Shastriji Maharaj, Indian spiritual leader, founded BAPS (d. 1951)

Shastriji Maharaj, born Dungar Patel on January 31, 1865, and passing away on May 10, 1951, stands as a pivotal figure in the history of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya. Revered as Shastri Yagnapurushdas, he was a distinguished swami who ultimately founded the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a globally recognized Hindu socio-spiritual organization. Within the BAPS tradition, and by various other branches, Shastriji Maharaj is uniquely recognized as the third spiritual successor in the profound lineage of Aksharbrahma Gurus, a succession believed to be the माध्यम (medium) through which Bhagwan Swaminarayan Himself manifests on Earth. This lineage, fundamental to the Akshar-Purushottam philosophy, began with Gunatitanand Swami.

His early life began in a family of humble farmers in the central region of Gujarat, India. At the young age of 17, Dungar Patel embraced the ascetic path, joining the Vadtal diocese of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya and being initiated as a swami, receiving the name Yagnapurushdas Swami. His profound dedication to spiritual learning and his exceptional grasp of sacred knowledge quickly became evident. The honorific prefix "Shastri" was later bestowed upon him, a testament to his eminent scholarship and mastery of Sanskrit, the classical language of Hinduism, and various intricate Hindu scriptures, including the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Shrimad Bhagavatam.

The Akshar-Purushottam Doctrine and the Founding of BAPS

The establishment of BAPS by Shastriji Maharaj marked a significant moment following a doctrinal divergence from the Vadtal diocese of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya. This split primarily centered on the interpretation of Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s core teachings, specifically concerning the nature of Akshar and Purushottam, which Shastriji Maharaj believed was not being correctly upheld.

Shastriji Maharaj staunchly propagated the Akshar-Purushottam Upasana, a unique theological tenet central to BAPS. This upasana, or mode of worship, posits the belief in two distinct divine entities: Akshar, the eternal abode and the ideal devotee of God, often identified with the Guru lineage; and Purushottam, the Supreme God, Bhagwan Swaminarayan Himself. According to Shastriji Maharaj, this profound principle was directly revealed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan and faithfully transmitted through His spiritual lineage, specifically passed down to Shastriji Maharaj by his own revered guru, Bhagatji Maharaj, who was in turn a principal disciple of Gunatitanand Swami.

To systematically propagate this distinct philosophical understanding, Shastriji Maharaj formally established the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) on June 5, 1907, in the village of Bochasan, Gujarat, India. This foundational act aimed to create an organization dedicated to the uncompromised practice and dissemination of the Akshar-Purushottam Upasana, ensuring its purity and continuity for future generations.

Architectural Manifestation of Faith: Building Mandirs

As an unwavering proponent of the Akshar-Purushottam Upasana, Shastriji Maharaj embarked on a monumental task: the construction of traditional Hindu mandirs, or temples, where the dual worship of Akshar and Purushottam could be enshrined. His vision was to concretize this theological principle through sacred architecture. In these magnificent mandirs, he personally consecrated the sacred images (murtis) of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, revering Him as the supreme Purushottam, and of Gunatitanand Swami, revered as Akshar, the ideal devotee and the divine abode, in the central shrines.

This act of consecration was revolutionary, as it visibly affirmed the Akshar-Purushottam doctrine, presenting Akshar (Gunatitanand Swami) as a distinct divine entity alongside Purushottam (Swaminarayan Bhagwan) in the primary altar. These landmark mandirs, which became spiritual epicenters for the burgeoning BAPS fellowship, were established in key towns across Gujarat, India:

These mandirs serve not only as places of worship but also as enduring symbols of Shastriji Maharaj's unwavering faith and his dedication to propagating the Akshar-Purushottam philosophy.

Ensuring Continuity: Spiritual and Administrative Succession

By the early 1950s, Shastriji Maharaj had successfully laid robust spiritual and organizational foundations for BAPS, ensuring the Akshar-Purushottam Upasana would continue to flourish. With remarkable foresight, he meticulously planned for the future leadership of the Sanstha. He strategically appointed two key individuals to steer BAPS after his physical departure:

This dual appointment, with the administrative head serving under the spiritual leader, showcased Shastriji Maharaj's meticulous planning for both the spiritual purity and the practical expansion of BAPS. This leadership model ensured that the Sanstha would continue its mission under strong spiritual guidance while maintaining efficient administrative oversight. His vision laid the groundwork for BAPS to evolve from a budding spiritual movement into a worldwide socio-spiritual organization, reaching millions and building countless mandirs, schools, and hospitals across the globe, all rooted in the Akshar-Purushottam philosophy he tirelessly championed.

Frequently Asked Questions about Shastriji Maharaj and BAPS

Who was Shastriji Maharaj?
Shastriji Maharaj (born Dungar Patel) was a revered swami of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya and the visionary founder of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). He is recognized within BAPS as the third spiritual successor in the lineage of Aksharbrahma Gurus, following Gunatitanand Swami and Bhagatji Maharaj.
What is the Akshar-Purushottam Upasana?
The Akshar-Purushottam Upasana is the central theological tenet of BAPS, propagated by Shastriji Maharaj. It defines the worship of Bhagwan Swaminarayan as Purushottam (the Supreme God) along with His ideal devotee and eternal abode, Akshar (often personified through the Aksharbrahma Guru lineage, starting with Gunatitanand Swami). This dual worship is fundamental to the BAPS philosophy.
Why did Shastriji Maharaj establish BAPS?
Shastriji Maharaj established BAPS primarily to propagate and preserve the Akshar-Purushottam Upasana. This came after a doctrinal disagreement with the Vadtal diocese regarding the nature of Akshar and Purushottam, where he believed the true understanding of Swaminarayan's teachings was not being upheld.
When and where was BAPS founded?
The Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) was formally established by Shastriji Maharaj on June 5, 1907, in Bochasan, a town in Gujarat, India.
Who were Shastriji Maharaj's successors in BAPS?
Shastriji Maharaj appointed Yogiji Maharaj as his spiritual successor to continue the guru lineage and guide the spiritual well-being of the Sanstha. Concurrently, he appointed Pramukh Swami Maharaj as the administrative head (President) to manage the organizational growth and activities of BAPS, ensuring both spiritual and practical continuity.