Nirgundas Swami was seriously ill and was taken to Bombay for treatment. Swamishri also went to Bombay, and on reaching there, he too, fell ill. Even during this illness he occasionally discussed Brahmajnana (metaphysics) and old episodes from the history of the satsang and gave immense joy to the devotees. The devotees of Bombay also won Swamiji's favour by rendering him tremendous service physically, mentally and financially.
Despite treatment under expert physicians and doctors, Nirgundas Swami's condition went on deteriorating. He had spent all his life in propounding the merits and greatness of Swamishri and Akshar-Purushottam doctrine. Valiant as he was by nature, this saint never wished to be honoured or recognised. With a firm concern for the devotees he shared the weals and woes of the disciples as if they were his own, and thus rendered immense service to the satsang. The satsang in Africa had indeed been nurtured by his letters. Hence the whole satsang was praying for his recovery.
But as Shriji Maharaj wished it, Nirgundas Swami left for Akshardham (the final abode) on the fourteenth day of the bright half of Jeth of Samvat year 2006 with the words "Swaminarayan, Swaminarayan" on his lips. The devotees were plunged into grief at the passing away of such a valiant saint who had become an inseparable part of Swamishri; but Swamishri consoled them all.