Bhaktamal | Bhagatji Maharaj
Real Name: Pragji Bhakta
Other Names - Swami Bhagatji Maharaj
Aradhya -
Bhagwan Swaminarayan
Guru: Gunatitanand Swami
Disciple - Shastriji Maharaj
Birth Place: Mahuva, Gujarat, India
Born: 20 March 1829
Death: 7 November 1897
Marital Status: Married
Languages: Gujarati
Father: Govindbhai Darji
Mother: Malubai Darji
Famous - Devotional Sanit of Swaminarayan Sampradaya
Bhagatji Maharaj was a highly revered saint in the Swaminarayan tradition and is especially honored within the BAPS and Akshar-Purushottam lineage. He is regarded as the spiritual successor of Gunatitanand Swami and the guru of Shastriji Maharaj.
Worked as a tailor and householder devotee before becoming widely recognized as a spiritually enlightened saint. Became deeply devoted to Gunatitanand Swami, whom he believed to be Aksharbrahman.
Key Contributions of Bhagatji Maharaj
❀ Spread the doctrine of Akshar-Purushottam Upasana, teaching devotion to Bhagwan Swaminarayan together with the ideal devotee Aksharbrahman.
❀ Inspired many devotees despite facing opposition during his lifetime.
❀ Emphasized humility, seva (selfless service), devotion, and spiritual realization.
❀ Played a foundational role in the spiritual lineage that later led to the establishment of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.
Many temples and spiritual centers in the Swaminarayan tradition celebrate his life and teachings today.
A well-known saying associated with him is:
See God and the Sant as one in purpose, liberation becomes attainable.