A small monument (deri) had been constructed at the place in Gondal, where the last rites of Shri Gunatitanand Swami had been performed. To add to its sanctity, Shastriji Maharaj started erecting a beautiful temple a round the monument. Yogiji Maharaj was stationed there at the time. Every day he used to get up early in the morning at four o'clock and perform the pooja of Charnarvinda (foot-prints carved on stone) of Shriji Maharaj which had been installed there. He then offered worship (Mahapooja) to the Lord along with all His devotees.
While the temple was being built, Yogiji Maharaj and other saints used to live in hut-like houses built of mud and bricks. Once at midnight, when Yogiji Maharaj was a sleep, a venomous black cobra bit the index finger of his left hand. The sudden rush of pain woke him up.
As a result of the poison, the pain quickly spread through his whole body. However Yogiji Maharaj did not complain. He kept on chanting the mantra of "Swaminarayan".
Some anxious devotees suggested a physician be called. Others proposed various remedies. Meanwhile, Shastriji Maharaj arrived. When he heard of the snake bite he said : "Please bring Yogiji Maharaj here to the Akshar Deri and chant the holy name of Swaminarayan. The effect of the poison will vanish if we summon to our aid the divine power of the Swaminarayan Mahamantra." Immediately, the sadhus lifted Yogiji Maharaj and carried him to the Akshar Deri and started chanting the holy name of Lord Swaminaryan. After exactly twelve hours, the effect of the poison subsided. Yogiji Maharaj opened his eyes and bowed to Shastriji Maharaj. Just then a government doctor arrived. He was amazed to see that the effect of the poison had been nullified by chanting the Swaminarayan mantra. He fell at the feet of Shastriji Maharaj. The king of Gondal and his officers were also surprised at the divine power of Akshar Deri. They were convinced that it was a highly sanctified place.