Shastriji Maharaj’s Life
Key Teachings of Akshar Purushottam Upasana
Key Figures & Events
Vachanamrut References
Fun Facts & Miscellaneous
100

Who was Shastriji Maharaj’s guru?

Bhagatji Maharaj

100

What does ‘Akshar’ mean in Akshar Purushottam Upasana?

The eternal divine entity that is Dham(Devine Abode) of Bhagwan and It always stays with him.

100

What was Gunatitanand Swami's name before receiving diksha?

Mulji Sharma

100

Which Vachanamrut mentions that Bhagwan is greater than infinite Virat-Purush?

Gadhada Pratham 63

100

What does BAPS stand for?

Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Sanstha

200

Where was Shastriji Maharaj born?

Mahelav

200

Who is the present form of Akshar today?

Mahant Swami Maharaj

200

What did Shriji Maharaj declare about Gunatitanand Swami at the Fuldol festival?

That he is Mul Akshar, Akshardham personified.

200

Who is Aksharbrahma according to the Vachanamrut?

The divine entity that serves Bhagwan eternally.

200

How many BAPS mandirs are there in North America? 

130

300

After leaving Vadtal, What was the first mandir built under Shastriji Maharaj’s leadership?

Bochasan Mandir

300

What is the ultimate goal of a devotee in Akshar Purushottam Upasana?

To become Aksharrup and do Bhakti of Purushottam Shri Swaminarayan Bhagwan.

300

Who was Kurjibhai Dave, and what did Maharaj tell him?

That Gunatitanand Swami is Akshardham and is being gifted to Junagadh.

300

In which scripture does Swaminarayan Bhagwan explain that Akshar and Purushottam are always together?

The Vachanamrut

300

What is the purpose of mandirs in our Sampraday?

To offer devotion to Bhagwan and receive spiritual wisdom.

400

Why did Shastriji Maharaj face opposition in spreading Akshar Purushottam Upasana?

Many people didn’t understand this idea and were against accepting the truth.

400

According to this upasana, which two divine entities are always together?

Akshar and Purushottam

400

Where did Shastriji Maharaj hide to listen to Bhagatji Maharaj’s secret teachings?

Under a bed in Surat

400

What does Gadhada I-71 emphasize about liberation?

That Bhagwan always comes with Akshar to grant liberation to souls.

400

What is the name of BAPS’ Guru Parampara in correct order?

See the Panchmurti. 

500

In what year was BAPS formally established by Shastriji Maharaj?

1907

500

In which Vachanamrut does Shriji Maharaj explain that Bhagwan is always accompanied by Aksharbrahma?

Gadhada Pratham 71

500

What did Maharaj tell Sakarba about Mulji Sharma?

That he is Bhagwan’s Dham(devine abode) and beyond maya.

500

Why is Akshardham essential in Akshar Purushottam Upasana?

Because Bhagwan is never alone; he resides in Akshardham.

500

Which grand mandir is known as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’?

Swaminarayan Akshardham in Delhi