Prasang 60
“Shaved only for Akshar-Purushottam”
Shastriji Maharaj initiated the construction of grand shikharbaddh mandirs to establish the Akshar-Purushottam Upāsanā. For the first time, he consecrated the murtis of Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj in the central sanctum of Bochāsan Mandir, proclaiming the principle openly. The following magnificent mandir was built with his exceptional vision in Sārangpur.
Numerous challenges arose to prevent the construction of Sārangpur Mandir. There was no money, no resources, no manpower, and no support. There was continuous opposition from certain people. Despite these hardships, through Shriji Maharaj’s divine will and Shastriji Maharaj’s extraordinary spiritual power, the day of the murti-pratishthā finally arrived. However, opponents made one last attempt to hinder it.
The Thakor Saheb of Limbdi had donated 24 acres of land for the Sārangpur Mandir. These detractors poisoned his mind, saying, “This Shastri is going to install the idols of his gurus, Jāgā Bhakta and Pragji Bhakta! Our Sampradāy’s tradition is to install only Radha-Krishna in the central sanctum. If Radha-Krishna are not placed there, the temple will not be in accordance with tradition!”
These words influenced Thakor Saheb, and he questioned Shastriji Maharaj, “Swamiji! We have donated this land for the temple, but we have heard that you intend to install the murtis of Jāgā Bhakta and Pragji Bhakta. We had discussed placing the murtis of Mahaprabhu Shri Krishna and Radha. So, which murtis will you be consecrating?”
Upon hearing this, Shastriji Maharaj smiled. Then, with firm resolve, he replied, “We have never even dreamt of installing the murtis of Pragji Bhakta or Jāgā Bhakta. Moreover, the murtis of Radha-Krishna will indeed be placed in the first shrine of the temple.”
Thakor Saheb said, “But in the central sanctum, only the murtis of Radha-Krishna should be enshrined!”
At that moment, Shastriji Maharaj’s eyes gleamed with divine radiance. Looking directly into Thakor Saheb’s eyes, he boldly declared, “Thakor Saheb! Every hardship I have endured in this body has been for Mahaprabhu Shri Sahajanand Swami and Gunatitanand Swami. Even this shaved head of mine is shaved only for Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj. (Ā mundāvyu chhe te pan Akshar Purushottam māte j mundāvyu chhe.) Therefore, in the central sanctum, only Akshar-Purushottam’s murtis will be installed!”
This thunderous proclamation of unwavering conviction left Thakor Saheb awestruck. With folded hands, he humbly said, “Swamiji! Do as you see fit. Please do not consider my words.”
Shastriji Maharaj constructed mandirs solely by the strength of his steadfast faith in Akshar-Purushottam without yielding to pressure or fearing losing the donated land.
He often proclaimed:
• “We are mere servants of Akshar-Purushottam!” (“Āpane to Akshar Purushottamnā baladiyā chhe.”)
• “Even if someone preaches Akshar-Purushottam while sitting on my head, it would not be enough!” (“Akshar Purushottamnī vāt koi mārā māthā upar besine kare to pan ochhu chhe.”)
• “If I have to sell myself for Akshar-Purushottam, even that would not be enough!” (“Akshar Purushottam māte vechāi javu pade to pan ochhu chhe.”)
“This head is shaved only for Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj!” (“Ā mundāvyu chhe te Akshar Purushottam Mahārāj māte mundāvyu chhe.”)
With these four profound statements of Shastriji Maharaj firmly in our hearts, let us serve with dedication and unwavering devotion!
