The Swaminarayan Sampraday

Described by scholars as one of the world's most dynamic Hindu denominations, in a little over two hundred years, the Swaminarayan Sampraday has grown from a tiny, unknown sect in a corner of western India, into a global spiritual presence with volunteers, humanitarian services and striking, traditional temples on almost every continent. While the architectural beauty of their temples has permeated modern consciousness, the history and beliefs of this important Hindu group remains less well known.

This succinct book traces the roots and the growth, the beliefs and the practices of the Swaminarayan Sampraday, which was founded by Bhagwan Swaminarayan in Gujarat, India, at the turn of the 19th century.

The first part of the book provides a brief sketch of Bhagwan Swaminarayan's life, mission and philosophy.

The second section examines the some of the major spiritual practices undertaken by the followers of this denomination in their quest to attain spiritual enlightenment and ultimate liberation. This section explores the group's understanding of the role of satsang, association with God, the scriptures and the guru, in helping one attain spiritual enlightenment. It also describes the denomination's beliefs regarding devotion to God and congregational worship.

The third section of the book briefly considers the lineage of Bhagwan Swaminarayan's successors, a line of God-realized gurus, who led the denomination after him. This section also presents an overview of the spiritual and humanitarian activities of the organization under the leadership of the present guru, Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

The book also throws light on the true nature of Bhagwan Swaminarayan's mission. Previous authors, overwhelmed only by his philanthropic services labeled him a social reformer and the sect as a social reform movement. However this book, written by a Swaminarayan sadhu (monk) and scholar who has spent the last thirty years living and studying within the faith, provides the depth and perspective of a scholarly insider to show how Bhagwan Swaminarayan also fulfilled a far loftier mission in the spiritual realm.