Yogiji Maharaj (23 May 1892 – 23 January 1971), born Jina Vasani, was a Hindu swami and the fourth spiritual successor of Swaminarayan in the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), [1]: 55 [2]: 10 a major branch of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya.

Yogiji Maharaj was the Guru of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha from 1951 to 1971, and the initiator of its weekly children and youth activities. With selfless love and unlimited joy, he captured the minds and hearts of youth and attracted them to satsang.

describes all the important events from the life of Yogiji Maharaj – right from his birth to his last days, his life’s work, his inspiring personality and his eloquent preachings.

Yogiji Maharaj was the first to introduce Satsang to the rest of the world by touring in East Africa and England. There he opened mandirs and centers. Because of the seeds of Satsang he planted, today that Satsang has branched out throughout the entire world.

Thousands of devotees from India and abroad decided to celebrate the 75th birthday of Yogiji Maharaj (Amrut Mahotsav), through whom Shriji Maharaj was manifest on this earth, with due pomp and ceremony.

Yogiji Maharaj was an embodiment of service. No matter how trifling it may appear to the world, it was his heart-throb of life. It ranged from washing the clothes of sadhus to preparing food for devotees at all sorts of odd hours. Nothing would put him off. He considered it an honour and a privilege to serve others.

Yogiji Maharaj, the son of Devchandbhai, was born in Dhari on 23 May 1892 (Vaishakh vad 12, V.S. 1948). His mother’s name was Puribai. His childhood name was Jinabhai, but his parents lovingly called him ‘Jina’.

Yogiji Maharaj was the fourth spiritual successor to Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He was initiated into the sadhu-fold at the young age of 16 and was named ‘Sadhu Jnanjivandas’. But so pure was the siritual joy within him, that he was fondly called Yogi.

Yogiji Maharaj was the fourth spiritual successor. He was initiated into the sadhu-fold at the age of 16 and named Sadhu Jnanjivandas. But so transparent was the mystical joy within him, that he was fondly called Yogiji.

Brahmaswarup Yogiji Maharaj (1892-1971) was the fourth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He was a personification of bliss, purity and humility. His saintly life of devotion and service to God and guru is an exemplary guide for all genuine spiritual seekers.