Keshavjivandasji succeeds as BAPS Pramukh Swami

15 August, Sarangpur

Shri Mahant Swami Keshavjivandasji Maharaj was Monday installed as the successor of Pramukh Swami as head of Bochasanvasi Akshar Purushottam Sanstha (BAPS) in an assembly at BAPS Sarangpur campus. In his first speech, Mahant Swami stressed on unity among BAPS followers.

Mahant Swami performed aarti in presence of large number of devotees, entire senior cadre of BAPS sants among others.Mahant Swami Keshavjivandas was born on September 13, 1933 at Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh.

His parents were from Anand in central Gujarat, but had moved to Jabalpur. Known as Vinu Bhagat, Mahant Swami’s father was Manibhai Narayanbhai Patel and mother Dahiben. Mahant Swami had his primary and secondary education in Jabalpur. Later, he moved to Anand.

He came in contact with Yogiji Maharaj,Guru of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, in 1951-52. He had Parshad Diksha in 1957. He had final diksha which is known as Bhagawati diksha in 1961 at Gondal. As he was made Mahant of Dadar Mandir in Mumbai, people started knowing him as Mahant Swami.

At the Prayer Assembly on the occasion of the demise of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, senior sadhus of the Sanstha reminisced about their cherished and valued association with Swamishri. The prayer assembly also stood witness to the public reading of the letter written by Pramukh Swami himself, naming HH Mahant Swami as the new head (President) and Guru of BAPS.