The sixth part of Brahmaswarup Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s biography covers the period from 1987 to 1990.
The pace of Swamishri’s vicharan remained unremitting. Sustaining previous undertakings and embarking on new endeavours was Swamishri’s hallmark. He handled his hectic and demanding schedule with grace, composure and unwavering commitment. But more than anything, his day was perfused with devotion to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and his innate saintliness always shone to the fore.
In 1987, Swamishri led an entourage of around 400 swamis and devotees on a pilgrimage of North India, retracing the historic journey of Shri Nilkanth Varni, the teenage-yogi form of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. During this period, Swamishri met many of the revered mahatmas residing in these sacred places.
On his return to Gujarat, he immediately turned his attention to helping alleviate the effects of the severe famine due to the drought in parts of Gujarat by setting up four large-scale cattle camps and taking other necessary steps. He personally appealed for resources and administered their efficient and optimum use. His concern for the well-being of all was evident through his selfless service in this time of dire need. The year concluded with the Kalash Mahotsav of the BAPS Mandir in Mumbai.
In 1988, Gujarat recovered from the famine and Swamishri embarked upon an eight-month overseas satsang tour to UK and Europe, North America and Africa. During these exhausting travels, among other accolades, Swamishri was honored in the parliaments of Britain and Canada. He also reached out to leaders of other Hindu denominations and other faiths to promote inter-faith harmony and world peace. Swamishri also inaugurated several overseas BAPS mandirs, providing devotees places to congregate for individual and collective worship.
In 1989, Swamishri remained in India, visiting over 325 cities, towns and villages to strengthen the practice of spirituality in people’s daily lives.
In 1990, Swamishri again visited the UK and North America. In America, Swamishri launched the year-long Cultural Festival of India celebrations that would promote the millennia-old traditions and values of India and Sanatan Dharma to the people of America and would culminate in a grand month-long festival the following year. In the UK, he intensified the search for suitable land to build a shikharbaddha mandir in London, as per Yogiji Maharaj’s vision. After celebrating Diwali in London, Swamishri returned to India.
Also available as an audio book: