One of the unique characteristics of the supreme Swaminarayan Bhagwan is that, during His lifetime, He composed and had scriptures composed. No other incarnation has done this during their own lifetime.

In the Swaminarayan tradition, there are many scriptures. However, among all these, the Vachanamrut is the unparalleled scripture. Vachanamrut is the direct words spoken by Shriji Maharaj himself. Since Shriji Maharaj is supreme, his words are also supreme!

Anyone associated with the Swaminarayan tradition is not unfamiliar with the term "Vachanamrut." Vachanamrut refers to the divine, nectar-like words spoken directly from the divine mouth of Swaminarayan Bhagwan, the ruler of countless universes. 

• Vachanamrut is an almonry for the ultimate liberation of all beings in the cosmos, as long as the sun and moon exist. 
• Vachanamrut reflects the preferences and inner intentions of Shriji Maharaj. 
• Vachanamrut is, in essence, the very form of Shriji Maharaj.

In the 209th verse of the Shikshapatri, Shriji Maharaj states, “My words are my very form.”

“Jagatna sarv granthoma vachanamrut granth saro che,

Jeevo na moksh ne maate, sarvottam sauthi nyaro che.”

The glory of the Vachanamrut is essentially the glory of Shriji Maharaj himself. Through this scripture, Shriji Maharaj has provided numerous life-guiding, knowledge-enriching, and liberation-leading teachings. He has shared his inner intentions, hidden secrets of the heart, and spiritual insights, just as they exist within his form.

The fourth purpose of Lord's manifestation was to guide the devotees of previous avatar, explaining to them the methods of worship and the knowledge of His form, and to lead them to His Akshardham.

One of the primary purposes of His manifestation was to guide the devotees of previous incarnations, explaining to them the methods of worship and the knowledge of His form, and to lead them to His Akshardham. 

In the truest sense, ultimate salvation is the only real liberation, and this could not have been possible without attaining the supreme Akshardham. It is for this very reason that our supreme Lord Swaminarayan Bhagwan, manifested. 

During his brief appearance in human form, Shriji Maharaj performed many divine leelas, traveled to numerous villages, and brought joy to countless devotees simultaneously. Wherever He went, Shriji Maharaj continually delivered discourses to fulfill His divine mission and to free souls from the bonds of maya. He and his sadhus never once looked back from their relentless service.

At that time, the divine, nectar-like words of Shriji Maharaj were collected, compiled, and documented by the five great sants: Sadguru Gopalanand Swami, Sadguru Muktanand Swami, Sadguru Nityanand Swami, Sadguru Brahmanand Swami, and Sadguru Sukanand Swami. Through their immense efforts, they performed a great service for future generations. This life-giving scripture is none other than the sacred "Vachanamrut."

The ruler of Akshardham and the Lord of infinite mukta, Swaminarayan Bhagwan, the incarnation of all incarnations, radiates from his divine murti an infinite brilliance. From this brilliance, countless rays of light emanate, spreading and illuminating the entire creation, including Akshar and the infinite realms. Similarly, the divine, radiant words flowing from the divine mouth of lord Swaminarayan enlighten countless seekers and gods by imparting the knowledge of his supreme greatness, meditation, and worship. These words dispel the darkness of ignorance, leading to the realization of the true form of the soul and God, and granting the divine experience of Shriji Maharaj's divine murti.

This Vachanamrut contains the divine words of Swaminarayan Bhagwan. In it, Shriji Maharaj has declared that his philosophy surpasses all other scriptures. Shriji Maharaj himself stated in the first Vachanamrut of the Panchala section, "This is our philosophy, which I have shared with all of you, so hold onto it firmly."

A thoughtful study of any single subject in this scripture quickly proves its essence and universal relevance. How could the divine words of Swaminarayan Bhagwan be heard on this earth? It was only through His grace that He took a human-like form and delivered these divine Vachanamrut to His devotees.

The Supreme lord indeed delivered the Vachanamrut. However, if Sadguru Gopalanand Swami and the other four Sadgurus had not compassionately compiled and preserved these Vachanamrut for the benefit of spiritual seekers, how would we have ever gained access to this treasure? The Sadgurus not only performed this crucial task but also presented the compilation to Maharaj and received His blessings.

Among the many scriptures of knowledge, the Vachanamrut occupies the highest place, like a crown. This is why its glory is captured in the kirtan, 

Vachanamrutno mahima chhe moto, kehta paar na aave re; 

Shriharina mukhni paravani nu, mahatmya antar dolave re. 

Shriji tana mukhmathi nikalta, vachano amrut jeva re; 

Nandsantona haste lakhana, anahad sukhna meva re. 

Gyan siddhantono nichod kari ne, vachano bolya valo re; 

Swaroopnishthana gyanthi payo, amrut rasno pyalo re...

In the 103rd discourse of the second part, Jivanpran Abjibapashri also introduces the Vachanamrut. Bapashri says, “Shriji Maharaj has left nothing out. Everything is in the Vachanamrut. If you sit down with the book, you will get the form of Maharaj. Not a single word is devoid of His divine form. Every word is filled with it. Other scriptures only reach up to Vairaj or Prakriti-Purush, but they do not reach Maharaj. Those scriptures are of avarbhav, while Shriji Maharaj’s Vachanamrut is a form of parbhav.”

But dear devotees, the divine and supreme flow of words emerging from the lotus mouth of Maharaj is like the milk of a lioness. Such milk cannot be contained in vessels made of clay or silver.

Just as seawater is salty but becomes sweet when brought by clouds, in comparison where is the supreme form of Shriji Maharaj, and where are we? Who can truly comprehend the knowledge of His form, worship, and philosophy? Only when we hear it from the mouths of satpurush, who have descended from His divine abode, can we understand it accurately. That is why Shriji Maharaj said in the 13th Vachanamrut of the Gadhada Middle Section, "These matters related to the form of God cannot be understood on their own from scriptures, and even though such topics exist in sacred texts, they can only be understood when explained by a satpurush. One cannot grasp them using their intellect, even from sacred texts."

And that is why it is said in the kirtan,

Rut Vachanamrut amrut jevu, potani mele na samjay evu.

Vachanamrutma gyan ghanu che, paroksh shastrothi anant ganu che;

Shastro ghana che nahi vachanamrut jevu, potani mele na samjay evu.

Paroksh shastro che khadne thekane, pratyakshna shastro che kankne thekane,

Vachanamrut che tayyar bhojan jevu, potani mele na samjay evu.

There is immense knowledge in the Vachanamrut, its glory is far greater than other scriptures. There may be many scriptures, but none compared to the Vachanamrut. This is because, in the scriptures of other traditions outside the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, the glory of our Ishtadev is absent. For us, such scriptures are like weeds. And who eats weed? Only animals. Just as weeds are useless to humans, in the same way, the other scriptures are of no use to us.

Now, the direct scriptures refer to the numerous scriptures of our Sampradaya. These are like grains. Just as grains need to be cleaned, ground, cooked, and then consumed, similarly, these scriptures require careful sorting and understanding. There is much to gather and comprehend within them. Thus, these scriptures are like grains that serve their purpose after proper preparation.

The Vachanamrut and the Shikshapatri are the direct words of Shriji Maharaj himself. The teachings and commandments within them are meant to be directly implemented in life. Therefore, they are like ready-made meals. But…

Who can truly explain the mysterious intentions of Shriji Maharaj, or sometimes the interesting, piercing, frightening, or realistic statements? Can scholars, learned individuals, intellectuals, or poets explain them? No... only...

"Where infinite poets cannot reach, an experienced one can."

Poets only imagine. Scholars, intellectuals, and pundits can only speak based on scriptures. But only a truly experienced person can explain the true meaning. Naturally, who knows about one's own home? Either oneself or members of one's own household.

Similarly, who can truly understand Shriji Maharaj's mysterious intentions? Only those mukta who have descended from His divine abode.

And that is why it is said...

Keval krupalu Bapashri tani rahasyarth pradipika;  

Sadguru Ishwarcharanadase, prashno puchhi kari tika.  

Vachanamrutna j adhare uttar prashno tana kidha;  

Rasabasni vat samajavi, jivone nyal kari didha.

To explain the profound, most mysterious, and fundamental supreme principles of Shriji Maharaj in a simple manner, our Abjibapashri manifested, it was through the divine resolve of Shriji Maharaj. Alongside him, He also brought our revered Anadimukta Sadguru Ishwarcharandasji Swami. Despite being endowed with infinite virtuous qualities, Swami lived in humble servitude to Bapashri.

Just as a calf nudges the cow's udder to release a stream of milk, our immensely capable Sadguru became like the calf, and Bapashri, like the nurturing cow, answered each question about the hidden meanings of the words in the Vachanamrut. Bapashri carefully explained Shriji Maharaj's personal insights and principles with wisdom of experience, making them easy to understand. Not only that, but Sadguru also recorded these divine questions and answers. 

In short, Sadguru performed the remarkable task of unlocking the indirect, hidden meanings of Shriji Maharaj’s mysterious words, and offering the entire Sampradaya the direct and nourishing nectar of the true meanings, bringing forth a fresh wave of spiritual enlightenment.

Shrijina vachananusaare tikamaan vachana gaayaan che;

Potana baalako jaani, aneram amrut paayaan che.

Pote dukha ghanaa vethi jeevone sukha aapyaan che,

Krupaathi murti aapine, janmanaan dukha kaapyaan che.

In Vikram Samvat 1982, when Bapashri arrived from Kutch at the residence of Sheth Baldevbhai in Saraspur (Ahmedabad), the "Rahasyarth Pradipika Tika" (annotation of Vachanamrut) was printed for the first time. At that time, our Bapashri showered countless blessings, stating:

 Je mumukshu aa divya granth sunashe, hete kari vaanchshe,

Karashe darshan sparsh jaani mahima, uttam sukho maanashe.

"Whoever seeks salvation and listens to this divine scripture, reads it, has darshan of it or touches it with immense glory will experience the ultimate joy of the divine form and enjoy supreme happiness."

While giving blessings, when Bapashri said, "Whoever listens to the Vachanamrut..." Sadguru Ishwarcharan Swami interjected, asking, "Bapa, what if someone is deaf?" To this, Bapashri replied, "Then let them read this Vachanamrut." 

Immediately, the Sadguru stopped Bapashri again, saying, "Bapa, what if someone is illiterate?" Bapashri responded, "let us have its darshan." Once more, the Sadguru interrupted Bapashri and asked, "Bapa, what if someone is blind?" Bapashri said, "Swami, you are very smart. Anyone who reads, listens to, have darshan, or touches this Vachanamrut will also be granted the happiness of the divine form."

And it is said in our kirtan that,

“Rahasyarth Pradeepika tika sah Vachanamrut je che;

Parayan path karatane, Shriji murti mahi le che.

Praman apramana na gappa chhodi, Shriji vachanne jojo,”

Dear devotees, let us reflect on the immense glory of this divine scripture, the Vachanamrut.

The Glory of the Vachanamrut

• Any man or woman who devoutly reads, listens to, or reflects upon the Vachanamrut with faith will attain the fulfillment of all spiritual endeavors. This includes devotion to Ekantik Dharma, the supreme worship, devotion with immense glory, and a firm conviction of His form.
• A devotee who takes delight in studying the Vachanamrut remains detached from worldly matters, just as a lotus remains untouched by water. Such devotees experience the constant remembrance of Shriji Maharaj’s divine form.
• Those who accomplished the deeper meanings of the Vachanamrut can easily get rid from their five bodily senses and the impurities of lust, anger, greed, ego, jealousy, and other faults within their mind and body.
• In any sabha where the Vachanamrut is recited and its secrets are elaborated, I reside there with my muktos.
• Any man or woman who keeps the Vachanamrut in their home and recites it regularly transforms their home into a holy place similar to sacred rivers like the Ganga and other pilgrim sites.
• Anyone with an immense glory of Vachanamrut recites one, two, or five excerpts daily will attain the knowledge of my divine form.
• The one who reads a single Vachanamrut daily receives the same merit as feeding five hundred Paramhansas.
• Anyone who listens to and contemplates the teachings of the Vachanamrut receives the blessings equivalent to having the darshan of my form at shikharbaddha mandir.   
• Those men and women who share the teachings of the Vachanamrut to their respective genders remaining in their rules with others will earn my divine pleasure.
• I, the supreme Purushottam, remain eternally manifest in the form of the Vachanamrut. Anyone who facilitates the complete reading (parayan) of the Vachanamrut for the sake of earning my favor will attain my Akshardham.
• Those who understand the deeper meanings of the Vachanamrut through a satpurush will achieve the state of Anadimukta and will enjoy the bliss of my divine form.

This is the profound intention of Maharaj expressed in the Vachanamrut. Therefore, among all the scriptures of Lord Swaminarayan, the Vachanamrut stands as the foremost and principal scripture. Shriji Maharaj has said, "प्रिया हि ज्ञानिनोडत्यर्थमहं स च मम प्रियः" — meaning, "A knowledgeable devotee is dear to me." This profound knowledge is present in the Vachanamrut. However, those with a worldly – minded and cannot truly grasp its depth as it is intended. Only those who have attained the divine vision of my form or have a similar vision as Sadguru can truly understand this. 

The Vachanamrut is my divine word, and I remain ever-present within it. Through the Vachanamrut, I impart spiritual knowledge to all my devotees, guiding them toward the state of mukta. The Vachanamrut is my supreme wisdom, and I, Purushottam Narayan, have personally shared the nectar of these divine teachings with all of my kind devotees. My preferences, hidden intentions, and principles are all contained within the Vachanamrut. Furthermore, the Vachanamrut is the root of all other scriptures such as the Satsangi Jeevan, Satsangi Bhushan, and Harilila Kalpataru. It is through understanding the supreme knowledge of the Vachanamrut that one can attain the true bliss of my form.

Vachanamrut jivan bhushan je kahave, pratyakshana shastroma e sarve aave;

Rahshyarth vachanamrut maisubana jevu, potani mele n samjay evu.

Vachanamritana udgatashriji maharaj, satpurush dwar se samjave aaj

And that is why, in other kirtans as well, the glory of the Vachanamrut is celebrated. 

"Duniya tana e sarve shastron ma, shreshth sarvottam aa granth,  

He... evi.. Shriharini divyavani dvare,  

Relayo maha amrutmay aa granth,  

Ho... raj.. Granthraj maha Vachanamrut granth  

He divya... anupam sarvopari ek Swaminarayan panth,  

He eva... Sarvavatari Shri Swaminarayan na,  

Mukhe gavayo aa granth... ho raj."

Dear devotees, what is it in this annotated Vachanamrut, so that it has been described as the inexhaustible treasure of the supreme knowledge of Shriji Maharaj? Let's explore it.

"This scripture provides the key to ultimate salvation, discussing the principles of the spiritual path, such as dharma, gyan (knowledge), vairagya (renunciation), bhakti (devotion), self-knowledge, supreme upasna, humility, servitude, and loving devotion. It addresses such virtues and the significant obstacles to salvation, including lust, anger, jealousy, ego, obstinacy, indulgence, attachment to the body, bad company, familial attachments, envy, and betrayal. The Vachanamrut offers a profound understanding of these flaws and provides solutions to avoid them."

And yes, dear devotees, the term 'Rahasyarth Pradipika Tika' means clarification or explanation, not criticism or commentary. Who are we to comment on the words of Shriji Maharaj in the Vachanamrut?

The annotation on the Vachanamrut is not based on personal intellect, but rather it provides answers grounded solely in the Vachanamrut itself. There is no external evidence; the Vachanamrut stands as the sole authority. Just as in the Supreme Court, the evidence of any lower court holds no weight, only the authority of the Supreme is acknowledged. Similarly, to understand the profound questions of the Vachanamrut, the answers and explanations are derived directly from the Vachanamrut itself.

When Bapashri visited the village of Kumbhariya in Kutch during a parayan, someone remarked that the Vachanamrut is in Gujarati. They asked, "What need is there for more clarified comments?"

At that moment, Bapashri said, “The Vachanamrut is the divine speech of Lord Swaminarayan Himself. Understanding its hidden meaning is very profound and cannot be grasped on one's own. It can only be comprehended when explained by an Anadimukta who resides constantly in the divine form of Shriji Maharaj. To make it easier for everyone to understand, we have prepared this annotation in a question-and-answer format (catechism) based on the Vachanamrut itself, and Swami Ishwarcharandasji has written it down. According to this annotation, understanding Shriji Maharaj's glory from the Vachanamrut will allow everyone to reside in His divine form, and that is the ultimate salvation.”

Then, when Sadguru sought blessings from Bapashri and asked, “What benefits would one receive from conducting a parayan  of this 'Vachanamrut Rahasyarth Pradipika Tika'?” Bapashri graciously replied, “Whoever conducts or facilitates such a parayan will attain the four pursuits of life: Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kama (desires), and Moksha (liberation). Furthermore, if the one conducting the parayan bathes at the end, in that water with its immense glory, the one who take bath or even pours the water over themselves, it will destroy the five great sins.” 

Sadguru then asked, “How many parayans should one perform to have the darshan of divine form within themselves constantly?” Bapashri answered, “If one conducts five parayans and, while sincerely adhering to the commands, performs daily reads with pondering, their ultimate salvation will be assured.”

Dear devotees, in today's time, upholding the principles explained by Bapashri and practicing the teachings of Shriji Maharaj with steadfastness is a challenging task. Various organizations within Sampradaya are actively engaged in promoting satsang, resulting in a rapidly growing number of followers. However, it appears there is some slackening in the observance of the supreme philosophy and conducts for which Shriji Maharaj and the nand santo endured hardships and sacrifices.

Currently, it is our beloved Gurudev, Anadi Mukta Sadguru Shri Devanandandasji Swamishri—whom we fondly known as Gurudev Bapji—who has taken on this noble responsibility. He has firmly established the Karan Satsang (a union of such who acts with intention - “besides every activity salvation is focal point”). This pure satsang, in its truest sense, is the real satsang, and that is the true principle. Using the Vachanamrut as the foundation and evidence, he guides thousands of souls toward salvation, enabling them to achieve moksha even while in this physical body.

At the first meeting, Bapji reveals Lord Swaminarayan’s greatness. Also,He clarifies that, “as His beloved devotee, how great am I? - me beyond Akshar, where only His dominion remains." He transcends each and every word of the Vachanamrut, leading us directly to the divine form of Maharaj. Who else but an Anadimukta of Shriji Maharaj could accomplish such a profound task? And not only that, dear devotees, we have been truly blessed—like fragrance added to gold!

That is, we are fortunate to have someone who has made us realize the glory of such divine scriptures. Our beloved HDH Swamishri (Reverend Satyasankalpdasji Swami) often emphasizes the importance of the Vachanamrut, explaining what it is, why it is needed, and what it contains. He frequently says that the Vachanamrut is Maharaj's sankalp, Maharaj's principles. The Vachanamrut is the murti. Devotees, the Vachanamrut must be read with love and devotion. If one does not have affection for the Vachanamrut, it indicates a lack of love for Maharaj. "

If one becomes firmly rooted in the Vachanamrut, they will also firmly root in the murti. To be rooted in the Vachanamrut means to reflect and comprehend on it with focus and love, not merely read as a part of daily niyams. If, even after becoming a member of Karan Satsang and a devotee of God, one still desires to read other books or engage in other matters aside from the Vachanamrut, it is a sign that there is still a lack of true affection for Maharaj. Compared to the Vachanamrut, all other books are like children's tales. 

What is the sign of true affection for the Vachanamrut? As soon as one listens to it, they feel deeply connected, enthusiasm arises, and there is no peace until the Vachanamrut is read. The Vachanamrut strengthens four key pillars: (1) knowledge, (2) understanding, (3) conduct, and (4) experience.

The Vachanamrut is like a mirror for us. A glass mirror reflects the body, while the Vachanamrut is the mirror of the soul. It reveals whether the divine murti resides in the soul or if it is filled with materialistic world. To experience the soul and observe its flaws, this mirror is essential. No one can progress without it. The Vachanamrut makes Maharaj clearly visible, and without it, how can one move forward? Hence, reading, reflecting, and comprehending on the Vachanamrut is necessary for everyone.

The Vachanamrut is our path (destination): It is the journey toward the divine form of the soul. In the phase of spiritual practice, any devotee is a traveler. If the traveler does not know the path, where will they go? Hence, the Vachanamrut is the path and also the address (destination). 

The guidance of a satpurush is indeed necessary. Only when one develops affection for the Vachanamrut can they truly understand the words of such satpurush and benefit from them. The Vachanamrut is a vehicle to reach Maharaj. It is mandatory to board it. 

Vachanamrut as the Destination:

Whoever follows the Vachanamrut—not just by reading, but by reflecting and pondering on it—will surely reach the ultimate destination. The Vachanamrut is not like water to be quickly gulped down; it is something to be chewed on and savored. The more we chew, the sweeter it becomes.

The words of the Vachanamrut come directly from Maharaj's mouth. It should not be understood merely as a book, because a book is just a physical form. The Vachanamrut is Maharaj himself.

For those seeking virtues that lead to salvation, reading, reflecting, and pondering on the Vachanamrut is essential.