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H.H.ACHARYA SHREE AJENDRAPRASADJI MAHARAJ SHREE
1.	A biography of H. H. H. Shree 1008 Acharya Shree Ajendraprasadji Narendraprasadji Maharaj (Pande): -

His Holy Highness Shree 1008 Acharya Shree Ajendraprasadji Maharaj, the 8th decedent of Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan, was born on August 16, 1949'(i.e. Shravan Vad 7/8 of Vikram Samvat 2005, ‘auspicious day of Janmashtami’) in “DHARMKUL” (Saryupari Samavedi Brahmin family, Savarni Gotra, family of Almighty Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan), in Wadhwan City of Surendranagar District, Gujarat, India. He is the Son (Lalji Maharaj) of H. H. Acharya Shree Narendraprasadji Anandprasadji Maharaj, the 6th Acharya of the Shree Laxminarayan Dev Gaddi (Southern Dioceses) of Shree Swaminarayan Sampradaya (Sect) and Param Pujya Matushree, daughter of Shree Vashisthmani Tripathi, renowned businessman, social activist and elder brother of well-known political leader and Member of Parliament, Shree Madhav Prasad Tripathi, Basti, U.P.

2.	Vedic Sanskars and Nomination as Bhavi Acharya Maharaj Shree (Successor Acharya): -

Following the family tradition, on the day of ‘Naamkaran Sanskar’ (Naming Sacrament), Lalji Shree Ajendraprasadji Maharaj was adorned with ‘Vartamaan Dhaaran’ and ‘Kanthi Dhaaran’ by his grandfather, the then H. H. Acharya Shree Anandprasadji Maharaj, the 5th Acharya of the Shree Laxminarayan Dev Gaddi of the Shree Swaminarayan Sampradaya (Sect).

In the month of May, 1953 (Vaisakha in Vikram Samvat 2010), ‘Chaul Sanskar’ (Mundan) of Lalji Shree Ajendraprasadji Maharaj was performed at ‘Hanuman Gadhi’,the renowned temple of Hanumanji (Dharmakul’s Kuldev) in the holy town of ‘Ayodhya’ (Birthplace of Bhagwan Shree Ram) in Uttar Pradesh,India.

In the month of May, 1962 (Vaishakh month of Vikram Samvat 2019), Lalji Shree Ajendraprasadji Maharaj was adorned with ‘Yagnopavit Upanayan Sanskar’ and ‘Gurumantra Deeksha’ from his revered father, the then H. H Acharya Shree Narendraprasadji Maharaj in the divine presence of Shri Laxminarayan Dev, Shree Harikrishna Maharaj at VADTAL. Gujarat, INDIA.

At the very young age of 11, His sober, kind, loving nature and inclination towards Hindu religion, made him adorable and admirable amongst the followers (devotees) of the Shree Swaminarayan Sampradaya Sect.

Recognizing his distinct unique qualities, utter dedication and keen interest in learning the Sanaatan Dharma (Sanaatan Religion), as per the rule of ‘Desh Vibhaag Lekh’ (the constitution of Shree Swaminarayan Sampradaya Sect’) in the Year 1969, He was nominated as ‘Bhavi Acharya Lalji Maharaj Shree’ of Shree Laxminarayan Dev Gadi of Vadtal by the then H. H. Acharya Shree Narendraprasadji Maharaj to succeed him as the Acharya.

3.	Journey As ‘Bhavi Acharya Lalji Maharaj Shree’ (successor Acharya):-

Being designated as H.H. Bhavi Acharya Lalji Maharaj, He gained thorough knowledge of religious scriptures like Shrimad Satsangi Jeevan, Shikshaparttri,Vachanamrut, Shrimad Bhagawat, Ramayan, Vedic and Puranic literature from his father H.H. Acharya Shree Narendraprasadji Maharaj.

At the age of 12, H.H. Bhavi Acharya Lalji Shree Ajendraprasadji Maharaj made his first independent religious tour for 17 days in Saurastra region of Gujarat state and thus, began his spiritual journey for preaching the devotees of Shree Swaminarayan Sampradaya (Sect).

Along with his studies, H.H. Bhavi Acharya Lalji Shree Ajendraprasadji Maharaj, occasionally, traveled to various places’ in state of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Tamilnadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and many more. in and across INDIA and overseas countries in Africa such as  Kenya, Tanzania etc. to attend numerous religious festivals, Katha-Parayans and to bless the gatherings of devout followers and devotees of Swaminarayan Sect. He also attended and blessed many propitious festivals and celebration such as, ‘Pragatya Dwi Shatabdi Mahotsav’ (Bicentennial festival of the incarnation of Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan ), ‘Vadtal Sa-ardh Shatabdi Mahotsav’ (150 year celebration Shree Swaminarayan Temple-Vadtal), ‘Gaulokvihari Maharaj Shatabdi Mahotsav’ (100 year celebration of Shree Swaminarayan Temple -Mumbai), ‘Shatabdi Mahotsav- Gondal’ (100 year celebration of Shree Swaminarayan Temple - Gondal) and many more.

Besides the religious, spiritual, and traditional studies of Hinduism, he gained knowledge in the Modern Education System as well. In the Year 1970, He was honored with Degree of Bachelor of Arts (Political Science, History and English Literature as main subjects). In the Year 1973, he was honored with Degree of Master of Arts (Political Science) and He also, holds Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat.

In the year 1982, during the Bicentennial Year of Incarnation of Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan (200 years of Manifestation of Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan), H.H. Bhavi Acharya Lalji Maharaj Shree accompanied His father, the then H.H. Acharya Shree Narendraprasadji Maharaj on Religious Tour to Nairobi, Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru, Mombasa, Darussalam etc. in AFRICA to propagate the sanctity of Hindu culture and Religion.

4.	Beginning of Marital Life (Grihasthashram): - 

On the day of May 08,1970 (i.e. Vikram Samvat 2027, Vaisakha Sud-3, auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya), H.H. Bhavi Acharya Lalji Shree Ajendraprasadji  Maharaj, entered His Grihasthashram, by practicing ‘Panigrahan Sanskar’ (Marriage) with Daughter of Pandit Shri Badrinath Shukla,The ‘Rashtrapati Puraskar’  (Presidential) Awardee, Saraswat (renowned scholar) revered “Kulguru” of Royal Family of Kashi (Varanasi) and who was  the Honorable Vice-Chancellor of ‘Sampoornanand Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya’ (University), Kashi (Varanasi) UP. The divine couple is blessed with two daughters, Ramakunvar and Urvashikunvar and two sons Nrigendraprasadji and '''Pushpendraprasadji.  5.	Gaddi Abhishek (Enthronement as an Acharya of Shree Laxminarayan Gaddi Vadtal.) :-'''

On the glorious day of Vikram Samvat 2040, Vaisakha Sud-13/14 (Narasimha Jayanti), dated May 13, 1984 in the divine and pious premise of Shree Swaminarayan Temple, Vadtal (The Head quarter of Southern Diocese), the then H.H. Acharya Shree Narendraprasadji Maharaj, exercising his authority as The Acharya, in accordance with the Rule of Succession (Seating Acharya to nominate and install His successor) as per “The Desh Vibhag Lekh’ (The Constitution of Shree Swaminarayan Sampraday) mandated by Almighty Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan, performed the “Gaddi Abhishek” (Enthronement) of H.H. Bhavi Acharya Lalji Shree Ajendraprasadji  Maharaj with all Vedic rituals and installed him as ‘The Acharya’ of Shree Laxminarayan Dev Gaddi. By this virtue, His Holy Highness Shree 1008 Acharya Shree Ajendraprasadji Maharaj became the 7th Acharya of Shree Laxminarayan Dev Gaddi, Vadtal of Shree Swaminarayan Sampraday (Southern Diocese). The Gaddi Abhishek festival was celebrated for three days and thousands of devout Hari bhaktas Devotees bloomed and overjoyed witnessing this divine occasion.

6.	The Devine Journey of H. H. Shree 1008 Acharya Shree Ajendraprasadji Maharaj: -

Holding the Supreme Religious Post of Shree Swaminarayan Sampradaya (Sect), H.H. Shree 1008 Acharya Shree Ajendraprasadji Maharaj, took the Swaminarayan Sampradaya onto the highest zenith with His remarkable efforts, knowledge, courage, foresightedness, and vision.

Under headship and with inspirations, directions, and blessings of H.H. Shree 1008 Acharya Shree Ajendraprasadji Maharaj, innumerous Significant Propitious Religious Festivals and Events have been conducted. Few of them are namely, ‘Smruti Mandir Shatabdi Mahotsav’ at Laxmivadi, Gadhada (celebration of 100 years), ‘Shree Laxminarayandev Shatamrut Mahotsav’ at Vadtal (175-year celebration at Shree Swaminarayan Temple-Vadtal), ‘Shree Vasudevnarayan Shatamrut Mahotsav’ at Gadhada (celebration of 175 years of installation of Bhagwan Shree Vasudevnarayan (deity) at Shree Swaminarayan Temple -Gadhada), ‘Aadi-Acharya Shree Raghuvirji Maharaj Krutanjali Mahotsav’ (200 year celebration of the First H.H. Acharya Shree Raghuvirji Maharaj of Shree Laxminarayan Dev Gaddi, Southern diocese of Vadtal), ‘Shri Shikshapattri Shatamrut Mahotsav’ (celebration of 175 years of Shikshapatri, directives written by Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan) ‘Shree Swaminarayan Mahamantra Mahotsav’ at Shree Swaminaraya Mandir Gadhada and Shree Swaminaraya Mandir Junagadh,  and many more

• Establishment of Temples and Deities :-

Under the able Headship, Guidance and Immense Encouragement of H.H. Shree 1008 Acharya Shree Ajendraprasadji Maharaj, more than 500 “Shikhar Mandirs” and ‘Hari Mandirs’ were constructed/renovated in India and abroad followed with “Murti Prathishtha” (establishment of deity) performed by His blessed-hands, as per the mandates of Shikshapatri and Satsangi Jeevan’. Accomplishing to His responsibilities as The Acharya, He has travelled to the USA, Canada, UK, etc. several times on many occasions. With the Directive and Guidance of H.H. Shree 1008 Acharya Shree Ajendraprasadji Maharaj, the very first Shree Swaminarayan Temple “Vadtal Dham”' was built and inaugurated with Murti Pratishta (establishment of deity) at Wheeling, (Chicago) State of Illinois, USA in May 1991. Then after, other temples in the State of Texas, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Virginia, etc. in USA and temples at Lubumbashi, Congo DC and London, UK. were established consecutively. Today, the Satsang has blossomed with His blessings and with His Directives and Guidance many temples are being developed in various chapters in INDIA, USA, UK, Canada, Germany, Australia, UAE, Africa, and New Zealand.

•	'''"Guru Mantra Diskha to Devotees and Bhagwati Maha Diksha to Saints" '''

The indepth knowledge and spiritual wisdom of scriptures, and the most unique and simple method of preaching the devotees are distinct characteristics of H.H. Shree 1008 Acharya Shree Ajendraprasadji Maharaj. This conveniently enables even the common devotees to understand the religion and its principles in true sense, making his ‘Gurupad’ meaningful. The noblest credit for imparting ‘Guru Mantra Deeksha’ to more than three lack devout Mumukshu, and ‘Bhagavati Maha Deeksha’ to 425 saints (males) goes to H. H. Shree 1008 Acharya Shree Ajendraprasadji Maharaj. Under His able guidance, as per the mandates of the Shikshapatri and Satsangi Jeevan, the female devotees were preached by His wife ‘P.P. Gadiwala Matushree’ and She initiated ‘Guru Mantra Diksha, to more than 2.5 lakhs female devotees and ‘Sankhyogi Diksha’ to 250 women transforming them to Sankhyogi. • Satsang Vicharan (Religious Tours) :-

With enthusiasm to widespread the divine message of Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan to the masses and to propagate Sanatan Eternal Vedic Dharma and values of humanity, H.H. Shree 1008 Acharya Shree Ajendraprasadji Maharaj, toured more than 8500 villages, towns, and cities in India and Abroad. He has efficaciously addressed more than 5000 Dharma Sabhas in his ongoing tenure and inspired lakhs of people to bring them on path of righteousness, morality, humanity, and spirituality

• Contribution to the Literature of Sanatan Dharma (Eternal Religion) :-

H.H. Shree 1008 Acharya Shree Ajendraprasadji Maharaj has contributed in Literatures mainly related to Sanatan Dharma (Eternal Religion) by getting the scriptures translated and published in various languages such as Sanskrit to Gujarati, Hindi and English Few of them are namely, Shikshapatri, Satsangi Jeevan, Bhaktchitamani, Nishkulanand Kavya, Vasudev Mahatmya, Vidurneeti, Shrimad Bhagwat and many other for propagating the Hindu Sanatan Dharma across the globe.

7. Societal Responsibilities and Contributions: -

H.H. Shree 1008 Acharya Shree Ajendraprasadji Maharaj has always been taking leading and responsible attitude, approach, and spirit towards upliftment of Nation and human society by his selfless services by all means. He has incessantly been at the forefront to serve the country and humanity, wherever and whenever required. Some of the major contributions are mentioned herein,

• H.H. Shree 1008 Acharya Shree Ajendraprasadji Maharaj has significantly funded in construction of Narmada Project through his temples.

• H.H. Shree 1008 Acharya Shree Ajendraprasadji Maharaj has contributed in raising funds for Urology Department in SSG hospital at Vadodara. The Hospital project was carried forward under the supervision and advice of His Brother-in-law, Dr. G. N. Shukla and his sister, Dr. Aruna Shukla. • In the month of September, 1993  prevailing situation of natural disaster, earthquake of Latur, Maharashtra, H.H. Shree 1008 Acharya Shree Ajendraprasadji Maharaj personally remained at the epicenter with team of doctors and volunteers (including saints and devotees) and consistently helped the local government administration in saving lives of many people by providing food services, medicines and basic supplies.

Acharya Shree Ajendraprasadji Maharaj led the team of volunteers of LNDYM and copped with State Government officials and Army Personals, and personally went to the remote flooded villages and rescued the people. • During natural calamity of catastrophic earthquake at Bhuj, Gujarat in 2001, even though, being busy with his younger daughter’s marriage at Gadhpur, H.H. Shree 1008 Acharya Shree Ajendraprasadji Maharaj opted to serve the nation, society, and humanity at top priority. He suspended all his functions immediately and went to Bhuj with all the food and supplies arranged for the marriage function He served the people there for 30 days with the team of volunteers of LNDYM. He provided food, medicines, and other basic supplies to the needy in Bhuj. He also directed and inspired the temples to adopt the affected villages for reconstruction and help them revival of their lives to normal.

• In 2006,during the odd hard situation of floods in Surat, Gujarat, H.H. Shree 1008 Acharya Shree Ajendraprasadji Maharaj, provided medicine, food-kits, and necessary supplies to the affected people,  through  various temples of Surat, under His diocese with  help of volunteers of LNDYM.

• H.H. Shree 1008 Acharya Shree Ajendraprasadji Maharaj has been serving the mankind by donating blood for more than 150 times and inspired many people by organizing blood donation camps at various places in association with Red Cross Society and Local Blood Banks.

• In December 2013, during one of His religious functions at Junagadh, Gujarat, H.H. Shree 1008 Acharya Shree Ajendraprasadji Maharaj pledged to donate his eyes for the needy person, which inspired 21900 devotees to donate their eyes within an hour. Also, by his inspiration and guidance 352 people registered for their body donation for the purpose of medical researches within 12 hours

https://www.swaminarayanvadtalgadi.org/photo-gallery/svg-charity-food-donationtiffin-seva-for-covid-19-patient-home-quarantined-families-in-godhra-april-2021/
 * 1.) In COVID- 19 Pandemic, during the first wave which came in March 2020 and, H.H 1008 Acharya Shri Ajedraprasadji Maharaj provided free of cost tiffin services to those who were suffering from COVID, whether hospitalized or home quarantined.

https://www.swaminarayanvadtalgadi.org/photo-gallery/svg-charity-food-donationtiffin-seva-for-covid-19-patient-home-quarantined-families-in-vadodara-may-2021/
 * 2.) With the same endurance in the second wave which came in July 2021, the same services were provided by Him without any discrimination.

https://www.swaminarayanvadtalgadi.org/photo-gallery/svg-charity-emergency-food-distribution-during-cyclone-tauktae-in-gujarat-18-may-2021-2/
 * 3.) Not only that, he also provided the kits, containing the things of basic needs, to those who were affected due to the cyclone Tauktae.

https://www.swaminarayanvadtalgadi.org/photo-gallery/inauguration-of-nutrition-prasad-distribution-2022-lndmm/
 * 4.) Under the guidance of H.H. Shree 1008 Acharya Shree Ajendraprasadji Maharaj, food packets of "Poshan prasad" has been distributed among the many people by adopting courtyard shelter


 * 5.) Under the guidance of H.H. Shree 1008 Acharya Shree Ajendraprasadji Maharaj, cervical cancer vaccination drive has been organized at various places and more than 1000 girls have been already vaccinated

https://www.swaminarayanvadtalgadi.org/photo-gallery/surat-cervical-cancer-vaccination-drive-3-april-2022-lndmm/

8. Major Achievements and Credits:-

•	In 1988, ‘Suvarna Dhaja Dand’ (Golden flagpole) was donated and installed on the Shikhar of Shree Swaminarayan Temple - Vadtal, by H.H. Shree 1008 Acharya Shree Ajendraprasadji Maharaj in honor of His revered father H. H. Acharya Shree Narendraprasadji Maharaj.

•	Honorary Citizenship by USA Government: In 1986, he was conferred upon with the ‘Honorary Citizenship’ of the town of Wheeling, state of Illinois USA and honored with ‘Red Carpet’ by Government of Dallas, Texas, USA.

•	The First ‘Suvarna Shikhar Temple’ (gold plate pinnacle of Temple) in Gujarat: In 2012, under the headship, directives and inspiration of H.H. Shree 1008 Acharya Shree Ajendraprasadji Maharaj, Shree Swaminarayan Temple of Bhagwan Shree Gopinathji Maharaj at Gadhpur, one of the most significant heritage temples of Shree Swaminarayan Sect (under the Southern Diocese), became the first ever ‘Suvarn Shikhar Temple’ ( gold plate pinnacle of Temple) of Gujarat,  India  and the first ever Suvarn Shikhar ‘Shree Swaminarayan Temple’  in World as well.

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swaminarayan_Mandir,_Gadhada

•	In 2016, under the headship, directives, and inspiration of H.H. Shree 1008 Acharya Shree Ajendraprasadji Maharaj, one more significant heritage Shree Swaminarayan Temple (under the Southern Diocese) of Shree Radharamandev at Junagadh, Gujarat, India was plated with gold that became another ‘Suvarn Shikhar Temple’.

• https://www.deshgujarat.com/2016/03/22/another-swaminarayan-mandir-to-have-golden-shikhar-in-gujarat/

• https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1755767797992535

•	Again, in 2016, under the headship, directives, and inspiration of H.H. Shree 1008 Acharya Shree Ajendraprasadji Maharaj, Shree Swaminarayan Temple of Wheeling, IL, USA, (under Shree Laxminarayandev Gaddi, Southern diocese) took the pride of becoming the first ever ‘Suvarn Shikhar Swaminarayan Temple’ in USA, amongst the Shree Swaminarayan Temples established outside India.

•	World Record in Registration of Eye Donation: On December 29, 2013, by the divine blessings and inspiration of H. H. Shree 1008 Acharya Shree Ajendraprasadji Narendraprasadji Maharaj, Shree Laxminarayan Dev Yuvak Mandal Vadtal (LNDYM, i.e. Youth wing of Shree Swaminarayan Sampradaya, Shree Laxminarayan Dev Gaddi) had made the World Record of eye donation registration within one hour at International Shree Swaminarayan Mahamantra Mahotsav Junagadh, Gujarat, India. The organization registered 21900 (Twenty-one Thousand Nine Hundred) people for Eye Donation. This event is recorded by Golden Book of Records. http://www.worldrecordholdersclub.com/?p=339

° World Record in Body Donation Registration: On December 29, 2013, by the divine blessings and inspiration of H. H. Shree 1008 Acharya Shree Ajendraprasadji Narendraprasadji Maharaj, Shree Laxminarayan Dev Yuvak Mandal Vadtal (LNDYM, i.e. Youth wing of Shree Swaminarayan Sampradaya, Shree Laxminarayan Dev Gaddi) had made the World Record of largest body donation registration within 12 hours at International Shree Swaminarayan Mahamantra Mahotsav Junagadh, Gujarat, India. The organization registered 352 (Three hundred fifty-two) people for Body Donation, this event is recorded by Golden Book of Records, http://www.worldrecordholdersclub.com/?p=327#more-327

• By the immense grace of the omnipresent Ishtadev Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan and Vadtalvasi Maharajadhiraja Shri Laxminarayan Dev Shri Harikrishna Maharaj as well as Vadtal Shri Laxminarayan Dev Peethadhipati P.P. Sanatan D. D.  Shri 1008 Acharya Shri AjendraPrasadji Maharajshree and with the sheer blessings of P. P. A. Sau. Gadiwala Matru Shree who is guru of all the women devotees and under the divine presence of P. P. D. D. 108 Bhavi Aacharya Shree Nrugendraprasadji Maharaj Shree, Shreemad Satsangijeevan Parayan and Janmangal Purascharan was organised at Shree Raghuvir Wadi, Vadtal

Reference :-

• http://www.swaminarayanvadtalgadi.org/