Swami. His outstanding virtues of austerity, self-control, devotion, humility and service earned him the blessings and joy of Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami Maharaj. In 1971, after the earthly departure of Yogiji Maharaj, he totally dedicated himself to Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the new guru, with the same devotion and allegiance he had for guru Yogiji Maharaj. His exposure to Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s pure saintliness and spiritual loftiness had begun in 1951, when he first met him. Since 1971, as per the wishes and instructions of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, he has relentlessly travelled throughout India and abroad to inspire and strengthen satsang in countless devotees. He has also offered his services during the Sanstha’s mega-festivals, in children and youth activities, the Akshardham projects, and other satsang activities. HH Mahant Swami’s profound discourses have enlightened countless devotees and well-wishers and motivated them to adopt pious, addiction-free lives. His saintliness and devotion to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and gurus Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami Maharaj have left a lasting impression on innumerable devotees. On 20 July 2012, in the presence of senior sadhus in Ahmedabad, Pramukh Swami Maharaj revealed Mahant Swami as his spiritual successor. Following the earthly departure of Pramukh Swami Maharaj on 13 August 2016, Mahant Swami became the sixth guru in the Gunatit Parampara tradition of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. HH Mahant Swami Maharaj now presides as the guru and spiritual guide of countless devotees and helms the worldwide socio-spiritual activities of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.