On the fourth day of the bright half of Vaishakh of Samvat year 2007, Swamishri's condition become critical. Anxiety was writ large on the faces of all. At 9 a.m. Swamishri said : " Take me to the Rangmandap (basement)." Accordingly, he was taken to the Rangmandap. Everyone was looking at him with bated breath and praying to Maharaj with the intonation of "Swaminarayan" on their lips. Exactly at 10-50 a.m. the whole Rangmandap was illuminated with divine light, and Swamishri, with the words "Swami! Maharaj !" on his lips, breathed his last and took his seat in Akshardham. The whole satsang was plunged into grief at the shocking news. Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami performed the crematorial rites of Swamishri by laying his mortal body on a pyre of sandalwood in a field sanctified by Shriji Maharaj.
Yogiji Maharaj took over the responsibility to console and guide the satsangis who were plunged in sorrow. The date fixed for the idol-installation of the Gadhada temple was due after just six days. Everyone was in two minds whether or not to celebrate this occasion on the appointed day because of Swamishri's demise. But Yogiji Maharaj explained : "Has Swamishri at all left us? He is pragat (ever present). Swamishri wanted the idol-installation to take place on the tenth day so he will be pleased only if the ceremony is performed on that day." All were encouraged by these words. Remembering Swamishri words, "Jogi will perform the arti," All saw Swamishri in Yogiji Maharaj and engaged themselves in the work of the installation ceremony.
In this way Swamishri, who was in constant communion with Shriji Maharaj and recipient of His grace having arrived in the Satsang, performed the uphill task of propagating the doctrine of true upasana (worship), gave a new life to the satsang, created history and revived the ideal of sainthood. He also gifted to us great saints like Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami.
Long live Swami Shastriji Maharaj!