1781 A.D.
Born in Chhappaiya, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India
Age 7
Defeated scholars in Kashi (Varanasi) in scriptural debates
Age 11
Renounced worldly life, began travels as Nilkanth Varni
Age 21
Initiated 500 Paramhansas in one night
1830 A.D.
Left mortal body (age 49)
"The objective of My manifestation in this world is to cultivate Service and Devotion."
Service unto Humanity and Devotion unto God
Ghanshyam Maharaj (birth), Nilkanth Varni (wandering), Swami Sahajanand (after initiation)
Abolished sati, child marriage, infanticide; promoted women's rights
Established Swaminarayan Sect, promoted Vishishtadvaita, Nishkam Dharma
Shikshapatri (212 verses), Vachanamrutam (first Gujarati prose compilation)
Protection for devotees, guarantee of liberation to Akshardham
"Let me suffer million times but do not let my devotee suffer one bit."
- Bhagwaan Shree Swaminarayan