Pramukh Swami Maharaj
Shantilal Patel
Introduction
Pramukh Swami Maharaj (born Shantilal Patel) was the guru and president of Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a Hindu denomination.He was regarded as the fifth spiritual successor of Swaminarayan by BAPS followers and believed to be in constant communication with Swaminarayan.
He was the President of BAPS from 1950 and succeeded by Mahant Swami Maharaj.He oversaw the growth of BAPS globally, building more than 1,100 Hindu temples and spearheading the efforts of BAPS Charities.
Early Life
Shantilal was born in Chansad, Gujarat on 7 December 1921.His parents were disciples of Shastriji Maharaj and followers of the Akshar Purushottam faith.Shastriji Maharaj had blessed Shantilal at birth and told his father that he would lead thousands to devotion of God. Shantilal was a calm and soft-spoken child who was known for his honesty and kindness even at a young age.
He was raised in a simple home environment and although he excelled in his studies, he only had the opportunity to attend school for six years.Initiation as Hindu SwamiShantilal received initiation as a Hindu Swami in 1940 from Shastriji Maharaj.
He was appointed as President of BAPS in 1950 by Shastriji Maharaj.In 1971, Yogiji Maharaj declared Pramukh Swami Maharaj to be his spiritual successor and guru of BAPS.
LegacyPramukh Swami Maharaj oversaw the growth of BAPS globally, building more than 1,100 Hindu temples including Swaminarayan Akshardham temples in New Delhi and Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
He spearheaded the efforts of BAPS Charities, the charitable service organization affiliated with BAPS.
He was remembered as a spiritual leader who dedicated his life to serving others and spreading the teachings of Hinduism.
