Many years ago, at the serene home of Bhrigu Rishi, a daughter of extraordinary virtue was born. She was named Laxmi. Throughout her life, her qualities shone brightly, and the time for her marriage drew near.
One day, the sage Naradji visited Bhrigu Rishi’s ashram. He was immediately struck by Laxmiji’s radiance. “O virtuous Laxmiji,” he said, “what is it that you wish for?”
Laxmiji said, “My heart desires a husband of perfect virtue and righteousness.”
Naradji replied, “The only being worthy of your divine self is Bhagwan Shree Vishnu.”
“But how can I win the heart of Lord Vishnu?” Laxmiji inquired.
“Through intense tap (penance),” Naradji explained. “Only through such devotion can you earn His divine grace.”
“And where should I perform this tap, so that it may bear the greatest fruit?” Laxmiji asked.
“A truly sacred place will multiply the fruits of your penance a thousandfold,” Naradji said. “Such a place exists between the Mahisagar, Vaatrak, and Sabarmati rivers. There lies the Haidimba forest, abundant with Bordi trees. In its heart, you will find a unique Bordi tree, shaped like a ‘tambu aakaal’ (tent). Perform your tap beneath this tree, and you will surely please Bhagwan Vishnu.”
Upon hearing this, Laxmiji bid farewell to her father’s ashram and embarked on her journey. She traversed the land, following Naradji’s guidance, until she found the sacred Bordi tree. There, she commenced her arduous tap, enduring the elements and meditating with unwavering focus for 10,000 years.
Finally, after an eternity of devotion, Lord Vishnu was pleased. He manifested before Laxmiji, His divine form radiating compassion. Upon presenting Himself, He said, “Ask of me any vardan (boon), and it shall be yours.”
Laxmiji responded, “My only desire is to be your consort and to serve you eternally.”
Lord Vishnu, delighted by her sincerity, granted her wish. “Your wish is fulfilled, O Devi,” He said. “Now, ask for a second vardan.”
Laxmiji continued, “This land where I performed my tap has captured my heart. I wish for a magnificent mandir (temple) to be built here in the future, where our murtis will reside, forever united. I also pray that this place become a supreme tirth (pilgrimage site), where devotees who perform penance and take vows will have their wishes fulfilled. And may this land flourish with abundant greenery.”
Lord Vishnu, pleased with her selfless desires, granted her every boon.
In Kaliyug, Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan, built the magnificent Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Vadtal upon the site of the Bordi tree where Laxmiji had performed tap. In the central shrine, He consecrated the divine murtis of Shree Laxminarayan Dev.
He instructed His followers, “Those who remain devoted to Shree Laxminarayan Dev, those who perform darshan on the full moon, and those who fulfill dharmado to Shree Laxminarayan Dev, will have their desires fulfilled. For I shall always reside in these murtis.”
Thus, we understand that there is no distinction between Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan and the various forms He installed. All are manifestations of the same divine essence, eternally showering their blessings upon their devotees.