Ghanashyam Charitra

The youth movement established and nourished by Brahmaswarup yogiji Maharaj has been expanding at a very rapid pace. With a view to satisfying the aspirations and the thirst for knowledge of the youth joining the organization and also to enable then to purushottam division Swaminarayan Aksharpith organized under the auspices of Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha has produced a series of books.

Through these books it is intended to impart systematic sustained and pure knowledge in simple language on a scholastic basis to children and youth of the Swaminarayan Sampraday. It is hoped that this Sanstha established by Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj for implementing and propagating the Vedic ideals propounded by Bhagwan Swaminarayan will through this activity spread the ideals and noble traditions of the sampraday and through it the culture and heritage of the Hindu religion.

It is the aim of this project to preach and spread the divine message of Bhagwan Swaminarayan to all corners of the world. We hope that all religious minded truth seekers of the Sampraday and those outside of it will welcome this activity and extend their fullest co-operation.

In order to encourage children and youths annual examination are held based on the curriculum as worked out in these books. Certificates are also awarded to successful candidates. We bless Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami Prof. Rameshbhai Dave, Kishorebhai Dave, and all other who have cooperated in the preparation of these books.

This publication Ghanshyam Charitra gives a brief introduction to the divine childhood of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Known as Ghanshyam he was loved and revered by all right from birth his divinity was experienced by family friends and strangers.

His childhood teaches us the virtues that should be developed from a young age. Ghanshyam’s devotion to god sincerity in studies service to others regularity compassion and other noble qualities convinced everyone that he was the manifest of god.

This interesting and inspiring collection of Ghanshyam’s childhood stories will motivate all to develop such values in life.

The present publication is the English translation of the Gujarati text Ghanshyam Charitra written by Prof. Ramesh M. Dave we thank the BAPS sadhus who have diligently produced this latest edition. This book is one of the course books for the satsang prarambha examination.

It is our earnest prayer that all devotes will study these books carefully pass the examination with flying colors and above all earn the blessings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and guru Pramukh Swami Maharaj.