The BAPS Hindu Mandir, an architectural marvel of the Middle East is all set to be inaugurated on Wednesday. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the temple, the consecration of the temple will be done by Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual guru of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.
Ahead of the inauguration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Abu Dhabi's first Hindu temple, Mahant Swami Maharaj met devotees. He also interacted with those gathered for the grand event and showered his blessings on them.
Mahant Swami Maharaj - Spiritual Guru Of BAPS Sanstha
Mahant Swami Maharaj, also known as Swami Keshavjivandasji, serves as the current spiritual leader of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Sanstha, holding the esteemed position of the organisation's sixth spiritual guru.
Born on September 13, 1933, to Dahiben and Manibhai Narayanbhai Patel in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India, Mahant Swami Maharaj was rechristened 'Keshav' by Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj, the founder of BAPS. His family affectionately called him Vinu, according to BAPS Sanstha. Manibhai, originally from Anand in Gujarat, had settled in Jabalpur for business.
Vinubhai's early years were spent in Jabalpur, where he received his primary and secondary education in an English-medium school. Displaying exceptional brilliance, he completed his Class-12 education at the Christ Church Boys' Senior Secondary School in Jabalpur. He then returned to his native town of Anand, enrolling in the College of Agriculture.
In 1951-52, Mahant Swami Maharaj came in touch with Yogiji Maharaj, the spiritual successor of Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj of the BAPS Sanstha. Impressed by Yogiji Maharaj’s spiritual charisma and selfless love, Vinubhai started travelling with him.
Vinubhai graduated with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Anand and decided to take the path of renunciation. In 1957, Yogiji Maharaj gave him 'parshad diksha' (conducted his initiation), renaming him 'Vinu Bhagat'. Vinu Bhagat was then instructed to accompany Yogiji Maharaj on his vicharans (travels) to manage his daily correspondence and other services.
In 1961, during the Kalash Mahotsav of the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Gadhada, Yogiji Maharaj bestowed bhagwati (saffron) diksha upon 51 educated youths. Vinu Bhagat was named Swami Keshavjivandas. Yogiji Maharaj appointed Swami Keshavjivandas as the head ('mahant') at Dadar Mandir, leading to his respectful title of Mahant Swami over time.
Mahant Swami's virtues of austerity, self-control, devotion, humility, and service earned him the blessings and joy of Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Following the passing away of Yogiji Maharaj in 1971, he devoted himself entirely to Pramukh Swami Maharaj, maintaining the same devotion and allegiance.
Since 1971, Mahant Swami has been travelling within India and abroad, strengthening the organisation among countless devotees. He has actively participated in the Sanstha’s mega-festivals, children and youth activities, the Akshardham projects, and various other activities.
On July 20, 2012, in the presence of senior sadhus in Ahmedabad, Pramukh Swami Maharaj declared Mahant Swami as his spiritual successor. Following Pramukh Swami Maharaj's passing away on August 13, 2016, Mahant Swami took on the role of the sixth guru in the 'Gunatit Parampara' tradition of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Presently, Mahant Swami Maharaj leads as the spiritual guide for numerous devotees and oversees the global socio-spiritual activities of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.