Swaminarayan/Sahajanand Swami – Biography, Philosophy, Literary Works

Sahajanand Swami, popularly known as Swaminarayan (1781-1830), was a spiritual leader and ascetic. He is the central figure in a modern sect (Vaisnavite) of Hinduism known as Swaminarayan Hinduism. He contributed significantly to Hinduism by building temples and propagating Hindu religious scriptures and endeavoured to purify it through his teachings and reformative activities.

Early life

• Shree Sahajanand Swami was born on 2nd April 1781 on Ramnavmi (the birthday of Lord Rama) in a small village called Chhapaiya near Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh.
• His parents were Hariprasad Pande (also known as Dharmadev) and Premvati Pande (also known as Bhakimata or Murtidevi). They were Brahmins or priest caste of Sarvariya. Swaminarayan was given the name Ghan