What is Shikshapatri?

"Shikshapatri," a letter encapsulates wise teachings which evokes simplicity in language. Within its pages, Bhagwan Swaminarayan elucidates directives for His devotees and sant, expounding how to develop virtues that lead to righteous living. Nevertheless, the most important aspects of Swaminarayan theology are found in his own words, known as the 'Vachanamrut'.

In order to discern the divine form of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, the prime potent source is Vachanamrut. Indeed, through Shikshapatri, Bhagwan Swaminarayan imparts His directives to His devotees, “Unveiling true and divine nature of Supreme God (Myself) is perceptible solely through our scriptures (the Vachanamrut). For this reason, our devotees are tasked to study theology (nature of God) through the scriptures we have authored.” Moreover, He explain in the Shikshapatri,”The essence of His divine commandments and theories are planted in the Vachanamrut."

What is ‘Shikshapatri Saar’?

The sacred text 'Shikshapatri,' authored by Bhagwan Swaminarayan, contains a total of 212 verses. Within this profound document, Bhagwan Swaminarayan imparts teachings to guide his devotees, offering a path towards an exemplary life of reverence and virtuous living. While some commandments are directed by Shriji Maharaj with the sentiment of a devotee, others are articulated from the standpoint of a Mukta, servant of God and devotees, and even other avatars. Hence, these directives are not easily comprehended. 

To truly grasp these instructions, one often needs the guidance of a Satpurush. Being in its association, one can easily understand the profound reasons behind the directives of Shriji Maharaj.

In Shikshapatri, Bhagwan Swaminarayan, comprehensively expounded the teachings of leading an ideal devotee's life and for integrating the principles into everyday living. Making it more lucid and concise, HDH Swamishri, inspired by Gurudev Bapji, has harmoniously integrated the essence of directives described in Shikshapatri, emphasizing the Upasna of Bhagwan Swaminarayan as a core aspect. It was named ‘Shikshapatri Saar’.

When and by whom was the 'Shikshapatri' composed?

On the auspicious day of Maha sud 5, Vasant Panchami, in the year 1882 of the Vikram Samvat calendar, Shriji Maharaj personally composed the 'Shikshapatri' in the at Vadtal.

The Origin

The Swaminarayan Sampraday, established by Bhagwan Swaminarayan, is a tradition that emphasizes the harmony of speech, thought, and action. Within this tradition, several ideals, resolutions, and principles were laid down by Bhagwan Swaminarayan himself. Today, these ideals continue to thrive and remain vibrant and ever-present. However, to ensure this, it is necessary to adhere to constitution – those guidelines in which the entire community of devotees and saints is firmly anchored, living a divine life in accordance with the revered principles and resolutions of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

Commandments and Theology are the roots of Swaminarayan sect. To enfold and vibrant these resolves, Bhagwan Swaminarayan scribed a code-of-conduct on Maha sud 5^th ,Samvat 1882(Vasant Panchmi), on the soil of Vadtal at Rampratapbhai’s bungalow in Sanskrit language. Afterward, Sadguru Nityanand Swami translated it in Gujarati. This profound scripture was later included in the fourth chapter of the Satsangijivan.

The Shikshapatri is accompanied by another concise history. On the date of 26-2-1830, in Rajkot, Sir Malcolm had a meet with Shriji Maharaj. At that time, Maharaj said to him, "If you have any religious scripture or a 'Code of Conduct', please present it." Maharaj was pleased, and he handed over a handwritten Shikshapatri to him. On the other hand, Dada Khachar, following the royal tradition, gifted a ‘Roza’ horse. When Sir Malcolm saw Dada Khachar's gesture, humorously remarked, "The Shikshapatri I've received from you is worth more than a thousand horses." Out of curiosity, they obtained an English translation from Professor Monier Williams, who was proficient in Sanskrit at the time. They read and were greatly impressed. Presently, this Shikshapatri is preserved in the Bodleian Library in Oxford, England.

How many verses are there in Shikshapatri?

The Shikshapatri contains a total of 212 verses (shlokas).