Svāmīnārāyaṇa is often regarded as India's first modern Maha-Guru. During his lifetime, tens of thousands of followers were drawn to his teachings, and today, over two centuries later, the Swaminarayan movement has millions of adherents worldwide. Swaminarayan profoundly transformed Gujarat’s religious landscape, with his influence extending far beyond India. He emphasized the principles of non-violence (ahimsa) and selfless service (seva) that became guiding lights in Hinduism and inspired later reform movements. His progressive social reforms, ahead of his time, focused on uplifting the weak and disadvantaged. He prohibited violence against women and animals and, defying the customs of his era, dined with people from all castes. Swaminarayan’s enduring legacy includes a spiritual path that demands not only religious devotion but also unwavering moral and ethical conduct.

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In the painting:

The painting depicts Swaminarayan in two phases of his life: (right) Neelkanth Varni, a yogi and renunciate, and (left) Sahajanand Swami, leader of Ramanand Swami's Uddhav Sampraday.

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At eleven, after losing his parents, Ghanshyam (Swaminarayan's childhood name) renounced worldly life, adopted the name Neelkanth Varni, and embarked on a spiritual journey across India. For seven years, he studied under various teachers, practised austerities, and mastered yoga and ancient philosophies.

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Neelkanth Varni’s journey ended in Loj, Gujarat, where Ramanand Swami recognised him as a divine incarnation and renamed him Sahajanand Swami. He established one of Gujarat’s most influential reformist sects, emphasising dharma, bhakti, knowledge, and detachment. Amid social unrest under British rule, he redefined ascetic life, enforcing discipline, non-violence, and social service. His reforms opposed widow-burning (sati), female infanticide, and substance abuse while promoting education, vegetarianism, and moral upliftment, leaving a lasting legacy. In his own words:

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“A person who is wise should abandon violence and other such vicious natures, abandon evil influences, and seek the refuge of the sadguru, who is a knower of Brahman, and perform his Seva (selfless service).”

Vachanamrut

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Swaminarayan is depicted in the painting as Nar-Narayan, symbolising both the devoted seeker and the divine incarnation. This dual representation reflects his unique relationship with God—as both Neelkanth Varni, the renunciate, and Swaminarayan, the Supreme Lord. Addressing devotees in 1826, he elaborated on his Nar-Narayan connection:

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"I am always trying to keep the course of people's minds fixed on God. Why? Because I know everything about the past, the present, and the future. In fact, while sitting here, I know everything that happens: even when I was in my mother's womb, I knew everything; and even before I came into my mother's womb, I knew everything. That is because I am God—Shri Nar-Narayan Rishi."

Vachanamrut

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Swaminarayan’s first temple in Kalupur, Ahmedabad (1822), was dedicated to Nar-Narayan, reinforcing his self-identification with this divine form, as expressed in his teachings.

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The domed shrine adorned with peacocks in the painting is based on a widely distributed printed depiction of Nar-Narayan, used as Swaminarayan’s prasad (blessed memento) during his travels across Gujarat.

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The fish in the lake symbolise Swaminarayan’s deep commitment to vegetarianism and ahimsa (non-violence) and his ability to inspire transformation through compassion. As a child, he revived dead fish with a mere glance and led a fisherman to spiritual awakening, teaching him the consequences of violence and the interconnectedness of all life.

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Soaring high, Garuda, the divine eagle and celestial vehicle of Vishnu, symbolises triumph over ignorance and material attachments, spiritual liberation, and the conquest of inner demons. Garuda reinforces Swaminarayan’s supreme divine nature and his role in guiding devotees towards moksha (liberation), eternal bliss, and devotion to God.

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