For the preservation of the Sanatan Vedic Dharma along with the purpose of ending the evils on this land, it is said in the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, “yada yada hii…yuge yuge” (Chapter 4, Shlok 7-8). To accomplish this goal, Sarvavatari Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan took birth as Ghanshyam in the Samvat Year 1837 on Chaitra Sud Navami (3 April, 1781), in the small village of Chhapaiya in the state of Uttar Pradesh near Ayodhya, the birthplace of Bhagwan Shree Ram.
The Swaminarayan Sampraday was founded on the foundations of the Vaishnav Philosophy (Vishishtadvaita) of pure bhakti and Upasana. As accordance to the old-age Hindu tradition of guru-shishya, during the Samvat year 1857, Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan took the position as the dharmadhura (protector of dharma). Through his divine speech and thoughts, he united various tribes and sects of Hinduism into one Sampraday. Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan taught the people of India to focus on attaining moksha (salvation). To preserve the pure nature and goals of this Sampraday, he established 6 magnificent temples. To allow for easy and efficient management of the Sampraday, Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan established two gadis (dioceses), namely Shree Narnarayan Dev Gadi – Ahmedabad and Shree Laxminarayan Dev Gadi – Vadtal. Having adopted his two nephews, Ayodhyaprasadji Maharaj was given the position as the acharya of the Ahmedabad Gadi and Raghuvirji Maharaj was given the position as the acharya of the Vadtal Gadi.
Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan also established the motto “Sarva Jeeva Hitavah” meaning wellness for all jeevs (living things). With this motto, Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan went on to write the Shikshapatri and published other scriptures to establish the rules and ethics of our Sampraday.
In accordance with the Acharya Parampara, the 7th descendant of the Vadtal Gadi is P.P.D.D. 1008 Acharya Shree Ajendraprasadji Maharaj. His successor in accordance with the Acharya Parampara is his eldest son, P.P.D.D. 108 Bhavi Acharya Shree Nrigendraprasadji Maharaj.
With the leadership of the Vadtal Gadi, the Swaminarayan Sampraday expanded beyond the borders of India. Having established major chapters in the USA, UK, Germany, Africa, Australia, and Canada, along with smaller groups of devotees in various locations around the globe, great religious events such as kathas, utsavs, and other religious celebrations are held.
Like his elder brother, the youngest child of Acharya Shree Ajendraprasadji Maharaj, P.P. Nana Lalji Shree Pushpendraprasadji Maharaj has established Yuvak Mandals (LNDYM) in various locations ranging from small villages to major metropolitan cities. Through these Yuvak Mandals, we promote an all-around development of Yuvaks. In partnership with SVG Charity, these Yuvak Mandals have committed to disaster relief, blood and organ donation camps, pollution awareness, tree plantation, and promoting education amongst the poor.
To preserve and continue the growth of Satsang and our cultural ties in foreign countries and with the blessings of P.P.D.D. 1008 Acharya Shree Ajendraprasadji Maharaj, Shree Swaminarayan Agyna Upasana Satsang Mandal (SS-AUSM), was established as the official organization of Shree Laxminarayan Dev Gadi – Vadtal outside of India. Under SS-AUSM, Satsang has spread to several cities in the United States such as Chicago (IL), Richmond (VA), Scranton (PA), South Brunswick (NJ), and Houston (TX).
Over a decade ago, a few devotees, to rejoice with their culture, started doing Ghar Sabha in Houston. As time went on, the Satsang grew and the dream of constructing a mandir was developed.
With the first visit of P.P.D.D. 108 Bhavi Acharya Shree Nrigendraprasadji Maharaj to Houston, the devotees expressed their divine vision to him. This marks the beginning of the Vadtal Dham Shree Swaminarayan Hindu Temple in Houston, Texas.