Sadguru Shree Krupanand Swami, who, as his name suggests, had the grace of the Ocean of Mercy and helped countless seekers (mumukshus) overcome the numerous calamities of the worldly life and mental impurities, was a prominent paramhans of Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan.
Hearing of the divine glory of Shreeji Maharaj, people from far-off lands were drawn to become His followers. On the Maha Sud 7 V.S. 1860 (1804 C.E.), Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan visited the city of Bhuj for the first time. A sadavrat (a place providing free food) established by Ramanand Swami was operating there. Two renunciants (vairagis) from the eastern region arrived to receive food. Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan had shiro-puri (sweet semolina and fried bread) prepared and served to them, which made both renunciants immensely happy.
After listening to the nectar-like speech of Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan, the two renunciants resolved to stay with Him for a few days. Being divine seekers from their past lives, they developed a deep affection for Maharaj, and through the power of that love, they entered a state of samadhi (meditative trance). In samadhi, they beheld liberated souls offering prayers to Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan and witnessed His supreme divinity within the eternal abode of Akshardham.
Once, Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan asked them where they had come from. They replied that they were Sarvariya Brahmins who had renounced their homes in childhood to become vairagis in the service of Lord Jagannath at Jagannath Puri. They explained that a certain brahmachari had arrived there on a pilgrimage, and due to an offense committed against that varni (ascetic), the renunciants of Jagannath Puri fought amongst themselves in a great conflict. Only the two of them escaped and survived. While traveling through various holy sites, they reached Bhuj and encountered Maharaj.
Upon hearing their story, Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan suggested they go to Dwarka. However, the renunciants replied, “All pilgrimage sites reside at Your feet. Now, please keep us near You.” Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan then gave diksha to both of them, naming one “Krupanand Swami” and the other “Virabhadranand Swami.”
Among them, Krupanand Swami was a constant practitioner of knowledge and meditation. According to the wishes of Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan, he would guide other sadhus in the practice of meditation, helping them attain the state of samadhi. He was extremely meticulous in following the commands of Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan. Once, while traveling through villages with Gunatitanand Swami, he spotted a red cloth on a distant hill. Believing there might be a woman there, he observed a fast to maintain his strict vows. Since he possessed a transcendental (gunatit) state, he could witness every divine action (lila) of Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan with his divine vision. Krupanand Swami transformed many wicked people, removing their evil nature and turning them into devotees of Bhagwans.
Within the vast group of paramhanso, Sadguru Shree Krupanand Swami stood out as a pillar of constant meditation, renunciation, humility, and forgiveness.t.