Sadguru Shree Gyananand Swami was a distinguished figure among the musical poets who were followers of Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan. He was as skilled in the art of singing as he was a master of playing the sitar.
In the history of the Sampraday, Gyananand Swami is uniquely noted. He was a merchant (Vanik) from Lucknow. Driven by the force of detachment (vairagya), he renounced the material world to attain the ultimate essence with Shreeji Maharaj. He dedicated all his talents to the lotus feet of Shreeji Maharaj.
Gyananand Swami spread the glory of Bhagwan Shree swaminarayan even within the royal court of Lucknow. Enchanted by his musical art, the Nawab’s accountant, Veni Ram Sheth, was introduced to the Swaminarayan Sampraday eventually becoming a devotee. As his faith strengthened, a deep longing to have the darshan of Maharaj arose in his heart; consequently, he traveled to Gadhpur with Gyananand Swami to meet Maharaj.
Gyananand Swami introduced the Sheth and requested Maharaj to take him under His refuge. Maharaj praised and expressed great pleasure in Gyananand Swami’s enthusiastic efforts to spread the unshakeable joy of Satsang in such distant lands and accepted the Sheth into His fold. The Sheth resided in Gadhpur for one month.
Gyananand Swami’s family also became members of the Satsang. His brother, Veniram Charane, hosted Icchharamji Maharaj (the younger brother of Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan) for five days in Lucknow when he was traveling to meet Maharaj. He served him devotedly and provided the expenses for the journey as far as Gwalior.