Many Sadhus and haribhakto were performing seva in the construction of the Kalupur (Ahmedabad) Mandir. Among them, several were transporting large stone slabs from the quarries (stone mines) near Idar in bullock carts. Haribhakto from approximately fifty different villages had joined this seva with their own bullock carts.
Jivabhai, a brave devotee from the village of Ankewaliya, took a risk by placing a massive stone weighing 160 maunds (~4 tons) onto his cart, placing his absolute faith in Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan to deliver it to Kalupur Mandir.
While traveling on the road, one of Jivabhai’s oxen suffered an injury. Jivabhai thought that if he stopped, the work would be delayed. Therefore, until they reached the next village, he placed the yoke of the cart upon his own shoulder on one side alongside the healthy ox and continued walking. He also guided the injured ox behind them.
Upon reaching the next village, the local villagers arranged for another ox. Although Jivabhai sustained some injuries, he felt immense joy for having performed foundational seva for the construction of Bhagwan’s Mandir.
The stone eventually reached Ahmedabad Mandir. A devotee informed Sadguru Shree Anandanand Swami and the other Sadhus overseeing the Mandir construction work about this incident.
Consequently, the Sadhus had that specific stone carved and erected as a pillar (stambh) under the mūkhya ghūmat (main dome). When Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan arrived and learned of this event, Maharaj embraced the pillar for some time, sanctifying it as a special Prasadi pillar. Maharaj also granted a boon: “If a visitor is unable to have the darshan of Shree Narnarayan Dev, then by having darshan of this pillar, they shall receive the same fruit as having had the darshan of Shree Narnarayan Dev.”
During the Pratishtha Utsav sabha, Maharaj praised Jivabhai, adorned him with a flower garland, and honored his spirit of dedication and seva.
Even today, one can have darshan of this pillar in Ahmedabad-Kalupur Mandir. It has since been adorned with silver plating, demonstrating its immense significance.