The sacred village of Chansad, near Vadodara, is the birthplace of Brahmaswarup Pramukh Swami Maharaj and is visited for darshan by thousands of pilgrims from throughout the world every year.
In particular, the village lake was where young Shantilal regularly bathed and played with his friends.
As part of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s centenary celebrations (1921–2021), the Government of Gujarat’s Tourism Ministry has undertaken to develop the sanctified lake and surrounding area.
The ground-breaking ceremony for this project was performed by the Honorable Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Vijaybhai Rupani, Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami, Tourism Minister Shri Jawahar Chavda, in the presence of other saints, government ministers, local leaders and dignitaries, as well as around 4,000 devotees.
On arriving in Chansad for this ceremony, the Chief Minister first visited the birthplace of Pramukh Swami Maharaj for darshan. There, he was welcomed with a garland by Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami. Thereafter, he Chief Minister honored the murti of Pramukh Swami Maharaj with a garland.
In the public assembly after the Vedic ground-breaking rituals, Brahmavihari Swami spoke about the impact of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life and work on society. Then, Tourism Minister Shri Jawahar Chavda recalled Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s tireless endeavors to inspire people to shun their harmful addictions. Thereafter, he Chief Minister pledged to develop Chansad into a revered tourism destination in Gujarat. Finally, Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami blessed the assembly.