Swaminarayan Sampradaya

Swaminarayan, founder of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya

Swaminarayan Sampradaya

The Swaminarayan Sampradaya is a Hindu sect that was established by Swaminarayan, also known as Sahajanand Swami, in the early 19th century. The sect is a part of the larger Vaishnavite tradition, which worships Vishnu and his avatars, particularly Krishna. The Swaminarayan Sampradaya is known for its emphasis on devotion (bhakti), morality, and community service.

History

The Swaminarayan Sampradaya was founded by Swaminarayan in 1801. Born as Ghanshyam Pande in 1781 in the village of Chhapaiya in present-day Uttar Pradesh, Swaminarayan undertook a seven-year pilgrimage across India before settling in the region of Gujarat. He was initiated into the Uddhav Sampradaya by his guru, Ramanand Swami, and later succeeded him as the leader of the sect. Swaminarayan's teachings attracted a large following, and he established several temples and initiated a number of social reforms.

Beliefs and Practices

The Swaminarayan Sampradaya emphasizes the worship of Swaminarayan as the supreme deity. Devotees follow a strict code of conduct, which includes vegetarianism, abstinence from alcohol and drugs, and adherence to moral and ethical principles. The sect also places a strong emphasis on community service and charity.

Scriptures

The primary scriptures of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya include the Shikshapatri, a code of conduct written by Swaminarayan, and the Vachanamrut, a collection of his discourses. Other important texts include the Satsangi Jeevan and the Bhaktachintamani.

Temples

Swaminarayan established several temples during his lifetime, the most notable being the Swaminarayan Temple in Ahmedabad, which was the first temple of the sect. Other significant temples include the Vadtal Temple, the Bhuj Temple, and the Gadhada Temple. The sect has since expanded globally, with temples in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

Sects

The Swaminarayan Sampradaya has several sub-sects, the most prominent being the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) and the Swaminarayan Gadi. Each sub-sect has its own leadership and administrative structure but shares the core beliefs and practices established by Swaminarayan.

Social and Cultural Impact

The Swaminarayan Sampradaya has had a significant impact on the social and cultural landscape of Gujarat and other regions where it has a presence. The sect has been involved in various social initiatives, including education, healthcare, and disaster relief. It also promotes cultural activities such as music, dance, and drama.

See Also

• Vaishnavism
• Hinduism
• Bhakti movement
• Ramanand Swami
• BAPS