Story Of Tunaganath Temple
🕉️ The Div🌟 Early Life and Childhood
Gunatitanand Swami was born as Mulji Jani on 28 September 1784 in the small village of Bhadra, Gujarat, to Bholanath Jani and Sakarba, who were devout Brahmins. From a very young age, Mulji displayed remarkable spiritual awareness and moral wisdom far beyond his years. He was naturally detached from worldly pleasures, never indulging in unnecessary play or material desires. Instead, he would spend hours contemplating the nature of God, dharma, and the purpose of human life. His parents recognized that he was a special child with divine qualities, often giving blessings to the villagers who observed his unusual spiritual maturity. Even as a child, Mulji would help the poor, guide other children, and demonstrate extraordinary compassion for all beings.
🕊️ Divine Calling and Meeting Bhagwan Swaminarayan
At the age of 25, Mulji felt a divine calling to seek the supreme Lord. His heart was restless until he encountered Bhagwan Swaminarayan, the enlightened master who had come to guide humanity in righteousness. Upon meeting Mulji, Bhagwan Swaminarayan immediately recognized his extraordinary spiritual potential and devotion. In 1810, Mulji was initiated as a sadhu and was given the name Gunatitanand Swami. Bhagwan Swaminarayan praised him as His choicest devotee and identified him with Aksharbrahma, the eternal abode of God, signifying that he was the perfect ideal for devotees to emulate in their spiritual journey. From that moment, Gunatitanand Swami devoted himself entirely to spreading the divine teachings of Swaminarayan and guiding people toward liberation.
🙏 Spiritual Life and Devotion
Gunatitanand Swami’s life was an example of absolute humility, discipline, and devotion. He travelled extensively, preaching the essence of bhakti (devotion) and dharma (righteousness). He was known to undertake severe penances, meditate for hours, and remain completely detached from worldly comforts. As the Mahant of Junagadh Mandir, he served devotees selflessly, often performing menial tasks himself while inspiring others through his teachings. People were drawn to him not only because of his wisdom and spiritual insight but also because of his boundless compassion and loving nature. He treated all equally, regardless of caste, social status, or wealth, demonstrating the true spirit of divine love and equality.
🌺 Miracles and Divine Grace
Numerous stories recount Gunatitanand Swami’s miraculous powers, though he never sought to display them for personal glory. He healed the sick, helped the needy, resolved conflicts, and guided people out of despair with his spiritual insight and compassionate presence. Devotees believed that even a glimpse of him could awaken deep faith and devotion. However, he emphasized that true spiritual strength comes not from miracles but from moral purity, service, and devotion to God. His life itself became a living testament to the power of faith, humility, and divine grace.
📖 Teachings and Scriptures
Gunatitanand Swami’s discourses, conversations, and reflections were compiled into the sacred scripture “Swami Ni Vato”, which continues to inspire countless devotees. His teachings focused on:
Bhakti: Devotion to God as the path to liberation.
Seva: Selfless service to humanity as a form of worship.
Moral living: Observing dharma in every action.
Humility: Shunning pride and ego, recognizing God in all beings.
Through these principles, he guided his followers to realize God within themselves and live a life of spiritual fulfillment.
🌼 Final Years and Akshar Deri
Gunatitanand Swami spent the last years of his life in Gondal, Gujarat, continuing to serve devotees and spread spiritual wisdom. On 11 October 1867, he took mahasamadhi, leaving his mortal body but eternally residing in the hearts of devotees. The Akshar Deri in Gondal was established at the site of his final rites and remains a holy pilgrimage site, where thousands come every year to seek his blessings and experience his divine presence. The temple stands as a symbol of his life, teachings, and unwavering devotion, inspiring generations to follow the path of humility, service, and surrender to God.
🌸 Spiritual Legacy
Gunatitanand Swami is revered as the Aksharbrahma, the eternal ideal of devotion and the divine abode of God. He is regarded as the first spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan in the BAPS tradition. His life demonstrates that true spiritual greatness lies in humility, compassion, and unwavering devotion, not in wealth, power, or worldly recognition. Today, his teachings continue to illuminate the path of countless devotees, showing that by following dharma, seva, and bhakti, one can attain inner peace, spiritual wisdom, and eternal bliss.
“In every heart dwells the potential for divinity;
Gunatitanand Swami’s life shows us how devotion, service, and humility can awaken it.”
