CM Fadnavis Greets BAPS Chief Mahant Swami on 93rd Birthday
Synopsis
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on October 4, 2026 extended heartfelt greetings to Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj, spiritual head of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, on his 93rd birth anniversary, praising his life of humility, spirituality and selfless service.
Key Takeaways
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis posted greetings for Mahant Swami Maharaj's 93rd birth anniversary on October 4, 2026 .
Mahant Swami Maharaj is the sixth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and head of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha .
He assumed leadership of BAPS in 2016 following the passing of Pramukh Swami Maharaj .
BAPS is one of the largest Hindu socio-spiritual organisations globally, with a strong presence across Maharashtra .
CM Fadnavis highlighted Mahant Swami's values of spirituality, humility, and selfless service as a continuing source of inspiration.
A message of reverence from the corridors of Mantralaya arrived on Sunday, October 4, 2026, as Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis extended greetings to His Holiness Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual head of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, on the occasion of his 93rd birth anniversary.
In his post, CM Fadnavis wrote: 'His Holiness' life of spirituality, humility and selfless service continues to inspire countless people. May his blessings and guidance continue to illuminate the lives of devotees and seekers across the world.'
Who is Mahant Swami Maharaj?
Mahant Swami Maharaj is the sixth and current spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and leads the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Sanstha (BAPS), one of the largest Hindu socio-spiritual organisations in the world. He succeeded Pramukh Swami Maharaj in 2016 and is revered by millions of devotees across continents for his emphasis on inner peace, selfless service, and moral living. His birthday, observed as Janma Jayanti, is celebrated by BAPS communities globally with prayers and devotional gatherings.
BAPS and Maharashtra: A Long-Standing Connect
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha maintains a significant presence across Maharashtra, with mandirs and humanitarian activities spanning cities including Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur. The organisation is widely recognised for its disaster relief, healthcare, and educational initiatives, aligning with the broader tradition of seva — selfless service — at its core. Senior political figures across party lines have consistently acknowledged BAPS's role in social cohesion and community uplift.
CM Fadnavis's tribute reflects the intersection of governance and spiritual culture that frequently characterises public life in Maharashtra, where BAPS's grassroots network and its philosophy of non-partisan humanitarian work command wide cross-community respect.
As Mahant Swami Maharaj completes 93 years, his followers across India and the global diaspora mark the occasion with renewed commitment to the values he embodies — quiet devotion, radical humility, and service without expectation. That a sitting Chief Minister pauses to offer public greetings is a small but telling measure of how deeply those values resonate beyond the ashram walls.
Point of View
Reflecting the organisation's extensive grassroots reach and cross-community goodwill. For CM Fadnavis, such acknowledgements also signal the Maharashtra government's regard for the Sanstha's humanitarian footprint in the state. At a broader level, this sits within the BJP's consistent outreach to major spiritual institutions, which serve as influential nodes of civil society. The gesture carries no sharp political edge but quietly reinforces the alignment between institutional governance and organised religious seva culture in India.
NationPress
4 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mahant Swami Maharaj?
Mahant Swami Maharaj is the current and sixth spiritual head of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, succeeding Pramukh Swami Maharaj in 2016. He is revered by millions of followers worldwide for his teachings on inner peace, devotion, and selfless service.
What is BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha?
BAPS, or Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Sanstha, is one of the world's largest Hindu socio-spiritual organisations. It is known for building mandirs globally and for extensive humanitarian work in healthcare, disaster relief, and education.
Why did CM Fadnavis greet Mahant Swami Maharaj?
CM Devendra Fadnavis extended greetings on the occasion of Mahant Swami Maharaj's 93rd birth anniversary, known as Janma Jayanti, acknowledging his spiritual leadership and contribution to society through selfless service.
What is Janma Jayanti in BAPS?
Janma Jayanti refers to the birth anniversary celebration of a revered spiritual figure in BAPS tradition. It is marked with prayers, devotional programmes, and community gatherings by BAPS followers across India and the global diaspora.
Does BAPS have a presence in Maharashtra?
Yes, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha has a significant presence in Maharashtra, with mandirs and seva activities in cities including Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur.
