On 9 March 1860 (Fagun vad 2, Samvat 1916), the murti of Shri Harikrishna Maharaj was ceremoniously consecrated in the mandir of Junagadh at the hands of Acharya Raghuvirji Maharaj. After that, Swami, accompanied by Acharya Maharaj, arrived at Vartal via Bhavnagar. After celebrating the festival of Hari Navmi there, he went to Aniali near Vagad.
Bhai Atmanand Swami, who was initiated by Ramanand Swami, was living there at that time. He was 116 years old. He was very glad to meet Swami. He asked Swami why Maharaj had still not taken him to Akshardham. Swami explained to him that he must be lacking in realizing the true glory of Maharaj. After that Swami explained about the supreme glory of Bhagwan Swaminarayan with references from the Vachanamrut. He also added that it was not possible to attain the privilege of worshipping Maharaj without becoming brahmarup. Then he said, “Maharaj has kept you in this body to develop this upasana.”
After hearing these words of Swami, Atmanand Swami was convinced about the true identity of Maharaj and about the glory of Swami.
When both the sadgurus sat down for their meal Atmanand Swami demanded prasad from Swami. Swami replied, “The river Ganga cannot flow in the reverse direction.” He said this because Swami always received prasad from Atmanand Swami.
So Atmanand Swami said, “Till now, I had unknowingly given you prasad from my bowl, but now I have realized your true glory.”
A short time after this incident, Atmanand Swami passed away.