"Chhãvni" is a cultural heritage given by Gunatitanand Swami. Gunatitanand Swami gave daily discourses in a four-month long "Chhãvni" held in Vadtal.
This year, the annual Satsang Shibir was organized under the title of "Akshar Purushottam Darshan Chhãvni," a two and half day long spiritual camp of discourses on fundamental principles of Akshar Purushottam Upasana. Chhãvni, meaning ‘camp’, is a fitting title since Gunatitanand Swami also conducted a spiritual ‘camp’ in the form of discourses in a four-month long "chhãvni" held in Vadtal. This year’s Satsang Chhãvni took place in six regions across North America. Senior Swamis including Sadhu Ghanshyamcharandas, Sadhu Anandswarupdas, and Sadhu Bhadreshdas, traveled to these regions through the summer months to elaborate on the profound philosophical concept of Akshar and Purushottam.
The discourses were primarily based on scholarly texts written by Pujya Bhadreshdas Swami, Ph.D., D.Litt. Bhadreshdas Swami is a revered scholar who has been recognized by numerous scholars and pundits throughout the world as well as by senior representatives of 27 prestigious universities from Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and other states.
Through this shibir, delegates were able to understand the core philosophy which lies at the foundation of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. Through this knowledge that they gained a greater appreciation for Shastriji Maharaj, who endured great hardships progate the Aksharpurushottam Upasana and to establish the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. With the guidance of senior Swamis along with teachings and blessings of their guru, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, shibir attendees were able to understand how they could apply these philosophical concepts in their everyday lives and thus live a meaningful Hindu way of life.