In accordance with the wishes of Gunatitanand Swami, Pragji Bhakta had taken over the charge of explaining the Swaminarayan philosophy to the people. Thus it was through him that Swami ascertained and established himself as the supreme manifestation of Akshar itself. During festivals, as commanded by Swami, Pragji Bhakta would sit under the canopy in the assembly hall at Junagadh and narrate the stories relevant to the divine fellowship. Swami used to tell the devotees, "Now I have retired. I am on pension. If you want to
listen to religious discourses go to Pragji. He is there in the courtyard." Thus Swami would direct the devotees to Pragji Bhakta who quenched their spiritual thirst and transmitted divine bliss and peace.
Once there came from Vadtal Amaidas Kothari, Bechar Bhagat Kothari and some five to seven parshads to listen to Swami's discourses and to perform panchatirthi. Swami spent a great deal of time with these guests from Vadtal talking to them about religion. During the conversation at one stage, Swami said, "Kothari, I am now free. I have retired and handed over all the keys to, Pragji Bhakta." Amaidas was shocked to hear this He suspected that perhaps the Swami had handed over the temple keys to Pragji. Gunatitanand Swami instantly read his mind and observed, "Amaidas do not worry he keys of the temple are here with me, but I have handed over the key to Akshardham to Pragji."
This story spread upto Vadtal. People started saying, "Pragji has become all in all at Junagadh and that the Swami was merged his personality into Pragji and he is at the command of his disciple. All the devotees from Saurashtra are offering the dandavat pranam to Pragji Bhakta first and then they go to seek Swami's blessings. He glorifies Swami too much."
Once, some Darbars ( land lords) asked Swami, "Swami, how is it that instead of giving all your spiritual treasure to some Brahmin, or a sadhu or a scholar, you gave it away to this tailor?"
Swami smiled and replied, "I was equally reluctant to give it to him. But he over-powered me by his selfless, sincere service, love and devotion. In fact, I could not help giving it to him." "Then withdraw it," said the Darbars.
The Swami retorted sternly, "It is not child's play to withdraw it because its foundation run deep down." Then to substantiate his argument, Swami referred to an episode in the Upanishads. The Swami told them, "Vaishampayan Rishi had taught Yagnavalkya. Then once the Rishi ordered Yagnavalkya to go to the palace of a king who had no issue. But Yagnavalkya knew that it was not proper for a man who had taken a vow of celibacy to do so. So he politely refused to carry out his guru's command. The angry guru asked him to return his vidya. But even gods cannot recall their boons. He failed to withdraw his vidya from Yagnavalkya. I too have taught Brahmavidya to Pragji. It cannot be recalled. Again before giving him paravidya, don't you think I must have made him worthy of receiving it? Besides, God and saints do not look to one's caste, creed or station in society."
The commoners looked down upon Pragji Bhakta as one belonging to the lower strata of society, but the devotees saw in him an incarnation of God.