Yogiji Maharaj | |
|---|---|
 Yogiji Maharaj | |
| Preceded by | Shastriji Maharaj |
| Succeeded by | Pramukh Swami Maharaj |
| Personal | |
| Born | Jina Vasani 23 May 1892 Dhari, Gujarat, India |
| Died | 23 January 1971 (aged 78) Bombay, India |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Denomination | Swaminarayan Sampradaya, BAPS |
| Notable work(s) | International development of BAPS Started BAPS children's and youth activities |
| Monastic name | Gnanjivandas Swami |
| Organization | |
| Philosophy | Akshar-Purushottam Darshan |
| Role | Spiritual head of BAPS (1951-1971) |
Yogiji Maharaj (23 May 1892 – 23 January 1971), born Jina Vasani, was a Hindu swami and the fourth spiritual successor of Swaminarayan in the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS),[1]: 55 [2]: 10 a major branch of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya. According to the metaphysics of BAPS, Yogiji Maharaj is considered to be the next iteration of Akshar after Shastriji Maharaj in the guru parampara, an unbroken line of "perfect devotees" who provide "authentication of office through Gunatitanand Swami and back to Swaminarayan himself."[1]: 86 [3]: 634 Together with Pramukh Swami Maharaj, who acted as the administrative head of BAPS, he was instrumental in nurturing the growth of BAPS "through new programs, expansion into new areas, and the construction of temples".[4]: 50
As a guru, he consecrated over 60 temples and visited over 4000 towns and villages.[2]: 10 He was effective in attracting the devotion of youths and initiated a large number of them as ascetics.[4]: 50 Furthermore, his multiple tours to Britain and East Africa were integral in the overseas expansion of BAPS.[2]: 10 [4]: 51 He died on 23 January 1971 after appointing Pramukh Swami Maharaj as his successor.[5]: 178
- ^ a b Williams, Raymond (2001). An Introduction to Swaminarayan Hinduism. United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0 521 65422-X.
- ^ a b c Amrutvijaydas, Sadhu (2007). 100 Years of BAPS. Ahmedabad: Swaminarayan Aksharpith. ISBN 978-81-7526-377-2.
- ^ Wind, James; et al. (1994). American Congregations Volume 1: Portraits of Twelve Religious Communities. USA: University of Chicago Press. ISBN 978-0-226-90186-2.
- ^ a b c Williams, Raymond (1984). A new face of Hinduism. United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-521-25454-X.
- ^ Shepard, Leslie (1974). Life and Philosophy of Shree Swaminarayan. London: George Allen & Unwin. ISBN 0-04-294082-6.