Following the grand celebrations of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj’s 91st birth anniversary in Mumbai last week (September 26) and in BAPS Mandirs and centres around the world – we offer our heartfelt prayers to such a spiritual luminary.
In an era marked by grave disharmony and uncertainty, the timeless wisdom enshrined in Hinduism’s ancient shastras provides invaluable guidance. These sacred texts offer profound insights to achieve inner peace and foster unity. Yet, to truly grasp the essence of these teachings, it can be illuminating to observe a living embodiment of such wisdom. One such exemplary figure is the international Hindu leader, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj.
Born in 1933 in Jabalpur, in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, Mahant Swami Maharaj’s journey into spirituality began with a pivotal encounter with His Holiness Yogiji Maharaj, a revered spiritual leader admired for his deep humility, boundless compassion, and unwavering love. The young Mahant Swami was profoundly touched by Yogiji Maharaj’s exemplary qualities, which sparked his own spiritual quest. This formative experience set the foundation for his lifelong dedication to embody and share these values.
In 2016, following the passing of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj – the creator of Neasden Temple – Mahant Swami Maharaj was appointed as the present guru and president of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), an international community-based Hindu fellowship affiliated to the United Nations.
He carries forward Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s legacy by serving for the greater good of humanity and is thus a living testament to the virtues he espouses. His life is a manifestation of the principles of harmony, humility, compassion, and integrity.
One of the most significant recent events in Mahant Swami Maharaj’s journey was his blessing of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi earlier this year. During this momentous and historic occasion, he shared a profound message: “If we are united with harmony, then love and peace will flourish everywhere; it will flourish in our hearts and in everyone’s hearts.” This statement is a continuation of the interfaith dialogue, which His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj also inspired, most notably during his address at the United Nations General Assembly in 2000.
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Mahant Swami Maharaj’s approach is deeply rooted in the principle that true spirituality is not merely about scriptural knowledge, but about living the principles one champions. His life serves as a beacon for those seeking to translate ancient wisdom into practical, everyday actions. By fostering an environment of inclusivity and mutual respect, he demonstrates how harmony can be cultivated in a diverse and often fragmented world.
His leadership is marked by a gentle but firm commitment to promoting harmony and understanding among people of diverse backgrounds. Whether through his personal interactions or the institutions he supports, Mahant Swami Maharaj consistently emphasises the importance of building bridges rather than walls. This approach resonates deeply in today’s global landscape, where division and conflict are all too common.
An often overlooked aspect of creating harmony is creating a more nurturing environment within the home. When there is a generational disconnect, disputes between members of the family, or a lack of emotional and spiritual harmony within the household, the effect is felt more widely. Mahant Swami Maharaj has emphasised the importance of ghar sabha [sitting regularly with one’s family] to first promote harmony at the household level.
The wisdom of Hinduism’s ancient scriptures gains a living and relatable dimension through the life and teachings of Mahant Swami Maharaj. His example is a powerful reminder that the principles of peace, harmony, and respect are not abstract ideals but practical realities that can be achieved through conscious effort and personal dedication.
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As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, the life of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj provides guidance, enrichment, and upliftment, helping every citizen to become a better member of their family, community and country – showing us that a harmonious world is not only possible, but within our reach if we choose to live by these timeless principles.
Yogvivekdas Swami is the Head Swami of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London, popularly known as Neasden Temple.
