Acharya Shree Koshalendra Prasadji Maharaj

DOB:
23 Oct 1972 V.S. 2028
Diksha:
14 Oct 2004 V.S. 2060

Shree Tejendraprasadji Maharaj

DOB:
11 April 1944 V.S. 2000
Diksha:
13 Oct 1969 V.S. 2025

Shree Devendraprasadji Maharaj

DOB:
5 Oct 1922 V.S. 1978
Diksha:
30 Nov 1937 V.S. 1993
Akshar. :
12 Oct 1969 V.S. 2025

Shree Vasudevprasadji Maharaj

DOB:
17 July 1899 V.S. 1955
Diksha:
25 Nov 1901 V.S. 1958
Akshar. :
29 Nov 1937 V.S. 1993

Acharya Shree Purshottamprasadji

DOB:
7 Feb 1870 V.S. 1926
Diksha:
9 April 1890 V.S. 1946
Akshar. :
25 Nov 1901 V.S. 1958

Acharya Shree Ayodhyaprasadji Maharaj

DOB:
25 May 1809 V.S. 1865
Diksha:
11 Nov 1825 V.S. 1882
Aksharvas :
18 Feb 1868 V.S. 1924

Shree Viharilalji Maharaj

DOB: 19 April 1852 (V.S. 1908)

Diksha: 12 Aug 1879 (V.S. 1935)

Aksharvas : 27 Sep

Acharyas

DHARMAKUL

In the Swaminarayan Sampraday, DHARMAKUL refers to the divine lineage (GURU PARAMPARA) starting from Bhagwan Swaminarayan up to the present & future lineage of Acharyas (GURU). Dharmavanshi means belonging to the lineage of Dharmadev - the father of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

To be or become 'Dharmakul Na Aashrit' or to be 'seeking refuge' in the Dharmakul implies that one had to be initiated by the respective Acharyas into the authentic Swaminarayan Sect so that one can qualify to:

1. Become a Swaminarayan devotee
2. Do authentic Bhakti (not just to reap fruits but to attain salvation as well).
3. Attain the divine abode (AKSHARDHAM) in the service of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

The initiation of all Swaminarayan followers including the Sadhu’s (Saints), by the respective Acharya is what qualifies one to be in the genuine Swaminarayan Sect.

DHARMAVANSHI ACHARYA

"I shall always remain within the Acharyas from the family of My father, Dharmadev." - Swaminarayan Bhagwan instructed all his followers to consider the Acharyas as God-personified & serve their respective Acharya with total loyalty & humility.

By the time Swaminarayan Bhagwan was ready to return to his divine abode (AKSHARDHAM), he had already built six magnificent Shikharbandh (domed) temples. The satsangis (devotees) numbered over half a million & Sadhus, Parshads and Sankhya Yogis numbered in large as well. It was clear that to manage the growing Swaminarayan Sampraday would require a personality of immense powers of administration and persuasion; a task beyond any mortal being as per tenets of the sampraday.

Swaminarayan Bhagwan appointed his two adopted sons, Ayodhyaprasadji the son of his elder brother Rampratapji and Raghuvirji the son of his younger brother Ichcharamji, as the spiritual leaders or Acharyas of the Swaminarayan Sampraday, in Vadtal, on VS 1882 (1825 AD) Kartik Sud Prabodhini Ekadashi (ironically on the same day Bhagwan Swaminarayan was given the Acharya-pad by Ramanand Swami). The Acharyas are the sole representatives of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and have the responsibility of managing the entire Swaminarayan movement (Shikshapatri Slokh 3).

In establishing the dual Acharyaship in the Swaminarayan Sampraday, Swaminarayan Bhagwan divided the followers geographically into two, for ease of administration. Bhagwan Swaminarayan divided India into two divisions. Bhagwan Swaminarayan handed the Dakshin Desh – Shree LakshmiNarayan Dev Desh to Raghuvirji and Uttar Desh – Shree NarNarayan Dev Desh to Ayodhyaprasadji. The LakshmiNarayan Dev Desh based in Vadtal and the NarNarayan Dev Desh is based in Amdavad. Although known as Shree LakshmiNarayan Dev Gadi & Shree NarNarayan Dev Gadi, both are the Swaminarayan Gadis as they are the only authentic Gadis established by Bhagwan Swaminarayan himself.

The Acharyas are householders and their respective wives (Gadiwala) stand as the females’ Guru. As per the provisions of DESH VIBHAG LEKH the Gadi is passed on to the sons from their family, Dharmkul. The Acharyas of the Sampraday are more than mere administrative heads; they are the spiritual leaders and the Guru through whom the path to Moksha (liberation) is opened. Bhagwan Swaminarayan authorized only the Acharyas to install the images of God in His temples and to administer Saamaanya (basic) Diksha for all male satsangis and specific Maha Bhagwati Diksha for Sadhus, to his disciples in their respective jurisdictions. Nobody else is authorized to install idols or initiate Satsangis. Bhagwan Swaminarayan has promised to reside specifically in the images installed by himself and the Acharyas only. These Acharyas are authorized to initiate the male disciples only. Their respective wife, the 'Gadiwala', is the initiator of all female Satsangis and Sankhya Yogis in their respective jurisdiction, with the consent of their husband - the Acharya. Despite being householders, both the Acharya & Gadiwala live as per the direction and following tenets of sampraday.

All the above mentioned responsibilities have been prescribed in the Shikshapatri, Satsangijeevan and Desh Vibhag no Lekh, & according to these Shastras, no other individual other than the Dharmavanshi Acharyas are permitted to carry out the above duties. In the scripture Purushottam Prakash (Nishkulanand Kavya), the writer Nishkulanand Swami describes the instance when Bhagwan Swaminarayan established the Dharmavanshi Acharyas.

The constitution of the Swaminarayan Sampraday is laid out in Desh Vibhag no Lekh which describes in detail the functions of the Acharyas. "... it is my command to all Sadhus, Bhamcharis and all Satsangis, 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 no Lekh). Further more, in one of the most authoritative scriptures, the Vachanamrut, Bhagwan Swaminarayan states one of the pre-requisites for attaining Akshardham. "... The devotee who is aashrit of Dharmakul (he who has received initiation from Dharmavanshi Acharya and remains loyal to the Acharya) gets a divine Bhram-state body by God's wish..." (Vachanamrut, Gadhada Pratham Chapter 1). So it is seen as imperative to be a humble loyal follower of the Dharmavanshi Acharya once receiving the Diksha (guru mantra) in order to be qualified to achieve a Bhram form.

The rules of managing the Sampraday are enshrined in a document which Swaminarayan Bhagwan dictated and got written by Shukanand Swami – it is called Desh Vibhag Lekh. It lays out the boundary of demarcation between the two administrative zones. The protocol required between the Acharyas is documented here. The procedures for appointing future Acharyas are also laid down in Desh Vibhag Lekh.

As per the provision of Desh Vibhag Lekh, only the person who is in the lineage of Dharmakul, and has the capacity and quality to follow the principles, philosophy of the sampraday established by Bhagwan Swaminarayan in following, preaching and protecting can become the Acharya. Thus, the eligibility for becoming a Acharya is established and documented by Bhagwan Swaminarayan himself and is accepted by both the Acharyas by endorsing the copies. It is further provided that no one -Acharya, Sadhu, Parshad, Satsangis, Sankhyayogis or anybody-is authorized to make any alteration, correction or eliminitations and any kind of changes in the provisions of these documents in anyway-executing, propogating, illegal publicizing. Thus this Desh Vibhag Lekh is a will of Bhagwan Swaminarayan therefore no one has the authority to alter it or make any kind of changes. In these times of legal challenges upon the Sampraday, Desh Vibhag Lekh has proved to be the basis upon which most judicial rulings are made.

 

H. H. ACHARYA SHREE RAGHUVIRJI MAHARAJ Svt. 1968-1919 Shree Raghuvirji maharaj, the son of Ichharamjibhai, (brother of Bhagawan Shree Swaminarayan) was born in the village 'Ambaliya' situated in 'Kaushal desh' in the V.S. 1868. Right from his childhood, he was inclined to do something, which was beneficial to others. Bhagawan Swaminarayan appointed him as the Acharya of Shree Laxminarayan dev Gadi of Vadtal desh, in the v.s. 1882, which covers the area of jurisdiction in the southern part of the country. He had installed the idols of Shree Harikrishna Maharaj in Dholera, Junagadh, & Gadhada and had built many temples at different places during his period like Bombay, Bharuch, Surat etc. He himself had prepared loaves (Rotla) for a sick saint one late night. Such was his serviceful kind nature. Shreeji Maharaj was highly pleased by this get. He had no ego of his position. He liked to be in the holy company of the saints and had high respect and regards for the saints. Occasionally he was going to Junagadh to hear the inspiring discourses of A.M. Sadguru Shree Gunatitanand Swami. He had encouraged the publication of religious scriptures. Shikshapatribhashyam is a specimen of his, showing his profound knowledge in Sanskrit and scriptures. He left this world on the second day of the bright fortnight of the month of 'Maha' in the V.S.. 1919, living a short, simple but highly pious and inspiring life of 51 years. The holy fellowship cannot forget Shree Raghuvirji Maharaj who was the ideal first Acharaya of Vadatal region for 37 years.   H. H. ACHARYA SHREE BHAGVATPRASADJI MAHARAJ Svt. 1894-1935   H. H. ACHARYA SHREE ANANDPRASADJI MAHARAJ Svt. 1962-2030   H. H. ACHARYA SHREE NARENDRAPRASADJI MAHARAJ Svt. 1986-2042   H. H. 1008 ACHARYA SHREE AJENDRAPRASADJI MAHARAJ Svt. 2005-Present   H.H. 108 SHREE LALJI SHREE NRIGENDRAPRASADJI MAHARAJ Svt. 2030 - Present

Acharya Shree Raghuvirji Maharaj

Shree Raghuvirji maharaj, the son of Ichharamjibhai, (brother of Bhagawan Shree Swaminarayan) was born in the village 'Ambaliya' situated in 'Kaushal desh' in the V.S. 1868. Right from his childhood, he was inclined to do something, which was beneficial to others. Bhagawan Swaminarayan appointed him as the Acharya of Shree Laxminarayan dev Gadi of Vadtal desh, in the v.s. 1882, which covers the area of jurisdiction in the southern part of the country. He had installed the idols of Shree Harikrishna Maharaj in Dholera, Junagadh, & Gadhada and had built many temples at different places during his period like Bombay, Bharuch, Surat etc. He himself had prepared loaves (Rotla) for a sick saint one late night. Such was his serviceful kind nature. Shreeji Maharaj was highly pleased by this get. He had no ego of his position. He liked to be in the holy company of the saints and had high respect and regards for the saints. Occasionally he was going to Junagadh to hear the inspiring discourses of A.M. Sadguru Shree Gunatitanand Swami. He had encouraged the publication of religious scriptures. Shikshapatribhashyam is a specimen of his, showing his profound knowledge in Sanskrit and scriptures. He left this world on the second day of the bright fortnight of the month of 'Maha' in the V.S.. 1919, living a short, simple but highly pious and inspiring life of 51 years. The holy fellowship cannot forget Shree Raghuvirji Maharaj who was the ideal first Acharaya of Vadatal region for 37 years.

Acharya Shree Raghuvirji Maharaj

Born: 25th May 1809 
Acharyaship: 10th November 1826 
Aksharnivaas (Death): 18th February 1868 
Acharyaship Period: 42 Years

Acharya Shree Anandprasadji Maharaj

Born: 22nd July 1906 
Acharyaship: 12th February 1931 
Aksharnivaas (Death): 8th July 1974 
Acharyaship Period: 28 Years

Acharya Shree Ajendraprasadji Maharaj

Born: 16th August 1949 
Acharyaship: N/A 
Aksharnivaas (Death): Present 
Acharyaship Period: N/A

Koshalendraprasad Pande

Sanatan Dharma Dhurandar Acharya Maharaj Shree 1008 

Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj -

 आचार्या श्री कोशालेन्द्रप्रसाद्जी माहाराज 

(October 1971 – Present) is the current Acharya of the NarNarayan Dev Gadi of the Swaminarayan Sampraday (15 October 2004 – present) and is the 7th successor of Swaminarayan in the North Diocese (NarNarayan Dev Gadi, Ahmedabad).

Swaminarayan Temples (Mandirs)	Ahmedabad   Vadtal   Bhuj   Dholera   Gadhada   Junagadh   Mumbai   London   Auckland   Karachi   New Jersey Nairobi   Cardiff   Oldham   Sarangpur   Chicago   Brighton   Downey   Bhuj (New temple)   Bolton

Acharya Maharajshree Rakeshprasad Pande

Sanatan Dharma Dhurandar Acharya Maharaj Shree 1008 

Rakeshprasadji Maharaj( आचार्या श्री राकेशप्रसाद्जी माहाराज) 

(23 July 1966 – present) is the current Acharyaof the LaxmiNarayan Dev Gadi of Swaminarayan Sampraday (31 January 2003–present) and the 9th Spiritual Successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan in the South Diocese (Vadtal,LaxmiNarayan Dev Gadi) of the Swaminarayan Sampraday.

He was appointed by the order of the Gujarat High Court, which removed his predesser,Acharya Shree Ajendraprasadji Maharaj and appointed him in his place. Acharya Shree Ajendraprasadji Maharaj has disputed this and has filed a review petition in the Gujarat High Court, a case which is currently pending before the court.

Followers say he takes an interest in Sanskrit and Prakrit literature on religion, and that he has established temples and consecrated idols in them. He also is said to have givenDiksha to more than 100 saints as per the wish of Swaminarayan who mentioned this in the Desh Vibhag Lekh.

Acharya Maharajshree Tejendraprasad Pande

 Born: 11th April 1944 
Acharyaship: 13th October 1969 
Aksharnivaas (Death): Present 
Acharyaship Period: 35 Years

The Acharya of the NarNarayan Dev Gadi, Ahmedabad, HH 1008 Shree Tejendraprasadji Maharajshri was appointed by his father, the Late Acharya Maharaj 1008 Shree Devendraprasadji Maharajshri. His Holiness was enthroned as Acharya on Aaso Sud 2, Vikram Samvat 2025 (13 October 1969). 

His Holiness took up the responsibilities of the Sampraday on the orders of Acharya Shree Devendraprasadji Maharaj from the tender age of 14 years. Accompanied by learned saints, His Holiness travelled to East Africa to nurture the Satsang there. 

Following steadfastly in the steps of his Great Grand Father, His Holiness gave up his further studies to care for Acharya Maharajshri Devendraprasadji Maharaj in his days of ill-health - just as Ghanshyam Maharaj had cared for His parents in their times of ill-health. 

His Holiness is always kind, peaceful, just and loving towards all. Despite all the pressures of the ever-expanding Sampraday, one never witnesses a sign of fatigue on his body. Neither does His Holiness turn down requests from followers to attend festivals, padhramnis, etc. Ably supported by HH Lalji Maharajshri (Acharya-Designate) Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj, who has incidentally taken up much of the Satsang propagation duties, Acharya Maharajshri now instils the same ideals of Satsang seva in his grandson, Bal Lalji Maharajshri Vrajendraprasadji Maharaj. 

In over 30 years of tireless service to the Sampraday, His Holiness' accomplishments are too numerous to list here. The following is but a summary of the facts detailed in 'Dharma Setu', His Holiness' biography produced in 1994 during the Silver Jubilee & Golden Jubilee Festival: 

Educational Establishments
Accommodating over 8,000 male & female students 

* Shree Sahajanand Arts & Commerce College 
* Shree Swaminarayan Vidyaalay (Boarding), Bhuj 
* Shree Sahajanand Elementary School
* Shree Sahajanand Primary School 
* Shree Sahajanand High School 
* Shree Sahajanand Multi-Course Academy 
* Shree Sahajanand Vaanijay Mahavidyaalay (Commerce College) 

Gurukuls/Sanskar Dhams: located at Asaarva, Abu, Jhilvana, Gandhidham, Kalol, Jetalpur, Koteshwar, Mandvi, Chiloda, Idar, Rampur, Saayla, Siddhpur, etc. 

NarNarayan Dev Yuvak Mandal (NNDYM): His Holiness established branches of the NNDYM all over the Northern Zone, under the careful and calculated guidance of HH Lalji Maharajshri (Acharya-Designate) Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj. The organisation's membership exceeds tens of thousands of youth from all backgrounds - students, professionals, businesspersons, etc. tree planting, blood donation camps, religious camps, conferences, seminars, workshops, etc. and processions are but a few of the activities undertaken so far. 

International Swaminarayan Satsang Organisation (ISSO): His Holiness established the ISSO on Vijya Dashmi in 1978 in USA. Today, the organisation spans the world with active groups in all the continents. It is particularly active in USA & UK, where regular camps and conferences nurture the young and mould them into worthy satsangis of the future. 

Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan's 200th Birthday Celebrations: 1981 saw numerous celebrations to commemorate The Almighty's Bi-Centennial birthday. The largest of these were at Ahmedabad, Bhuj & Muli. The renowned Pundit Late Dongreji Maharaj recited the Shreemad Bhagwat Katha at the Ahmedabad festival where hundreds of thousands of devotees gathered. A few days later, His Holiness travelled to Kutch and presided over the festival in Bhuj, under the able stewardship of the resident saints. This was soon followed by the event at Muli, which was celebrated with grand pomp. 

His Holiness Acharya Maharajshri's Silver & Golden Jubilee Festival: In 1994, His Holiness completed 25 years as Acharya of the Northern Zone & reached his 50th birthday. The Sampraday came together to celebrate this momentous occasion with His Holiness. Never one to think of himself first, His Holiness ordered that any funds raised from the event should be used to re-construct the dilapidated temple at the birthplace of Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan, in Chhapaiya. The followers, always eager to fulfil all His Holiness' wishes, did just that. Today, the temple re-construction is complete. The new temple now stands proudly as a testament to Shreeji Maharaj's glory. 

HH Lalji Maharajshri correctly taught us during the Silver & Golden Jubilee Festival, to pray to Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan that we should never ever be without indebtedness to His Holiness Acharya Maharajshri. His Holiness' sacrifices for this Sampraday and us satsangis are beyond contemplation. Long may you (HH Acharya Maharajshri) lead us out of the darkness of spiritual ignorance and away from the temptations of this material world.

Acharya Maharajshree Koshalendraprasad Pande

Acahrya Shree Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj
Acahrya Shree Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj
Born	October 18, 1971 Ahmedabad, India
Titles/honours	7th Acharya, Narnarayan Dev Gadi
Philosophy	Swaminarayan Sampraday (Sanatana Dharma)