Tadrupanand Swami was born in the village of ‘Karjisan.’ Inspired by a strong sense of vairagya, he left his home to become a renunciate under Maharaj. Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan initiated him into the sainthood and named him “Tadrupanand.” He was a disciple of the great, swift poet-saint Sadguru Brahmanand Swami. He always lived in obedience to Akhandanand Swami. He was a highly learned and devout saint, in whom humbleness and simplicity were naturally intertwined.
Upon the command of Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan, Sadguru Brahmanand Swami was overseeing the construction of the Vadtal mandir. During this time, under Brahmanand Swami’s instructions, Tadrupanand Swami went from house to house in surrounding villages to collect alms (jholi). Once, while walking back after collecting alms, Swami was barefoot under the scorching heat and became extremely thirsty. Overcome by dehydration, Swami felt dizzy and collapsed to the ground.
Nearby, a Brahmin had set up a water stand (parab). Seeing the saint fall, the Brahmin rushed over to him. After gently inquiring about his well-being, he served Swami clean water in a washed metal vessel (lota). Quenching his thirst brought immense relief to Swami. The Brahmin then carried Swami to his thatched hut and laid him down on a bed, serving him with great care and devotion. Once Swami felt better, he prepared to leave.
Having served a holy saint, the Brahmin’s intellect became purified. Recognizing Swami as a great spiritual soul, he fell at Swami’s feet, wept bitterly, and confessed, “Swami! I am a great sinner and guilty of brahma-hatya (killing a Brahmin). I used to keep a woman of a lower caste in my home. When my brother came to reason with me, I flew into a rage and struck him on the head with an iron crowbar, causing his death. Consequently, the villagers banished me. Later, I felt deep remorse and sent that woman away as well. Now, my heart burns with guilt, day and night. Oh Swami! Please show mercy upon me so that I may be freed from the sins I have committed and attain ultimate liberation.”
Moved by deep compassion, Swami took him along to Vadtal, where Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan was presiding over a sabha in front of the Laxminarayan mandir. As soon as they arrived and the Brahmin beheld the divine, captivating form of Shreehari, he instantly entered into a state of samadhi. Upon awakening from samadhi, he surrendered at the feet of Shreehari, and Maharaj freed him from the sin of brahma-hatya.
At that time in the sabha, Vaghmodiya Ramchandra of Vadodara asked Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan a question: “Oh Maharaj! What is the reason behind even an unworthy soul experiencing samadhi?” Maharaj answered this question in detail in the 14th Vachanāmrut of Vadtal. Thereafter, receiving the blessings of Brahmanand Swami and Tadrupanand Swami, the Brahmin returned home and lived peacefully.
After Brahmanand Swami passed away to Dham, Tadrupanand Swami served as the Mahant of the Muli mandir, rendering immense service to it. In the construction of the grand shikharbaddh mandirs in Vadtal, Junagadh, and Muli built by Brahmanand Swami, Tadrupanand Swami contributed greatly through his dedicated service.
The spiritual discourses (katha-varta) delivered by Tadrupanand Swami to propagate satsang in the Muli region were compiled into a scripture titled “Tadrupanand Swamini Vato,” which remains widely popular in the Sampraday. To this day, the invaluable wisdom in Swami’s discourses continues to impart spiritual strength to saints and devotees alike. Dedicated throughout his life to living in accordance with Shreehari’s divine wish, Tadrupanand Swami hoisted the