1. What does the term Anadimukta mean?

Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Abaji Bapashri, and the satpurushes who were contemporaries with Shriji Maharaj and Bapashri have explained the term ‘Anadimukta’ clearly: Anadimuktas are accomplished (siddha) muktas who eternally reside in the murti of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and enjoy its bliss.

The highest and most honored status among muktas—those who experience the everlasting and supreme bliss of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, the most divine of all—is that of ‘Anadimukta.’ Anadimuktas have become completely identical (Sadharmyapanu) with the Murti of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Their appearance is similar to the Murti itself; this similarity is called purushottamrup.

There are not just a few Anadimuktas, but infinite. These Anadimuktas, who resemble the Murti, eternally enjoy its bliss, are completely engrossed in it, and have become one with the Murti down to every detail. Countless Anadimuktas dwell in the Murti of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Even though infinite Anadimuktas dwell in a single Murti, each Anadimukta experiences their own individual Murti when it comes to enjoying the bliss of the Murti.

Bhagwan Swaminarayan explained the doctrine of ‘Vishishtadwait’:

Qualified monism—meaning two entities exist, but there is only one appearance. God and Mukta are two entities, but the Muktas share the appearance of God, creating only one appearance. This doctrine is called Vishishtadwait. Since infinite Anadimuktas dwell in the Murti of the supreme Bhagwan Swaminarayan, they are not visible separately from outside. While there are two entities—Maharaj and Muktas—the muktas are fully absorbed in the Murti, appearing as only Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

The status of an Anadimukta is that of a servitor. It is a position of enjoying bliss. Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the Anadimuktas have a master-servitor relationship. Infinite Anadimuktas, having become purushottamrup and identical to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, enjoy the bliss of Purushottam; but the one who bestows bliss to all is only Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Thus, Bhagwan Swaminarayan is one, while Anadimuktas are infinite.

No number of Muktas together can become God, nor can they make anyone else God. Bhagwan Swaminarayan is the creator of infinite Anadimuktas and the bestower of bliss to them.

This status of an Anadimukta is called Parbhāv, which cannot be understood by worldly intellect or by merely reading scriptures. To truly understand this status of Parbhāv, one needs the guidance of an Anadimukta Satpurush, as only such a being has attained this status.

2. Who is an Anadimukta?

To understand who an Anadimukta is, it is important to recognize two stages: acquisition and actualization.

2.1 Acquisition of Anadimukta (prapti):

The acquisition state is for aspirants who are striving for ultimate salvation. The actualization state (sthiti) is the state of Parbhāv. However, acquisition must come before one attains the actualized status of Anadimukta.

To acquire the state of Anadimukta, it is essential to recognize Bhagwan Swaminarayan in the correct perspective—both Anvaya and Vyatirek. By doing this, one develops supreme nishtha in Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Upon establishing this conviction, the soul forms a Vyatirek relationship with Bhagwan Swaminarayan. One attains the acquisition state of Anadimukta by forming this Vyatirek relationship and receiving blessings from an Anadimukta Satpurush, acquiring the latak of Anadimukta.

After attaining the acquisition state, a person does not yet experience the bliss of Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s Murti, as this is only the acquisition state of Anadimukta. Still, the soul that has reached this state will definitely progress to the actualization state by means of the latak of Anadimukta.

All saints and devotees associated with Karan Satsang who have supreme nishtha in Bhagwan Swaminarayan, have received the Anadimukta blessings, and have acquired the latak of Anadimukta, are said to have acquired the state (prapti) of Anadimukta but have yet to achieve actualization. They are considered to have the acquired status of Anadimukta (“Praptivala Anadimukta”).

2.2 The Actualization state of an Anadimukta:

The actualized status of an Anadimukta is for accomplished (siddha) muktas who eternally dwell in the Murti of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. After reaching the acquisition state, achieving the actualized status of Anadimukta is necessary. Only after attaining actualization does one experience the bliss of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

Those who have achieved actualized status continually experience the bliss of the Murti and never leave it. Since Anadimuktas always dwell in the Murti and never leave, who gives blessings of actualization in this world (Avarbhav)?

For the purpose of imparting the latak of Anadimukta to aspirants and making them enjoy the bliss of the Murti, Bhagwan Swaminarayan, by His own resolve (sankalp), manifests in this world as Anadimukta Satpurush. They appear human to others and are known as sankalp swaroop.

To support unique upasana of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and for performing meditation, worship, and upasana of the original Murti, we recognize such sankalp swaroop as Anadimukta Satpurush in this world. Such actualized (siddha) Anadimukta Satpurush enjoys the bliss of the Murti and is constantly dwelling in it. He shares the bliss he experiences, teaches how to attain that bliss, and gives the latak of Anadimukta so that aspirants may also attain it.

Aspirants can reach actualization by having faith in the blessings of such a siddha Anadimukta Satpurush and acting according to his guidance.

Therefore, actualized muktas who have attained the actualized status of Anadimukta appear in this world by the will of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and appear human while experiencing the bliss of Bhagwan Swaminarayan in Parbhāv. These are known as actualized Anadimuktas.

3. Why become an Anadimukta?

The status of Anadimukta is the highest among all liberated souls (muktas), especially in terms of experiencing the bliss of Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s divine Murti. Why is it so important to attain the status of Anadimukta? Understanding this is essential.

The form of Bhagwan Swaminarayan is eternally divine and has a definite, complete form, whereas the soul is formless. In its formless state, the soul cannot truly experience the bliss of Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s Murti. If a soul wishes to experience this ultimate bliss, it must be transformed from its formless state into a defined form, just like the Murti. Taking on the form of the Murti of Bhagwan Swaminarayan means becoming Purushottamrup. As long as there is a difference between the soul and the Murti, the soul cannot fully enjoy its bliss. Only by becoming similar to the Murti can the soul experience this divine joy. The formless soul and the divine, defined Murti of Bhagwan Swaminarayan are fundamentally different. So, for the soul to enjoy this bliss, it must take the form of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and become truly unified with Him.

Anadimuktas, who dwell within the Murti, are completely united and identical with the form of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. They have become one with the Murti, fully immersed—even to the smallest detail—and are identical (Sadharmya) to the Murti. Neither their form nor their appearance is any different from the Murti of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Because Anadimuktas reside in the Murti, their appearance, form, and identity are the same as Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s. Therefore, to experience this bliss and reach ultimate liberation, it is essential to become an Anadimukta.

4. How to become an Anadimukta?

To receive the association of the Swaminarayan tradition and to reach the status of an actualized Anadimukta, a person must be blessed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s grace. When one receives this special grace, they are drawn to the divine Karan Satsang, which helps guide them to the highest spiritual level.

By the wish of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, sankalp swaroops like HDH Bapji and HDH Swamishri appear in this world as Anadimukta Satpurush. A spiritually aspiring soul gains association with these sankalp swaroops in the divine Karan Satsang. Through this connection—by their presence, teachings, and guidance—the soul learns to recognize the supreme form of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

Those who place firm faith in the teachings of these Satpurushas develop a strong conviction (nishtha) in Bhagwan Swaminarayan and become fully devoted to Him. In this way, the soul gains a direct, manifest relationship with Bhagwan Swaminarayan, known as the Vyatirek relationship.

After instilling the understanding of Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s supreme form, Satpurushas free souls from their attachment to the body and help them become one with the Murti. They explain to each soul: “You are not the body—you are the soul, completely distinct from the body. The body is not your true identity. Your real joy is the bliss of Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s Murti. You are now an Anadimukta, enjoying the full bliss of the Murti. The Murti is your true home and your true form.” In this way, Satpurushas bless the soul with self-knowledge and help remove the misunderstanding that “I am the body,” replacing it with the true understanding, “I am an Anadimukta.”

Simply having this knowledge does not mean one will immediately experience the bliss of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Knowledge allows the soul to attain the acquisition state of Anadimukta. Anyone who has received this blessing should remain mindful that “I am Anādimukta” in all their actions and movements. They must keep a continuous awareness that they dwell in the Murti, and that all their actions are performed by Maharaj, not by themselves. If this awareness is truly accepted and practiced, it leads to a solid and lasting spiritual identity.

After this, one should regularly practice pratilom meditation on the Murti of Bhagwan Swāminārāyan—meditating on dwelling within the Murti. With consistent practice, the soul overcomes its formless nature and gradually assumes the form of Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s Murti. Ultimately, the soul becomes completely one with the Murti, totally absorbed and continually experiencing the bliss of Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s divine state. In this way, one becomes a siddha Mukta—someone who has attained the actualized status (sthiti) of Anadimukta.

Thus, reaching the actualized status of Anadimukta requires unwavering faith (nishtha) in Bhagwan Swaminarayan, firm trust in the blessings of Satpurush, practice of spiritual knowledge, the ‘latak’ (realization), and pratilom meditation. In this way, the spiritual seeker becomes an Anadimukta.

5. Understanding the State of Anādi-Muktas

An Anadimukta is a soul who lives both internally and externally within the divine form of Shriji Maharaj, becoming Purushottamrup in every respect. They experience the full bliss of Shriji Maharaj’s entire Murti.

Anadimuktas achieve complete sameness (Sadharmya) with Shriji Maharaj’s divine Murti at every level and in every way. They experience total unity and identical identity, remaining fully engaged and at peace. Just as sugar dissolves in milk, Anadimuktas become one with the Murti of Lord Swaminarayan at every atomic level, while still keeping their individuality. Because Anadimuktas are completely unified with the Purushottam form, they experience constant and uninterrupted bliss from Shriji Maharaj, staying within His Murti.

Although countless Anadimuktas reside within the form of Shriji Maharaj, their separate forms are not visible from the outside. The only visible form is that of Shriji Maharaj, so Anadimuktas do not become the Lord themselves. The distinction between the Lord (Swami) and His devotees (Sevak) always remains. While Anadimuktas are absorbed in the divine form, only the Lord gives bliss, and Anadimuktas are the recipients—this relationship is understood by those who experience it, while others are unaware.

Even though Anadimuktas have their own unique forms, these are not outwardly visible from the Murti. The oneness between Anadimuktas and Shriji Maharaj is just for the sake of experiencing bliss. The distinction between the Lord and Anadimuktas is maintained even in this unified state.

Each Anadimukta has a unique Murti of Lord Swaminarayan through which they experience bliss and personal knowledge of the Murti. When it’s said that Anadimuktas experience bliss at every atomic particle (rom), this doesn’t refer to a physical attribute like hair, but rather expresses the total unity with the Murti and attainment of the Purushottamrup form. Every Anadimukta achieves complete sameness with the Lord, leaving nothing incomplete.

Additionally, Anadimuktas experience bliss both internally and externally at every atomic level. This means Anadimuktas are entirely Purushottamrup—they are completely unified with Purushottam (God) and so enjoy the infinite bliss of Shriji Maharaj’s entire divine form. This state of Anadimuktas is the highest and most permanent state. For this reason, Anadimuktas are the spiritually perfect devotees, universally one with the Murti.

1. Anadi-Mukta: These are the liberated souls who reside eternally in the Murti (form) of Lord Swaminarayan, which is why they are called Anadimuktas.

2. Sarvatma Brahma: This is not a name but a description. While the title Sarvatma Brahma is reserved for the Lord, Anadimuktas are called this because they are identical to Purushottam and are above radiance (tej), since tej is formless and Anadimuktas have an absolute Purushottamrup form.

3. Kaivalya Mukta:This title means their only (keval) home is within the divine form of Shriji Maharaj, where they are completely identical and fully absorbed at every level.

4. Nitya Mukta:This describes their eternal presence within the divine form of Shriji Maharaj from the moment they reach their actualized state (sthiti). Their status is constant and unchanging, as they are forever within His form. That is why they are called Nitya Mukta.

6. Similarity (Sadharmya) and Supreme Similarity (Param Sadharmya)

6.1 Similarity (Sadharmya)

Sadharmya means similarity or sameness, and it shows up in two forms:.

1. Limited Similarity (Ekdeshi Sadharmya)

When someone meditates externally on Lord Swaminarayan’s Murti, they achieve a partial similarity. This means they become like Purushottam in certain aspects, mostly in outward form. This leads to the state known as Param Ekantik Mukta, which is an incomplete state with limited bliss.

2. Universal Sameness (Sarvadeshi Sadharmya)

When someone meditates internally within the Murti of Lord Swaminarayan, they achieve complete similarity and become totally like Purushottam. This is called Sarvadeshi Purushottamrup, where similarity is realized at every atomic level. This leads to the state of Anadimukta, the only complete and lasting state, through which the full bliss of the Lord’s Murti is experienced.

6.2 Supreme Similarity (Param Sadharmya)

Param Sadharmya doesn’t mean something greater than Sadharmya, but rather describes the unique quality of Shriji Maharaj’s divine form: it allows countless Anadimuktas to exist within the Murti at an atomic level, fully absorbed both inside and out—enjoying the full bliss of the Murti—while their individual forms remain hidden from outside view. This incomprehensible nature of the Lord’s Murti is called Param Sadharmya.