1892 A.D.
Born in Dhari, Saurashtra as Jinabhai
Childhood
Began temple service at age 7, performing rituals with exceptional devotion
Initiation
Became Sadhu Gnanjivandas, later known as Yogiji Maharaj
1971 A.D.
Left mortal body after 79 years of loving service
Ever-smiling personality radiating motherly love
Model of 'Sevakbhav' - perfect devotion to spiritual master
Transformed insults into divine offerings through supreme tolerance
Lived ideal of 'Samp, Suhradbhav, Ekta' (Unity, Friendship, Harmony)
Made kitchen seva as important as scriptural study
Fourth successor in Bhagwan Swaminarayan's divine lineage
First to spread Swaminarayan faith outside India to Africa and beyond
Initiated 51 educated youths as sadhus to strengthen the mission
Nishkam Dharma (selfless service) and Nirman Dharma (detachment)
Shastriji Maharaj declared: 'Huun te Jogi Ane Jogi te Hun' (I am Yogi and Yogi is Me)
Yogiji Maharaj pioneered the international spread of Swaminarayan faith:
First spiritual master to send sadhus abroad
Established centers in Africa and other continents
Initiated 51 educated youths to strengthen the mission
"Servitude was not the quality to be acquired but the manifestation."
- Yogiji Maharaj's life philosophy