Pramukh
Varni Din : 21 May 1950, Ambli Vali Pol, Ahmedabad
Narayanswarupdas was at first unwilling
to shoulder the responsibility as President of Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar
Purushottam Sanstha. He was both junior and inexperienced in comparison
to other sadhus and devotees. He saw them as better equipped to maintain
and expand the work begun by their spiritual master. Shastriji Maharaj,
however, had other thoughts. He had chosen Narayanswarupdas and was
convinced only he could steer the Fellowship as needed. He was determined
that Narayanswarupdas be Pramukh. Narayanswarupdas saw that it truly
was the innermost desire of Shastriji Maharaj. His only option was
to humbly accept the seva. And this he did.
The ceremony was ordinary. It took place in the small ground floor
room at Ambli Pol, used for years as a Satsang temple. Some of the
20-30 devotees who were present later wrote a report of the entire
meeting.
Samvat year 2006, Jeth Sud 4, Sunday 21-5-50,
in the evening at 5 o'clock, a meeting of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar
Purushottam Sanstha Managing Committee was held at the Akshar Purushottam
Temple in Ambali Pol, Shahpur. Amongst members present were Sadguru
Yogiji Maharaj Jnanjivandasji, Pujya Sadguru Akshar Purushottamdasji.
Sadguru Kothari Shastri Narayanswarupdasji and others. The proceedings
began with a 'jai' called for Akshar Purushottam Maharaj. Secretary
Rasiklalbhai read out the minutes and directions of the last meeting.
Then Pragat Brahmaswarup respected Sadguru Guruhari Shastriji Maharaj
himself spoke, "From today I appoint in my place as Pramukh - in my
position - Sadguru Shastri Narayanswarupdas." Saying this he had with
him a chadar which he draped around Narayanswarupdas. Addressing him
he said, "This Yogiji Maharaj is vachansiddha and very illustrious.
Under his guardianship you have to illuminate Satsang." Then Sadguru
Pujya Yogiji Maharaj placed both hands on Pujya Sadguru Shastri Narayanswarupdas'
head and blessed him. Everyone chorused 'Jai' to Akshar Purushottam
Maharaj and happily accepted him. Swamishri said, "Just as you have
obeyed me, from now onwards live within the commands of Sadguru Shastri
Narayanswarupdas." Then everyone happily assented, "We will all obey
him." 'Jai' was chorused. Secretary Rasiklalbhai read out the appointment
papers. In this Pujya Swamishri had written of Pujya Shastri Narayanswarupdas.
"Sadguru Shastri Narayanswarupdas, who is the Pramukh of this my appointed
Management Committee and is a member of that committee, and who at
present as the Kothari of Sarangpur Akshar Purushottam temple has
shown a brilliant future and spiritual growth and who has also won
the abundant love of the Satsang Fellowship, collecting the opinions
and considerations of all satsangis and also examining him with my
own discriminating intellect, I have appointed him in my place as
the Pramukh of the Managing Committee." Everyone was pleased and accepted
him amidst 'jais' to Swamishri.
On this occasion respected Ishwarbhai Prabhudas performed puja of
Pujya Swamishri and the newly appointed Pramukh, Shri Sadguru Shastri
Narayanswarupdas. He offered him a chadar, garland, and gift. He also
spoke. Sweets were given to all present on his behalf. Then Muktaraj
Ashabhai expressed best wishes to the new President and also performed
puja.
Then Shethshri Champaklalbhai and all other members and devotees performed
puja. Kothari Harijivandas expressed his happiness and said, "On behalf
of the entire sadhu group I congratulate the new President and announce
our complete co-operation." After this Sadguru Shastri Narayanswarupdas
gave a speech. Then Shethshri Champaklalbhai asked Swamishri, "For
a minimum of ten years remain healthy and grant us the bliss of Satsang."
Shethshri Champaklalbhai was speaking on behalf of the entire Satsang
fellowship, it was happily accepted.
Shastriji Maharaj asked Shri Yogi Swami, as a true sadhu and senior,
to advise, guide and preach the President, which was also accepted
(by Yogiji Maharaj).
On the occasion the thin, reticent, young Narayanswarupdas said: "My
life-breath Guruhari respected Sadguru Swamishri Shastriji Maharaj,
Param Pujya Yogiji Maharaj, sadgurus, respected sadhus, parshads and
all satsangis.
"Pujya Guruhari Shastriji Maharaj has profoundly graced me, I am indebted
to him and his giving me responsibility as the President of the Managing
committee out of his great compassion for me. For the past 45 years
Guruhari has built temples worth lakhs of rupees in Bochasan, Sarangpur,
Gondal, Atladara, installed images of Akshar Purushottam Maharaj in
the central shrine, established (the) upasana in this Bharatkhand,
opened the road to ultimate salvation for countless aspirants, acquired
temple property, made sure that all is well till the end of time;
for this, all of us disciples are greatly indebted to him. From now
onwards the responsibility for the Sanstha's temples is mine, as well
as the committee members', all the sadhus, and all those in positions
of responsibility. Now it remains for us to serve with mind, body
and devotion to fully expand the Sanstha; and the teachings of Guruhari
are to be spread throughout the world.
"On this auspicious day I pray from my heart to Guruhari, that whatever
strength, knowledge, inspiration I have has been given by you. Uptil
now my life as a renunciate has been passed in your compassionate
service. Now you have commanded me to serve in this tremendous seva
for which grant me fully the capability and strength; and may also
all your disciples be happy in mind, body and wealth, let them be
unassailed by any unhappiness or hardship in this world and worshipping
Shriji Maharaj at the last, reside in Akshardham, I ask blessings
for this. Also, if even unknowingly someone utters the name of Akshar
Purushottam Maharaj grant him Akshardham through your miraculous greatness.
"Today before you, Gurushri, and before this assembly I take an oath
that I will fully carry out my duties to this Sanstha of yours, without
caring for this body, I will remain sincere, and be fulfilled. You
have cultivated this garden - knowledge of Akshar Purushottam - everyday
I will persevere and care that it flowers in every way, I will serve,
and wish for the blessings of the entire fellowship, grant me this.
I ask that in all my duties for the good of Satsang, Pujya Yogi Maharaj,
sadgurus, senior sadhus, parshads and all disciples I appeal to with
pure heart that all of you give me your full co-operation, so I may
be strengthened to perform this tremendous service.
"I thank from the bottom of my heart all the committee members, sadhus
and satsangis who have shown their sentiments and favor toward me
on this occasion. In all those activities benefiting Satsang I wish
for your co-operation and strength to perform this service. "Lastly,
I pray that Pujya Guruhari remain healthy and grant us unbroken peace
and happiness and enjoy a long life."
The assembly was in good spirits. At its conclusion a meal was served
to all. Narayanswarupdas wandered out into the front yard. Under the
low tap protruding from the yard wall were dirty plates, pots and
pans.
The President sat down to wash them.
