Talk:Swāmī Sahajānanda (Swāmī Nārāyaṇa)
By Vishal Agarwal
Swāmī Sahajānanda, later revered as Swāmī Nārāyaṇa, was one of the great reformers of 18th–19th century western India. He bravely opposed social evils like female infanticide, satī, alcoholism, and neglect of the poor, while also inspiring sevā, humility, and devotion.
Opposition to Female Infanticide and Satī In some Gujarātī communities, newborn daughters were drowned in milk, a practice called dūdh-pītī, due to the heavy costs of marriage. Swāmī Sahajānanda denounced this as a threefold sin: the murder of a family member, of a child, and of a helpless woman. When people argued about costs and lack of suitable grooms, he offered practical solutions: “If you lack funds, the community can help. My followers will ensure your daughters find good husbands.”
He also opposed satī, forbidding anyone to instigate a widow to suicide. He taught: “The body is God’s gift, meant to serve on the path to mokṣa. To encourage satī is to become a murderer of women.” His fearless stand angered powerful groups, but he never compromised.
Story: Who has truly lost his mind? Once, in a marketplace, Sahajānanda saw a man weighing dung and dust, pretending they were sugar and salt. His disciple explained: “He lost his mind after losing his wealth.” The Swāmī replied, “He alone has lost his mind who does not worship Bhagavān, for He is our greatest treasure.”
Story: Sahajānanda cuts his śikhā for a child During a haircut, people collected the Swāmī’s hair for worship, but the barber forgot to save it for a boy who had requested it. The boy wept, so Sahajānanda cut off his own sacred śikhā and gave it to him, comforting the child with kindness.
Story: The Value of Sevā Sahajānanda taught that one can never have too much of: reading śāstras, discussing Bhagavān, kīrtana, and sevā. He demonstrated this constantly. When a disciple farmer, Nārāyaṇa Bhaṭṭa, could not leave for a festival due to harvest season, Sahajānanda gathered disciples, harvested the crop with them, and enabled the farmer to join.
During the famine of 1813–14 in Saurāṣṭra, he organized grain shipments, feeding all regardless of religion or caste. This tradition of relief seva continues among his followers even today.
Story: Respect for the Poor When Zinābhāī, a wealthy disciple, carried a neglected poor weaver, Kamalśi, to his own home and served him until death, Sahajānanda honored him deeply. At Zinābhāī’s funeral, Sahajānanda himself carried the bier, saying: “He carried Kamalśi, a poor man; I will carry Zinābhāī twice that distance out of respect.”
Story: Sevā through Physical Labor Sahajānanda helped in mandir construction by carrying mortar pots himself. When urged to leave such work to laborers, he said: “This is Bhagavān’s work. We must serve Him through our body as well.” He embraced laborers warmly, disregarding dirt or stains, showing equality and love in action.
Through reform, sevā, and devotion, Swāmī Sahajānanda (Swāmī Nārāyaṇa) not only challenged evil customs but also embodied humility and service, setting a timeless example of practical saintly leadership.