The reason for the manifestation
of Bhagwan Swaminarayan on this earth was to expound the true form
of upasana and establish ekantik dharma. Brahmaswarup Swami Yagnapurushdasji,
also known as Shastriji Maharaj, was instrumental in disseminating
this philosophy. Dungarbhai, as he was called in his childhood, developed
an inclination towards Satsang right from his childhood, and hence
was called Dungar Bhagat. Dungar Bhagat was fearless by nature due
to his immense faith in Bhagwan Swaminarayan. A brilliant student
at school, his sharp memory and striking oratory earned him kudos.
When Dungar Bhagat asked his father for permission to become a sadhu,
his father put up a lot of resistance. Undeterred, yet with folded
hands, Dungar Bhagat spoke to his father at length about renunciation
and detachment and finally truth dawned upon his father who then willingly
gave consent to his son to become a sadhu.
At Vartal, he was given bhagwati diksha and was renamed as Sadhu Yagnapurushdas.
When Yagnapurushdasji came in contact with Pragji Bhagat, his spiritual
discourses permeated Yagnapurushdasji's heart. Pragji Bhagat was the
most elite disciple of Gunatitanand Swami and Yagnapurushdasji accepted
him as his Guru. Thereafter, a powerful bond developed between Pragji
Bhagat and Yagnapurushdasji. Pragji Bhagat explained to him the theory
of Akshar and Purushottam, where one has to identify oneself with
Akshar and offer devotion to Purushottam. The bond between Pragji
Bhagat and Yagnapurushdasji created envy among others. They compelled
Acharya Maharaj to ask Pragji Bhagat to quit Junagadh mandir. Pragji
Bhagat went to Vartal where Yagnapurushdasji also joined him. Here
they boldly preached the Akshar Purushottam philosophy, which aroused
some self-centred opponents. Yagnapurushdasji was subjected to physical
harassment which he bore with all his inner strength, courage and
determination. His faith in what he believed was true and helped him
to face all the arduousness with a smiling face. Yet, he did not complain
to anyone and relentlessly carried on his crusade.
When he was sent to Rajkot, he frequently visited Junagadh where he
came in contact with Jaga Bhakta. Jaga Bhakta, graced by Aksharbrahma
Gunatitanand Swami, was also a firm believer of the Akshar Purushottam
philosophy. Here again, some elements within the mandir influenced
the Kothari to ban Jaga Bhakta from giving discourses. When Yagnapurushdasji
told the Kothari about the greatness of Jaga Bhakta, he realised his
mistake and immediately lifted the ban on Jaga Bhakta. Jaga Bhakta
appreciated Yagnapurushdasji's efforts and blessed him.
Now Yagnapurushdasji had a desire that his guru, Bhagatji Maharaj,
who had been turned out of the Junagadh mandir, be given a rousing
reception in the same mandir. On his insistence, Acharya Maharaj invited
Pragji Bhagat to Junagadh on the occasion of Janmashtami and was given
the same protocol status as that of the Acharya. In the gathering,
the bold Yagnapurushdasji hailed the glory of Akshar Purushottam.
Some time later, Pragji Bhagat abandoned his mortal body and ascended
to Akshardham.
Yagnapurushdasji was then entrusted the management of the Sarangpur
mandir. Here, he brought about a sea change in the mandir. He renovated
all the places consecrated by Shriji Maharaj and the financial condition
of the mandir improved remarkably, which won him much respect. Before
Jaga Bhakta ascended for Akshardham, he called for Yagnapurushdasji
and asked him to propagate the gospel of Akshar Purushottam.
The first Akshar Purushottam murtis were installed at Vadhvan. His
opponents tried ways and means to hinder him, yet he was undeterred
and daring. At the same time, he was kind enough not to complain against
any of his wrongdoers. The world has seen fearless and daring persons.
It has also seen humble and compassionate ones. Yagnapurushdasji was
a rare and judicious combination of both.
He once ate khichdi knowing that it was poisoned so as not to disregard
the prasad. An unsuccessful attempt was made to burn him in the kitchen
fire. His opponents made many such attempts to harm him but every
time they had to bite the dust. He confidently told his worried devotees.
"Nothing is going to happen to me." Thus Yagnapurushdasji
exhibited the faith that God would always protect him.
Determined to carve a place for Akshar Purushottam, Yagnapurushdasji
left Vartal mandir with five sadhus and a few devotees and built the
first Akshar Purushottam mandir at Bochasan. Within a short time,
he built mandirs at Sarangpur, Gondal, Atladara and Gadhada. At Gadhada,
he fulfilled Shriji Maharaj's desire and built a mandir on the hillock.
Even while Yagnapurushdasji was building mandirs, his opponents were
trying all ways and means to hamper his goal. Yet, Yagnapurushdasji
with his impeccable faith in Akshar Purushottam Maharaj and 'never
say die' attitude, accomplished this Herculean task.
When Swamishri appointed 28-year-old Sadhu Narayanswarupdas as his
successor for carrying on the administration and management of the
BAPS and for developing Satsang, there was some disagreement among
the leading devotees. But Swamishri was absolutely firm in his decision,
which he had taken with foresight and considered deliberation.
Thus, Yagnapurushdasji with the grace of Shriji Maharaj performed
the uphill task of propagating the philosophy of Akshar Purushottam
and revived the ideal of sainthood. He also gifted us with great saints
like Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
Written
by: Subramanian Iyer
