Prasang 58
“Oh, Swami! Please Accept Your Place”
To embody the Akshar-Purushottam knowledge and open the path of liberation for countless souls, Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj departed from Vartāl on the auspicious day of Kārtik Sud Punam, Samvat 1962 (1906 AD). With no money, resources, or support, relying only on his steadfast faith and asking for alms, he initiated the construction of a magnificent mandir in Bochāsan. Though Shastriji Maharaj left Vartāl with only five swamis and a handful of devotees, he was accompanied by the divine strength of Bhagwān Swaminarayan and Gunatitanand Swami. Thus, in just one and a half years, the murti-pratishthā (idol consecration ceremony) was ready to take place. The auspicious occasion was set for Vaishākh Vad Dasham, Samvat 1963 (1907 AD).
On the day of pratishthā, the murti of Bhagwān Swaminarayan was gracefully installed in the mandir’s central sanctum. Next, the murti of Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami, which was lighter in weight, was to be placed. However, despite the efforts of many, the murti would not budge! No matter how much they tried, it would not lift even an inch.
Everyone became exhausted and finally approached Shastriji Maharaj to explain the situation, “Maharaj’s murti was installed easily, but Swami’s murti is not moving. We have tried everything, but it won’t lift.” Upon hearing this, Shastriji Maharaj immediately entered the yagna hall, took a chisel from the artisan, and prayed before Gunatitanand Swami’s murti, “Oh Swami! We left Vartāl for your sake. We endured insults, rejection, and hardships for your cause. Now, please be merciful and accept your place in this mandir.”
As soon as Shastriji Maharaj placed the chisel beneath the murti, it miraculously lifted, and the devotees successfully installed it in its designated place.
From a worldly perspective, one might assume that the solution would have been gathering more people to lift the murti forcefully. However, this event was divinely orchestrated. Shastriji Maharaj was not ordinary—he was a Sant of extraordinary spiritual power.
Everyone witnessed his unwavering faith in Swami and Shri Hari when he prayed. With his heartfelt plea, Gunatitanand Swami himself accepted his rightful place in the mandir. This event not only solidified the truth of the Akshar-Purushottam Principle in the hearts of all but also demonstrated that Bhagwān himself had arranged this miraculous occurrence to reveal the authenticity of Shastriji Maharaj’s mission.
Through this divine miracle, Shastriji Maharaj firmly established Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj in Bochāsan, ensuring that the victory of true Upāsanā resonated across the universe!
Mahant Swami Maharaj beautifully summarizes this message, “Maharaj and Swami are the ultimate truth. Our Akshar-Purushottam Principle is the eternal truth. The Satpurush is the true guide.” If we wholeheartedly trust in the words of our Guru and dedicate ourselves to spreading this Upāsanā, then Akshar-Purushottam will also be enshrined in the mandirs of our hearts.
