25 Facts About Yogiji Maharaj

Yogiji Maharaj, born Jina Vasani, was a Hindu swami and the fourth spiritual successor of Swaminarayan in the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, a major branch of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya.

Yogiji Maharaj was effective in attracting the devotion of youths and initiated a large number of them as ascetics.

Yogiji Maharaj died on 23 January 1971 after appointing Pramukh Swami Maharaj as his successor.

Yogiji Maharaj was born as Jina Vasani on 23 May 1892 in the small town of Dhari, Gujarat, India to father Devchandbhai and mother Puribai.

Yogiji Maharaj took interest in spirituality, engaging in devotional service by performing the daily worship and service of the murtis in the mandir at Dhari.

Yogiji Maharaj prepared offerings for the deities installed within the mandir, tended its grounds, taught meditation techniques and made sure everyone received sanctified food.

Yogiji Maharaj was initiated into the swami fold on 11 April 1911 as Gnanjivandas Swami by Acharya Shripatiprasadji Maharaj.

Under Shastriji Maharaj's guidance, Yogiji Maharaj played an integral part in growing the fledgling BAPS organization in India and beyond.

Yogiji Maharaj led the construction of numerous temples in India and abroad during his guruship.

Yogiji Maharaj consecrated two shikharbaddha mandirs and 41 smaller hari mandirs in India.

Yogiji Maharaj propagated the Akshar-Purushottam philosophy in parts of East Africa and London.

Yogiji Maharaj interacted with devotees around the world via letters that offered encouragement and guidance in maintaining spiritual enthusiasm.

Yogiji Maharaj organized the first meetings for youth during weekly assemblies and initiated the weekly Swaminarayan Satsang Patrika featuring news of Satsang events and an agenda for weekly assemblies.

Yogiji Maharaj is remembered for treating youths with respect and affection and was well known for giving a, while giving his blessings.

Yogiji Maharaj advocated for camps and seminars promoting academic and personal spiritual growth for youth and arranged for the construction of schools, hostels and "gurukuls".

One such youth, Vinu Patel, was inspired to join the monastic order, and Yogiji Maharaj ordained him Keshavjivandas Swami in 1961.

Yogiji Maharaj established systems such as weekly assemblies, publications and recurring festivals that encouraged greater focus on spiritual endeavors.

The Yogi Gita continues with the Jivan Bhavna, a collection of Yogiji Maharaj's saying summarizing life philosophy and guidance, and the Hrudayni Vato, a collection of his words of wisdom.

In 1940, Yogiji Maharaj came down with a severe case of dysentery in Rajkot.

Yogiji Maharaj indicated that all devotees should strive to live by these principles.

Yogiji Maharaj described the following principles that he believed would lead to peace and happiness:.

Yogiji Maharaj used various spiritual qualities of Shastriji Maharaj as examples to illustrate the tenets that devotees should instill in themselves.

In essence, Yogiji Maharaj prayed that all devotees could become as virtuous and devout as Shastriji Maharaj.

The editors of the text compiled various proverbs of Yogiji Maharaj that encapsulated his insights and philosophy of life.

Yogiji Maharaj reinforced the fact that devotees would never suffer from misery if they had a firm refuge in God.