During the construction of the Vadtal Mandir, Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan frequently visited to oversee the progress. One day, He visited the buraj (near the Prasadi Dharmshala) where the master sculptor, Hiraji Salat, was meticulously carving an idol of Shree Hanumanji. Maharaj was so moved by Hiraji’s devotion and seva that He showered the murti with praise and placed a flower garland around its neck.
Maharaj then continued His inspection of the mandir grounds. Accompanied by Brahmanand Swami, several senior santo, and haribhakto, He eventually reached the ground floor of the Narayan Mahol (the residence of Shree Rampratapbhai).
Inside, Aksharanand Swami and Anandanand Swami were supervising Hiraji and other artisans as they crafted a series of intricate putlas (statues) intended for the mandir’s décor. These statues depicted the Ras-mandal, with various figures holding traditional instruments like the mridang, veena, and flute. Maharaj inspected each one closely, admiring the lifelike details.
With a smile, Maharaj remarked, “These statues are divine and flawless. Their only limitation is that they are lifeless.”
Seizing the moment with his characteristic wit, Brahmanand Swami laughed and challenged Maharaj: “If the Supreme Lord Himself were standing before us, surely He could breathe life into these stones!”
Maharaj shared a knowing smile with Swami. He approached the statues and gently touched them with His divine chhadi (cane). In an instant, the stone figures became sentient! The statues holding instruments began to play melodies, while the other statues began to dance.
The sudden burst of music and the sound of dancing feet echoed through the Mahol. The haribhakto outside, who were busy with seva, dropped their tools and came running to have darshan of this miraculous sight.
To this day, the sacred chhadi used to perform this miracle is preserved and can be seen by devotees at the Akshar Bhuvan in Vadtal. This specific lila has been documented by H.H. 1008 Acharya Shree Viharilalji Maharaj in Shree Harililamrut Kalash 1, Vishram 15.