Bhagwan Swaminarayan, born Ghanshyam Maharaj in 1781 in Chhappaiya, Uttar Pradesh, India, was a spiritual luminary whose life and teachings transformed countless lives. Renouncing worldly life at 11, he became Nilkanth Varni and embarked on a seven-year pilgrimage across India, spreading divinity and wisdom. He reached Loj, Saurashtra as mark of his yatra & met Ramanand Swami. At 21, He initiated 500 Paramhansas in a single night, inspiring millions, including uneducated warriors and farmers, through love and spirituality. Bhagwan Swaminarayan abolished social evils like sati, infanticide, and violent rituals, advocating equality, devotion, and moral conduct. He empowered women by establishing dedicated worship spaces and encouraged societal harmony through Nishkam Dharma.

As a reformer, He uplifted the downtrodden and instilled humanity in barbaric practices. His contributions to literature include the “Shikshapatri,” a guide to righteous living, and “Vachanamritam,” a profound Gujarati prose discourse. Through His divine teachings and actions, he cultivated devotion to God and service to humanity. Bhagwan Swaminarayan passed away at 49, leaving an enduring legacy of spiritual reform, societal upliftment, and desireless devotion. His life exemplified the divine purpose of creating a serene and harmonious society rooted in faith and selflessness.

Gunatitanand Swami, originally named Mulji Sharma, was born in 1785 in Bhadara, Gujarat. A divine saint and the first successor of Lord Swaminarayan, He was revered as the representation of Brahm, perfectly complementing Lord Swaminarayan as Parbrahm. After becoming a saint, he was named Nirgunanand Swami, symbolizing his detachment from material life, and later Gunatitanand Swami, reflecting his spiritual greatness. Deeply devoted, he tirelessly served Lord Swaminarayan and spread His teachings. He also played a key role in building the Junagadh temple and explaining the concept of Sakaar Brahman, which highlights God’s accessible and personal form.

His life exemplified service and devotion as the paths to spiritual fulfillment. Born on the auspicious day of Sharad Poornima, his legacy resonated deeply with followers, as he walked the Earth spreading the divine message of faith and empathy. As the Mool Akshar Moorti, he inspired devotees to transcend worldly attachments and strive for spiritual elevation. Lord Swaminarayan’s blessings ensured his presence on Earth through God-ordained saints, upholding the principles of renunciation, piety, and service. Gunatitanand Swami’s life remains a beacon for devotees seeking a profound connection with the divine.

Shastriji Maharaj, born Dungar Bhagat in 1865 in Mahelav, Gujarat, was a visionary saint who revolutionized the Swaminarayan tradition by propagating the dual worship of Shri Akshar-Purushottam. This profound philosophy, emphasizing devotion to God (Purushottam) through His ideal devotee (Akshar), clarified the essence of spirituality for followers. Comparing Akshar to a teacher guiding disciples toward spiritual goals, Shastriji Maharaj illuminated the path to understanding and pleasing Parbrahm. His spiritual prowess and dedication were evident from childhood, earning him the blessings and intrinsic knowledge of Lord Swaminarayan and Gunatitanand Swami through Anadi Mahamukta Bhagatji Maharaj.

Initiated as Sadhu Yagnapurushdas, he excelled in saintliness and learning, earning the title Shastriji Maharaj for his mastery of Sanskrit scriptures. Despite societal resistance, he remained steadfast in his mission to establish Akshar-Purushottam worship, founding five temples where these ideals were enshrined. Each temple stood as a testament to his devotion and unwavering determination. Shastriji Maharaj’s life was marked by his servility, wisdom, and spiritual leadership. Before passing in 1951, he named Guruhari Yogiji Maharaj as his successor, ensuring the continuity of his mission. Shastriji Maharaj’s legacy endures as a beacon of faith and devotion within the Swaminarayan tradition.

Yogiji Maharaj, born Jinabhai in 1892 in Dhari, Saurashtra, was the fourth spiritual successor in the Swaminarayan tradition, embodying unparalleled devotion, humility, and service. From a tender age, his dedication to temple duties was extraordinary; by seven, he performed rituals with the precision and devotion of an experienced pujari. Initiated as Sadhu Gnanjivandasji, he exemplified the highest virtues of servitude, becoming a living model of humility and selflessness. Despite his position as the head of Akshar Mandir in Gondal, he was often found quietly serving in the kitchen at all hours, emphasizing service over status.

Yogiji Maharaj propagated the teachings of the Swaminarayan tradition beyond India and initiated 51 educated youths as sadhus, nurturing Nishkam Dharma (desireless devotion) and Nirman Dharma (humility). His life was a testament to “Samp, Suhradbhav, and Ekta”—unity, goodwill, and harmony. Guruhari Shastriji Maharaj famously described their spiritual oneness, declaring, “I am Yogi, and Yogi is Me.” Yogiji Maharaj’s ever-smiling demeanor, maternal compassion, and ability to inspire devotion and service in others left an indelible mark on followers. His life remains a beacon of humility and devotion, guiding countless devotees on the path to spiritual fulfillment.

P.P. Hariprasad Swami Maharaj, born Prabhudasbhai in Asoj, Gujarat, on May 4, 1934, is a beacon of spirituality and universal love. Brilliant in his studies and humble by nature, he was initiated into sainthood by Guruhari Yogiji Maharaj, who likened this moment to Lord Swaminarayan’s initiation of Gunatitanand Swami. True to this vision, Swamiji founded the Yogi Divine Society, dedicating his life to fostering Atmiyata—spiritual affinity and harmony with all. This principle reflects the essence of Samp, Suhradbhav, and Ekta (unity, goodwill, and harmony), which he tirelessly promoted.

Swamiji’s divine love and relentless efforts have transformed the lives of thousands, inspiring them to live pious lives free of vices. Renowned for his secular outlook, Swamiji identifies all beings with Yogiji Maharaj, earning him the title of a universal saint. His guiding dictum, “O Lord! Whether anyone becomes Atmiya or not, please make me Atmiya” (હે પ્રભુ! કોઈ આત્મીય બને કે ન બને, મારે આત્મીય બનવું જ છે, તો મને આત્મીય બનાવશો જી), underscores his commitment to unconditional harmony and devotion. Through Yogi Divine Society, Swamiji has inspired countless initiatives, cultivating humanity, devotion, and unity on a global scale. His life exemplifies Lord Swaminarayan’s teachings, enriching society with divine love and service.

Pragat GuruHari Premswarup Swamiji Maharaj, was born on 27 December 1945 (Margashirsha Shukla-9, Vikram Samvat 2002) as Prafulbhai in the auspicious village of Dharmaj, located in the Anand district, Gujarat. He was fortunate to receive diksha initiation from Brahmaswarup Yogiji Maharaj along with Brahmaswarup Hariprasad Swamiji Maharaj parshadi diksha on 5 October 1965 (Vijayadashami, V.S. 2021) and later attained Mahadiksha (Bhagwati Diksha) on 10 October 1965 (Sharad Purnima, V.S. 2021) at Sri Akshar Mandir, Gondal.

During his lifetime, Brahmaswarup Hariprasad Swamiji Maharaj chose Guruhari Premswaroop Swamiji Maharaj as his spiritual successor and instructed everyone to follow his guidance.

The mission of Atmiyata, envisioned by Brahmswarup Hariprasad Swamiji Maharaj, is being faithfully carried forward by H.D.H. Pragat Guruhari Premaswarup Swamiji Maharaj. Guided by his profound wisdom, he teaches us to face life’s challenges with humility—forgetting, letting go, bowing down, forgiving, and dissolving the ego when the situation demands (પ્રસંગ બને ત્યારે ભૂલી જવું, જતું કરવું, નમી જવું, ખમી જવું, ઑગળી જવું).