Prasang 84

Eternally Pure

In 1995, Pramukh Swami Maharaj arrived in London with 100 swamis to spread the glory of Akshar-Purushottam in the Western Hemisphere. The magnificent, intricately carved shikharbaddh mandir, embodying the values of Sanatan Hindu culture, left even local Europeans in awe. Many were drawn not only to the temple but also to its divine creator—Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

One such admirer was Mr. Melvin, a devoted Caribbean worker involved in the mandir’s construction. Upon hearing about Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s vow of celibacy, he was astonished that someone in the modern day and age could uphold such a strict discipline of lifelong brahmacharya (celibacy).

One day, as Pramukh Swami Maharaj arrived to inspect the mandir, Mr. Melvin eagerly approached him. Bowing down at Swamishri’s feet, he asked, “Since how many years are you observing this rule of not seeing women?”

Before Pramukh Swami Maharaj could reply, Brahmaviharidas Swami, who stood nearby, answered, “For 55 years.” This rough calculation was based on Swamishri’s initiation as a swami at the age of 18. But Pramukh Swami Maharaj immediately corrected him, saying, “No, tell him—75 years.”

Hearing this, Melvin and everyone present were left speechless. In Swamishri’s words, they could hear the echo of Shriji Maharaj’s divine words, “From the day I was born to this very day, I am eternally flawless. (Vachanāmrut Gadhadā II-33)

Such was Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s lifelong purity. The virtues of the Aksharbrahma Gunatit Satpurush are not cultivated through effort or practice—they exist within them as eternal. Today, Mahant Swami Maharaj is also such an eternally perfect Aksharbrahma Satpurush.