Nar Narayan Dev Gadi

The Naranarāyan Dēv Gadī, named after NarNarayan Dev, is one of the two Gadis (seats) that together form the Swaminarayan Sampraday. Its headquarter is at the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Ahmedabad and controls the Uttar Vibhag.[1]

Ghanshyam Maharaj at the NarNarayan Dev Gadi headquarters

The Acharya of the Gadi is Acharya Shree Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj.[2]

History
Ahmedabad Swaminarayan Temple Logo

In Vadtal, on Prabodhini Ekadashi of Vikram Samvat 1825, Swaminarayan adopted his nephews Ayodhyaprasadji Pande (Son of elder brother Rampratapbhai) and Raghuveerji Pande (Son of younger brother Ichcharambhai) as his sons. Establishing the two Gadis i.e. NarNarayan Dev Gadi, headquartered at Ahmedabad and LaxmiNarayan Dev Gadi, headquartered at Vadtal, Swaminarayan instructed the two cousins to draw lots, to decide who would be seated on which Gadi.

Ayodhyaprasadji was appointed the inaugural Acharya of the NarNarayan Dev Gadi (also known as the Uttar Vibhag - Northern division), whilst Raghuveerji became the inaugural Acharya of the LaxmiNarayan Dev Gadi (also known as the Dakshin Vibhag - Southern division).[3]

The administrative division between the two is set forth in minute detail in a document written by Swaminarayan, called Desh Vibhaag Lekh. The method by which future Acharyas are to be appointed is enshrined in the document Desh Vibhag Lekh.[4]

Swaminarayan then instructed all the followers present to do puja of their respective acharyas.

Organisational structure
Illustration of Swaminarayan writing the Shiskhapatri

In 1826 at Vadtal, Swaminarayan established the dual Acharyaship in Dharmavanshi Acharyas, whom he intended as his successor. "Dharmavanshi" means "belonging to the lineage of Dharmadev" – the father of Swaminarayan.[5][6] Swaminarayan enthroned his two adopted sons, Ayodhyaprasad Pande and Raghuvir Pande, who were the sons of his brothers Rampratapji and Ichcharamji, as the spiritual leaders of the Nar Narayan Dev Gadi headquartered at Ahmedabad and the Laxmi Narayan Dev Gadi headquartered at Vadtal respectively. He installed them as the Acharyas for all followers, including householders and ascetics. Swaminarayan gave sole authority to these two individuals to install murtis in temples and to initiate sadhus and householders into the Sampraday.[7] He did this using a legal document known as "Desh Vibhag no Lekh", which he dictated and was written by Shukanand Swami. Learned saints and elder satsangis witnessed this document. Copies were presented to the inaugural Acharyas, Ayodhyaprasad Pande and Raghuvir Pande – these are currently in the possession of the current Acharyas. The document was accepted by the Bombay High Court as the authoritative document regarding the apportionment of the two dioceses, so it has legal standing.[5] Presently, Acharya Maharajshri Ajendraprasadji[8][9][10] Maharaj is at the head of Laxmi Narayan Dev Gadi, while Acharya Maharajshri Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj is at the head of the Nar Narayan Dev Gadi at Ahmedabad.[11]


Importance of Acharyas

Swaminarayan thought that as he had established the temples and the Swaminarayan Sampraday, he wanted to keep his sadhus free from the affairs dealing with wealth, power and other worldly affairs. He decided to create leaders who would subsequently be responsible for the Swaminarayan Sampraday. This led to his decision to appoint his nephews as Acharyas.[12] The constitution of the Sampraday is laid out in Desh Vibhag Lekh which describes in detail the functions of the Acharyas.

... it is my command to all sadhus, bhamcharis and all satsangies, that for the purpose of your kalyaan (emancipation) you must obey and follow the two Acharyas of Dharmavansh, and obey their commands by thought, action and speech. If this is compromised and whoever turns elsewhere (rejecting the Acharyas) will find that they will never find sukh (happiness) in this world or the worlds beyond and will experience immense distress ... ― Desh Vibhag Lekh

The Acharyas of the Sampraday are administrative heads, spiritual leaders and the gurus of their followers. Since the acharyas are supposed to refrain from contact with the opposite sex, except close relations, the acharyas' wives are the gurus for female members of the sect, and must avoid contact with unfamiliar men. The acharyas wear a red turban, and carry a golden staff and umbrella, the symbols of their authority[13] In the scripture Purushottam Prakash (Nishkulanand Kavya), the writer Nishkulanand Swami describes Swaminarayan's establishment of the Dharmavanshi Acharyas.

The Acharyas are responsible for:

  • Initiating followers into the organisation with a Samanya Diksha by giving the guru-mantra[14]
  • Initiating monks-sadhus by giving them the Maha-Bhagwadi Diksha[15]
  • Perform murti-pratishtha, installing deities in the temples[16]
  • Authenticating scriptures of the Sampraday[17][18]
  • Acting as the Guru and leader of the entire Sampraday[17][19]

These responsibilities are prescribed in the holy texts Shikshapatri, Satsangi Jeevan and Desh Vibhag Lekh, according to which no person other than the Dharmavanshi Acharyas may carry out these duties.[20]

Koshalendraprasad Pande

In one of the most authoritative scriptures, the Vachanamrut, Swaminarayan states one of the prerequisites for attaining Akshardham. He wrote, "The devotee who is aashrit of Dharmakul (i.e. he who has received initiation from Dharmavanshi Acharya and remains loyal to the Acharya) gets a divine Bhram-state body by God's wish."[21][22] It is seen as imperative to be a humble, loyal follower of the Dharmavanshi Acharya once receiving the diksha (guru mantra) in order to achieve a bhram form. In Swamini Vato, Swaminarayan was quoted, "Even Gunatitanand Swami, one of the main sadhus of Swaminarayan states, 'He who insults the temples, Acharyas, sadhus and satsangis will find his roots being destroyed and will inevitably fall from the satsang.' "[23]



Membership

Male satsangis are initiated by the acharya of the gadi he comes under. Female satsangis are initiated by the wife of the acharya, who is the leader of women in the Swaminarayan Sampraday. In the absence of the acharya, ascetics perform this initiation, which is then confirmed by the acharya on his next visit.[15] The ceremony involves the taking of five vows (panch vartaman): not to commit adultery or robbery, not to consume intoxicants or meat and not to lie. The initiator then pours water over the initiates hands, gives him a Sanskrit shloka, Shri Krishna twam gatirmama, meaning Shri Krishna thou art my refuge. The initiate then offers at least half a rupee to the acharya, who adorns a kanthi thread around the initiate's neck. The initiate is then required to apply the tilak chandlo to his forehead (chandan U and red kum kum dot in the middle).[14] Ladies only apply the red kum kum dot.

There are eight important things in the life of a Satsangi;[24] these are Kanthi – a thread worn around the neck,[25] the Tilak Chandlo – a holy mark,[25] the Mala – a thread with 108 beads,[15][26] Nitya Pooja – daily prayers,[25] the Temple,[25] Darshan – a form of worship,[25] Aarti – a ceremony, and[25] Vandu Pad and Chesta Pad – verses recited in the temples daily.[24] A Satsangi must show reverence for God, the Shastras, the Acharya of the Gadi the Satsangi comes under (NarNarayan Dev Gadi or LaxmiNarayan Dev Gadi), festivals, elders and be of overall good conduct.[27]

Upon initiation, Satsangi make 11 vows, called Niyams (Rules):[28][29]

  • Be non-violent
  • Do not have any kind of relationship with a woman other than your wife
  • Do not eat meat, including seafood, poultry products or eggs
  • Do not drink products that contain alcohol, including medicines
  • Never touch a widow woman whom you do not know
  • Never commit suicide in any circumstances
  • Do not steal
  • Never blame others for something that you may not know about
  • Never disparage God, Goddesses, or any religion
  • Never eat someone's food who does not follow these eleven rules
  • Never listen to holy stories from an atheist.


Ascetics

From the beginning, ascetics have played a major role in the Swaminarayan Sampraday. They contribute towards growth and development of the movement and towards the salvation of its members.[30] Sadhus, initiated by either Dharmavanshi Acharya, also form an integral part of the organisation and wear only orange robes. The Brahmachari ascetics, who are Brahmins, have a special responsibility of taking care of images in temples. These ascetics wear white robes on their waist and an orange cloth over their shoulder. Ascetics lead a strict life, refraining from worldly pleasures and devoting their lives to the service of the holy fellowship. They preach the philosophy and lifetimes of Swaminarayan and encourage people to follow a pious and religious life.[30] Swaminarayan has stated in the Vachanamrut that the association of Satpurush (true saints/devotees) opens the path to salvation. In 1999, the Ahmedabad Gadi had 765 male ascetics and the Vadtal Gadi 1468 male ascetics.[31]

The first rule of becoming an ascetic (sanyasi) of the sect is never to come in contact with the opposite sex, or money.[32] Ascetics are not allowed to leave the temple alone; they have to move out in pairs. Even in the temple, while using the toilet, they must do so in pairs to ensure they keep their vows. The food they eat must be mixed up so that they may not taste it.[33]

Female ascetics, known as Samkhya yoginis, receive initiation from the Gadiwala, or wife of the Acharya. They stay within the temple, follow ascetic rules strictly, wear dark red clothing and stay in the temple Haveli. They take care of the images in women's temples and conduct discourses for women. In 1999, the Ahmedabad Gadi had 440 female ascetics and the Vadtal Gadi had 115 female ascetics.[34]

Acharyas

The following table lists all the Acharyas of the Ahmedabad Gadi till date.

Acharya Number Name of Acharya Born on Became Acharya on Death Term
1 Acharya Shree Ayodyaprasadji Maharaj 25 May 1809 10 November 1826 18 February 1868 42 Years
2 Acharya Shree Keshavprasadji Maharaj 16 April 1835 18 February 1868 9 April 1890 22 Years
3 Acharya Shree Purshottamprasadji Maharaj 7 February 1870 9 April 1890 25 November 1901 12 Years
4 Acharya Shree Vasudevprasadji Maharaj 17 July 1899 25 November 1901 29 November 1937 35 Years
5 Acharya Shree Devendraprasadji Maharaj 5 October 1922 30 November 1937 12 October 1969 32 Years
6 Acharya Shree Tejendraprasadji Maharaj 11 April 1944 13 October 1969 Present 35 Years
7 Acharya Shree Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj 18 October 1972 15 October 2004 Present Present

Subordinate Organisations

Organisations under the NarNarayan Dev Gadi.

ISSO
NarNarayan at the Swaminarayan Temple in New Jersey (Colonia)

The now nivrut Acharya of the Ahmedabad gaadi (who was then Acharya), Acharya Shree Tejendraprasadji Maharaj founded International Swaminarayan Satsang Organisation (I.S.S.O.) in the United States on the occasion of Vijaya Dashmi in the year 1978. The prime objective of I.S.S.O. is "To advance the Sanatan Dharma, in accordance with the principles and teachings of the Swaminarayan Sampraday, founded and ordained by Sahajanand Swami", enabling Swaminarayan's devotees from both the Nar Narayan Dev Gadi (Ahmedabad) & Laxmi Narayan Dev Gadi (Vadtal) to practice their religious duties in harmony.

This achieved, the efforts of all the followers of the Sampraday can be polarised, allowing for joint activities to be undertaken. In turn, this will enabling followers to meet the challenges that they are faced with today in giving their youth a religious experience that they can understand and practice themselves.[35]

Hari Krishna (left) and RadhaKrishna at the Swaminarayan Temple in Florida

ISSO Seva

In 2001 ISSO-Seva was established. It is an independent running charity under the Swaminarayan Sampraday to give a helping hand to mankind, to help the homeless and needy as well as making awareness about the modern day diseases and infections. It provides relief for when a natural disaster strikes worldwide. The charity is run by professionals and volunteers of the Swaminarayan temples and centres.[36]

NNDYM
Main article: NNDYM

Narnarayan Dev Yuvak Mandal is a youth organisation which was founded by Acharya Shree Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj (Pre Acharya Status) in 1994 with its headquarters at the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Ahmedabad and was created to help young people to confront the challenges of human life.

This step set into motion various initiatives by this organisation to build a foundation of young people across the globe. The organisation propagates dharma (duty), bhakti (devotion), gnaan (knowledge), and vairagya (detachment from maya).[37]

Organisations within Swaminarayan Sampraday
Main articles: ISSO (Swaminarayan), ISSO Seva, NNDYM, and International Swaminarayan Satsang Mandal

In 1978, the Acharya of the Ahmedabad gadi, Tejendraprasadji Maharaj, founded the International Swaminarayan Satsang Organisation (ISSO) in the United States on the occasion of Vijaya Dasami. The prime objective of ISSO is, "To advance the Sanatan Dharma, in accordance with the principles and teachings of the Swaminarayan Sampraday, founded and ordained by Sahajanand Swami", enabling Swaminarayan's devotees from both the Nar Narayan Dev Gadi (Ahmedabad) and Laxmi Narayan Dev Gadi (Vadtal) to practice their religious duties in harmony.[38]


In 2001, ISSO-Seva, an independently run charity under the Swaminarayan Sampraday was established to help mankind, the homeless and needy and promote awareness about modern day diseases and infections. It provides relief after natural disasters worldwide. The charity is run by professionals and volunteers of the Swaminarayan temples and centres.[39]

Narnarayan Dev Yuvak Mandal (NNDYM) is a youth organisation which was founded by Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj in his Acharya status in 1994. Its headquarters are at the Swaminarayan Mandir in Ahmedabad; it was created to help young people to confront the challenges of human life. This organisation has various initiatives to build a foundation of young people across the globe. It propagates duty, devotion, knowledge (gnaan) and detachment from illusion (maya).[40]

The International Swaminarayan Satsang Mandal (ISSM) is an organisation based in United States that comes under the Laxminarayan Dev Gadi, Vadtal.[41] It has several temples in the US, all of which are named Vadtal Dham after the parent organisation.[42]

Recent developments
Swaminarayan Museum inauguration

Swaminarayan Museum
Main article: Swaminarayan Museum

Swaminarayan Museum in Ahmedabad, which houses more than 5000 artefacts, was opened in March 2011.[43] The museum holds items such as Swaminarayan's writing scripts, day to day garments and ornaments. This is the first project in the Swaminarayan Sampraday that aims to acquire all of Swaminarayan's Prasadi items from temples across the world. This museum is a dream of the retired acharya of Ahmedabad, Tejendraprasad Pande.[44][45]

See also

References
  1. Williams 2001, pp. 35, 36, 37
  2. "Times Music cassette on Swaminarayan serial launched". Times of India. 19 January 2006. Retrieved 5 June 2009.
  3. Williams, Raymond (2001). Introduction to Swaminarayan Hinduism. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. pp. 35. ISBN 0-521-65279-0.
  4. Williams, Raymond (2001). Introduction to Swaminarayan Hinduism. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. pp. 36–37. ISBN 0-521-65279-0.
  5. Williams 2001, pp. 35, 36
  6. "Devotees throng Dharmakul fest". Daily News and Analysis. 2 June 2009. Retrieved 17 June 2009.
  7. Chitkara 1997, p. 228
  8. NewsGram (18 April 2016). "Spread of Swaminarayan Sampraday across Globe". NewsGram. Retrieved 15 July 2019.
  9. Banerjee, Nirupam (3 October 2018). "Gujarat High Court provides relief to acharya Ajendraprasad Pande". DNA India. Retrieved 26 September 2019.
  10. authorize. "Saint & Guru". Lakshya Tv. Retrieved 26 September 2019.
  11. "Shree Swaminarayan Temple Bolton - swaminarayan.faith". Shree Swaminarayan Temple Bolton. Retrieved 1 January 2020.
  12. "ESTABLISHMENT OF UNIQUE ACHARYASHIP". Archived from the original on 1 May 2009.
  13. Williams 2001, pp. 40, 41
  14. Chitkara 1997, p. 230
  15. Williams 2004, p. 83
  16. Williams 2004, p. 82
  17. Williams 2001, p. 36
  18. "Acharya". swaminarayan.faith. Retrieved 1 January 2020.
  19. Williams 2004, p. 84
  20. Chitkara 1997, pp. 228, 230
  21. Vachanamrut, Gadhada Pratham Chapter 1
  22. The Vachanamrut: Spiritual Discourses of Swaminarayan (Hardcover), Swaminatrayan Aksharpith, Shahibaug Amdavad, India; Second Edition (2003); ISBN 978-81-7526-190-7
  23. Swami ni Vato Prakran 5, Vat 104
  24. "A Satsangis life: Vandu and Chesta Pad". Archived from the original on 2 April 2009.
  25. Chitkara 1997, p. 229
  26. "Guidelines to the good conduct of a Satsangi". Archived from the original on 17 November 2007.
  27. "Daily pooja guidelines". Archived from the original on 17 November 2007.
  28. "About the Swaminarayan Sampraday". Archived from the original on 17 April 2008.
  29. Williams 2001, p. 162
  30. Williams 2001, p. 107
  31. Williams 2001, p. 108
  32. Lise McKean (1996). Towards a politics of spirituality: Gurus and the Hindu nationalist movement. University of Chicago Press. ISBN 978-0-226-56010-6. Retrieved 12 September 2009. Page 19
  33. Behramji Merwanji Malabari; Krishnalal M. Jhaveri; Malabari M. B (1997). Gujarat and the Gujaratis. Asian Educational Services. ISBN 978-81-206-0651-7. Retrieved 7 May 2009. Page 241-242
  34. Williams 2001, pp. 117, 118
  35. "International Swaminarayan Satsang Organisation". Archived from the original on 29 May 2013. Retrieved 10 May 2008.
  36. "ISSO Seva".
  37. "Narnarayan Dev Yuvak Mandal". Archived from the original on 2 May 2008. Retrieved 10 May 2008.
  38. "International Swaminarayan Satsang Organisation". Archived from the original on 29 May 2013.
  39. "ISSO Seva". issoseva.org. Retrieved 1 January 2020.
  40. "Narnarayan Dev Yuvak Mandal". Archived from the original on 2 May 2008.
  41. Williams 2004, p. 145
  42. Williams 2001, p. 229
  43. "New Swaminarayan museum opens today". Times of India. 5 March 2011. Retrieved 22 March 2011.
  44. "Rs 30-cr museum for Swaminarayan". Ahmedabad Mirror. 24 August 2009. Archived from the original on 7 July 2011. Retrieved 29 August 2009.
  45. "Shree Swaminarayan Museum".
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