Shastriji Maharaj
Appearance: 1865 A.D
Name: Dungar Bhagat
Name After Initiation: Sadhu Yagnapurushdas
Place of Birth: Mahelav (Dist. Anand, Gujarat, India)
Life Work:
- Propagated dual form of worship - Shri Akshar-Purushottam Yugal Upasana
- Built five pinnacle temples
- Idol installation of Shri Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj in each of the temples
End: 1951 A.D.
He propagated the dual form of worship of Shri Akshar Purushottam, the essence of Swaminarayan sect; the philosophy which had gone unnoticed among the followers ! Akshar Purushottam - dual worship is a faith of devotion to God with His most trusted and preferred devotee, Akshar.
This dual worship helps us to understand the intricacies of spirituality of pleasing Parbrahm with the help of Akshar. A pupil needs teacher to accomplish his academic goals. Similarly, any disciple needs Akshar as his guide to realize his spiritual goal.
Born in Mahelav, a small town in Gujarat, India, His personality was effectual. His prowess was evident from His illustrious childhood. His deeds evidenced the devotion and spirituality that was unseen so far. With his servility, He pleased one and all. Anadi Mahamukta Bhagatji Maharaj was very much pleased with Him. That made Him the recipient of the intrinsic knowledge of Lord Swaminarayan and M.A.M. Gunatitanand Swami. He studied hard to compliment the knowledge He had received from Anadi Mahamukta Bhagatji Maharaj.
He was initiated as a Sadhu and named Yagnapurushdas. His dexterity was second to none in saintliness and learning. He became Shashtri in Sanskrit Scriptures; the degree that earned Him the nickname, Shashtriji Maharaj.
He experienced contemptuous behaviour from the society. Undeterred in His persuasion of establishing the worship of dual nature as propounded by Lord Swaminarayan, He built five temples through which he spread this message of devotion to Shri Akshar Purushottam Maharaj.
These five temples are the pinnacles of accomplishments in the history of Shri Akshar Purushottam worship. At the end of His mortal life, He indicated Guruhari Yogiji Maharaj as His successor, the manifestation of Aksharbrahm.