Umreth holds a special place in the history of the Swaminarayan Sampraday. A resident of Umreth and known as a Khedawala Brahmin, Bhaktraj Shree Nandubhai Thakkar was an ideal and devoted Satsangi. Being a scholar himself, he was deeply impressed by the knowledge of learned sadhus like Muktanand Swami and Nityanand Swami. Therefore, when Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan Himself visited Umreth, Nandubhai came to see what the Guru of such scholars must be like. At that moment, Maharaj performed a divine leela: He made a local mute boy chant sacred Vedic hymns. Witnessing this, he sought refuge at the lotus feet of Maharaj. His father, Roopram Thakkar, was the leader among the Satsangis of Umreth.
In Umreth, due to the malice of opposing sectarians, there were often times of hardship. During such times, Nandubhai would endure the personal attacks, but if someone like the infamous Nirvikalpanand made weak or discouraging remarks about the Satsang, Nandubhai would strike back with words as sharp as arrows, never allowing his nishchay to break.
History records an instance where Maharaj actually pressed Nandubhai’s feet. Once, Nandubhai had traveled from Umreth to Godhra and got lost while returning at night. Feeling distressed, he remembered that Bhagwan is the protector of His devotees and began chanting intensely. Suddenly, he heard the bark of a dog and saw a lamp flickering in the distance. When he approached, he found Maharaj Himself standing there in the uniform of a government officer (thanedar) to protect Nandubhai.
Nandubhai inquired about him. The “officer” replied, “We stay here to assist travelers in the wilderness; occasionally, a lost soul wanders by.” Saying this, Maharaj took Nandubhai’s mare, tied it, gave it fodder, and asked Nandubhai if he wanted to eat. When he declined, Maharaj laid out a cot for him. As Nandubhai fell into a peaceful sleep, Maharaj pressed his feet. The night passed, and morning came. Maharaj woke Nandubhai and showed him the way.
Nandubhai set off on his mare. Meeting other travelers along the way, the conversation turned to the “very kind government officer” at the outpost. The travelers denied such a post existed, so they all went back to verify. Upon reaching the spot, they found only the droppings of the mare. Nandubhai realized immediately—that officer was Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan! He went straight to Vadtal and fell at His feet. Maharaj smiled and said, “Bhagwānā kharā bhaktanā tō amē bhakta chī’ē.” (I am a bhakta of a bhakta of Bhagwan)
In the Shree Haricharitramrut Sagar, Adharanand Swami has penned words of praise for Nandubhai. Whenever Maharaj performed a yagna, Nandubhai would earn His rajipo by using his wealth selflessly. He showed great enthusiasm in serving Maharaj and santo. Despite being wealthy, he did not indulge in fine food, clothes, or bodily comforts. He wore no gold ornaments and was a brave warrior in observing all of the niyams of a haribhakta. Whenever an opportunity for seva arose, he became exceptionally energized.