Sadguru Shree Anandanand Swami, a radiant and brilliant saint whose work shined with the power of renunciation, detachment, and devotion to Shreeji Maharaj, held a distinguished position among the most eminent saints of the fellowship. Originally, he was the ruler of Bharatpur, known by the name Amarsinhji. One day, to the shock of the entire kingdom, the royal Amarsinhji handed over the reigns of the state to his younger brother, Ranjitsinhji, and reached Ayodhya to attain spiritual knowledge (adhyatma-vidya).
By divine providence, this royal-turned-ascetic rose from the position of a humble servant to become the Mahant of the famous and wealthy Ramgalola Ashram in Ayodhya. Despite this status, the Mahant, now known as Laxmandas, remained spiritually unsatisfied. One day, following the morning mangala aarti, he decided to embark on a pilgrimage to Dwarka. Accompanied by fifty disciples and a royal entourage of elephants, horses, camels, and tents, the Mahantji set out. His heart was eager to connect with Bhagwan. Upon reaching the threshold of Dwarka, he heard the praises of Ramanand Swami:
“He knows the inner secrets of the heart and makes the restless mind steady; One who finds his refuge is freed from all worldly desires.”
Hearing such glory, Laxmandasbecame obsessed with the thought of meeting him. This intense longing drew him to the Loj Ashram. He stayed there for five days, after which he bid farewell to his disciples, declaring that he had found his “final Dwarka” right there. He took initiation (diksha) from Ramanand Swami and became Anandanand Swami.
He resided in Loj and mastered the eightfold yoga (ashtang yoga). Being a former statesman, his practical and administrative skills were immense. Due to his sincere spiritual seeking (mumukshuta), he developed boundless love for Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan. Consequently, Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan would appoint him as the chief administrator for every major festival (samaiya). Furthermore, being exceptionally skilled in the art of decoration (shangar), he would please Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan by beautifully adorning Him during grand celebrations.
When Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan decided to construct temples, the very first temple was built in Ahmedabad under the expert supervision of Anandanand Swami. Additionally, Swami oversaw the construction of temples in Bharuch and Jetalpur. He spent his final days in Jetalpur and constructed memorial shrines (chhatris) at various sanctified locations.
We bow at the feet of the great saint Anandanand Swami, who renounced the royal luxuries of Bharatpur and the fame of the Ramgalola Ashram in Ayodhya in order to serve Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan and the Sampraday.