A Christian author, M.C. Parekh has observed, 'Few teachers of religion in the history of the world have been able to inspire in their own lifetime in their followers such loyalty and faithfulness as Swami Sahajanand.'¹
Ruthless looters surrendered to Him.
Warring tribes renounced their predatory living for a God-centred life.
Low caste members excelled brahmins in character.
Women disciples equalled the gopis, Shri Krishna's female bhaktas, in their devotional fervour (premlakshana bhakti).
Renunciates, spiritual stalwarts themselves, bowed at His feet; many accepting His Guruship.
Joban Pagi of Vadtal, a notorious bandit had once terrorised Gujarat. Maharaj transformed him into an ardent and ideal disciple. Someone once taunted Joban, "Has Swaminarayan really converted a donkey into a cow?" Only a month earlier, such a slight would have incited Joban to behead the man without the slightest remorse. Joban calmly affirmed that God had graced him. People regarded this phenomenal transformation as miraculous.
The Vagharis, a low caste community, lived mostly by stealing. Sagram, a Vaghari of Limli, became a disciple. In 1813, a horrendous famine devastated Kathiawad. Its grisly effects compelled men to sell even their wives and children to buy grain. Captain James Carnac, Resident at the Gaekwad's court, witnessed a gruesome sight during the famine: a marauding dog, driven by hunger, dragged a living child - on the verge of death from starvation - away, from his helpless mother.² Such harsh conditions, compelled Sagram and his wife to migrate south, to Surat, in search of food.
On the way, Sagram's foot struck a lost silver anklet. Thinking that his wife, following some way behind, would be tempted to pocket it, and so violate Bhagwan Swaminarayan's command of not taking anything that belonged to another without the owner's permission, Sagram covered it with earth. Later, his wife questioned him about the incident. On revealing his thoughts, she replied that he had, 'merely covered dust with dust!' To her, other people's possessions were like dust.
Non-Hindus also joined the sect and offered devotion to the Lord. Dosatai of Ahmedabad, adopted the Swaminarayan Faith. When his relatives opposed, he remained unmoved. Hauling him to the outskirts of the city they buried him. When they returned home, they discovered him sitting in a room chanting the Swaminarayan mantra! After this episode, nobody bothered him.
But another disciple was not so fortunate. In Jagamedi, a village near Jamnagar, an atheist father threatened his young son - who even today remains nameless in the Satsang annals - with death, if he did not forsake devotion to Bhagwan Swaminarayan. His faith resolute, the boy refused. The cruel father then hanged his son. Unlike Dosatai or the child bhakta Prahlad of the Bhagvatam, the Lord did not physically rescue the boy. Yet his faith sustained him to the end, confident of his ultimate sanctuary in Akshardham.
At a time when society looked upon women as inferior to men, women could not choose to observe brahmacharya, to offer lifelong devotion to God. But just such a group of women disciples arose, offering singular devotion to Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Jaya and Lalita, sisters of Dada Khachar - the Kathi chief of Gadhada, Jamkuba - the queen of Udaipur - who forsook her husband and kingdom in Rajasthan, Rajbai and several others, all lived at Dada's court.
Rajbai's devotion peaked to such purity and excellence that after her death, the corpse and wooden logs on the cremation pyre would not kindle. When Rajbai's perplexed relatives informed the elderly sadhus, Gopalanand Swami, a Paramhansa endowed with awesome spiritual powers, instructed them to inform Agni, the God of Fire, that since the Sati's (Rajbai) soul had departed, he would not be violating Rajbai's brahmacharya in touching the dead body. When the relatives repeated this message in front of the pyre, the wood lighted instantly!
Jaya and Lalita's devotion is equally laudable. Once, the Lord was leaving Gadhada to celebrate Ramnavmi in Vadtal. The sisters dearly wished that He celebrate the festival in Gadhada. Therefore they planned to prevent Him from leaving.
When He mounted His mare, Manki, she would not budge. Surprised at her odd behaviour, Maharaj spoke to her softly. Still, she stayed put. The two sisters and others watched from a distance. Maharaj then deduced that the two sisters were holding the chit - consciousness of Manki. He dismounted and approached them. He explained that He had forgotten to obtain the two's permission and that now, they should grant it happily. Thousands would be arriving in Vadtal; it would be unfair to them for Him to celebrate the festival here for the benefit of a few. Not wishing to displease Him, they granted permission, rescinding their devotional 'spell' on Manki. She then obeyed Maharaj. Premanand Swami composed an evocative kirtan portraying this episode, extolling the sisters' fervent devotion.
Several women disciples such as Meenbai of Kariyana, Karnibai of Adhoi, Laduma of Piplana and Raima of Kundal were graced with niravarana sight. This mystical vision pierces the barrier of distance and solid matter. By meditating they could tele-witnessed live the Lord's daily activities since His birth in Chhapaiya. They had also witnessed His seven year forest sojourns. By this mystical ability their proximity and devotion to Him increased.
Male disciples, farmers such as Parvatbhai and merchants such as Gordhanbhai, through spiritual endeavour attained the highest consciousness possible by a Jiva, wherein they experienced an unbroken vision of God. This is known as Jivan-Mukti - release from the bondage of Maya, with a realisation of God during one's physical life on earth, rather than after death. Therefore society also referred to Bhagwan Swaminarayan as Jivan Mukta - one who redeems souls during life itself.
At the other, higher end of the social spectrum, of those in temporal powers then, Maharajah Sayajirao II, of Baroda,³ Maharajah Dewaji of Gondal State⁴ and Kushal Kunverba the queen mother of Dharampur State⁵ became disciples and invited Bhagwan Swaminarayan to their courts with great pomp. Others, who revered Him as a divine personage also welcomed Him to their courts, including: Hamid Khan, the Nawab of Junagadh States and Maharajah Wajesinh of Bhavnagar.

Letter to Eighteen Disciples
An integral aspect of bhakti involves obeying the commands of the Lord implicitly.
The unquestioning obedience Bhagwan Swaminarayan won from His followers was phenomenal.
He once wrote a common letter to eighteen married devotees in Kathiawad. All of them ranked eminently in society; Kathi chiefs, landlords and businessmen. He commanded that, the moment they read the letter they leave for Jetalpur to be initiated as Paramhansas by Bhai Ramdas Swami, and then proceed to Benares to study the scriptures. Wherever they happened to be, whether in the fields or in their shops, when they received the letter they were to leave without informing their families.
And thus it happened. As the letter circulated to the eighteen, they walked away from family, friends, wealth and property. On their way to Jetalpur they passed the village of Kadu. Here they met Kalyanbhai, a young devotee, who had just completed his marriage ceremony. He enquired about the latest commands from the Lord. They showed him the letter. After reading it, he joyfully informed them that he would also accompany them since his name was mentioned. Surprised, the devotees re-read the letter. His name was clearly not on the list. But he pointed out the word, 'etcetera', at the end. This meant that he qualified as well! His mother and the bride's relatives tried to dissuade him, but to Kalyanbhai, the Lord's command superseded everything. Without any qualms he calmly walked away.
In Jetalpur, Bhai Ramdas Swami initiated the devotees and told them to go to Kutch to receive Maharaj's blessings. As they reached the outskirts of Bhuj Maharaj rode out to welcome them. At a distance He dismounted and prostrated to the group. On seeing this, the devotees rushed to curtail Him.
Maharaj hugged them for their unflinching devotion. He then glanced questioningly at Kalyanbhai. The devotees informed Him of his unique sacrifice. Pleased with the whole group, He kept them with Him for a few days and then commanded them to return home to resume a normal life. Kalyanbhai declined. He had firmly resolved to remain a renunciate. Maharaj gladly accepted his decision, naming him Adbhutanand Swami.

The Kathis
The peninsula of Kathiawad derives its name from the Kathis, a tribe renowned for its pugnacity, chivalry, fighting prowess and fine horse breeding. A fiercely proud clan, it had long been a source of discord in the land.
Apart from the overall political chaos that reigned in the region, Kathiawad also owed its destitution to the Kathis. Famed for their ruthlessness, the Kathis held life cheaply; frequently feuding with each other, plundering, pillaging crops and stealing cattle from villages inimical to them.
A British officer, Captain Grant, kidnapped by a Kathi outlaw, observed their ways:
'The young Kattees used to boast how many men they had killed, and one day I heard the old fellows questioning them rather particularly whether or not they were sure they had killed their victims. 'Yes,' they said; they had seen their spears through them, and were certain they were dead. 'Ah,' remarked an old Kattee, 'a human being is worse to kill than any other animal; never be sure they are dead till you see the body on one side of the road, and the head on the other'.⁶
Of the three clans of Kathis, namely: Khachar, Khuman and Wala, Bhagwan Swaminarayan spent a major part of His life with the first; the chiefs and citizens of Gadhada, Sarangpur, Kariyani and Loya.
Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Himself an accomplished horseman, rode and raced with them. He dressed like them, became one of them. He allowed them to accompany Him, serving as guards during His preaching tours,⁷ for travelling alone in the countryside invariably posed dangers from thugs,⁸ looters and wild animals. With love and laughter He transformed their hearts. The Satsang soon envied their spirited devotion.
A typical transformation can be observed of a young Kathi chief named Sura Khachar of Loya. Thieves once stole two of his oxen. The next morning, when he arrived late in the scriptural discourse, Bhagwan Swaminarayan questioned him. He informed Him of the theft and his reason for being delayed. In retribution, he had scoured the whole village, house by house, pilfering four oxen from others!
The same young chief later imbibed Satsang ideals and moulded a virtuous character. On one occasion, the chief of Jasdan invited him to a party. Afterwards, the chief out of spite for Swaminarayan followers and to mar Sura's brahamcharya, sent a prostitute to his room. On opening the door, Sura realised the woman's intentions. Drawing his sword, he threatened to behead her if she entered. He then rode away to Gadhada. As he entered Dada's court, Maharaj addressed the assembly, 'Here comes Our perfect brahmachari.' This was the highest tribute a devotee could receive, especially coming from the Lord Himself.
Reaching an exalted status in the Satsang, many Kathis excelled in devotion, and are glorified in the Satsang literature.
When Bhagwan Swaminarayan first arrived in Gadhada, in 1805, Dada Khachar was only four years old. On the death of his father, king Abhel Khachar, Bhagwan Swaminarayan assumed a role as Dada's father. He lovingly taught the young prince horsemanship, weaponry, diplomacy and the technicalities of managing his state. The singular reason for the Lord's loving grace on him centred on his unalloyed devotion at such a young age. His inseparable association with the Lord excelled to such height that whenever He left Gadhada to visit other parts of Gujarat, Dada and his sisters, unable to bear the separation, would either resort to self-abnegation in the form of fasts until His return or would have to accompany Him to escape grief.
Bhagwan Swaminarayan's words contained formidable spiritual prowess; able to eradicate the militant nature of people. Once in Samarkha, a village near Anand, He instructed the chivalrous Kathis and Rajputs to imbibe humility; to forgive those who maligned them and never to lift their swords. He said that by cultivating forgiveness and forbearance they would attain a greater victory - over the baser instincts. Just then, a few devotees arrived from Anand. They requested Him to grace their homes. Aware of the outcome, He replied that dissenters in town would foment trouble. When the devotees beseeched Him, He relented.
The next day, He rode to Anand, accompanied by sadhus, the Kathis, Joban Pagi - the ex-dacoit, and other devotees. The heads of the local Vallabhi mandir saw them. Out of spite they incited the townsfolk to insult them. Within minutes a furore erupted. They hurled a barrage of stones, mud, cow dung and obscenities. The sadhus gladly, while continuing to sing kirtans, bore the abuse. But the Kathi chiefs and Joban Pagi - warriors by blood seethed with anger; unable to bear the objects hurled on Maharaj, their Lord. Reflexly, they reached for their weapons. Maharaj reminded them not to retaliate. They obeyed instantly, albeit bitterly. He then calmly led them out of town.
After cleansing themselves, they returned to Vadtal. Here He revealed, 'The fact that we forgave was in itself our victory. Therefore we are all now sitting here so peacefully. Fighting would have created further enmity. The townsfolk will later realise, repent, invite us and many will become good disciples.'⁹ Within weeks His prophecy proved true.
Bhagwan Swaminarayan's influence on unruly Kathis outside the Satsang, was equally remarkable.
Between 1820 and 1829, the state of Bhavnagar, to which the Gadhada district belonged, had intermittently witnessed plundering raids by Khuman Kathis. They had developed a grievance with Wajesinh, the king. To avenge his unfair policies, they turned into Baharwuttias - literally, 'out on the road' - a form of outlawry.¹⁰
Under Jogidas Khuman, a formidable Baharwuttio famed for his chivalry, the Khumans periodically pillaged villages belonging to Wajesinh, razing them and pilfering the cattle. Then they escaped into the nearby Gir forest, thus evading pursuit by Wajesinh's troops.
In 1824, instigated by the British, another group of Kathis captured Jogidas, handing him over to Captain Barnewell, then Political Agent in Rajkot. After he failed to devise a practicable agreement conducive to both the Khumans and Wajesinh, he had no choice but to release Jogidas, who resumed his outlaw activities.¹¹
By 1829, his unremitting forays had all but exasperated Wajesinh, who was now desperate for a truce. At this critical period, Wajesinh came to know that Jogidas had recently visited Gadhada, in mourning Jiva Khachar's (Dada's uncle) demise, and had also met Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Wajesinh took heart. He summoned twenty-eight-year-old Dada Khachar and requested him to mediate on his behalf, to convince Jogidas for a permanent peace settlement. Bhagwan Swaminarayan blessed Dada Khachar, assuring him success on such a precarious mission. Dada Khachar then sought out Jogidas and negotiated successfully. D.A. Blane, then Political Agent in Rajkot, ratified the truce and sent it to the Bombay Presidency, which approved it.¹²
Where even the British had failed in 1824, Jogidas' surprising co-operation and compliance to Dada Khachar's terms on this occasion, clearly reflected Bhagwan Swaminarayan's calming influence on the outlaws, in addition to the young chief's diplomacy. Reports of such transformations and the remarkably edifying effects of Bhagwan Swaminarayan all over Gujarat without use of weapons, had been intermittently reaching the British officials at the Bombay Presidency.¹³ Therefore, on his visit to Gujarat and Kutch in 1830, then Governor, Sir John Malcolm eagerly wished to meet Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Through Williamson and Blane, his agents,¹⁴ he had two letters sent to Gadhada, inviting Bhagwan Swaminarayan to a meeting in Rajkot. But a reply informed him of Bhagwan Swaminarayan's grave illness, extreme weakness and inability to travel. Sir Malcolm then had a third letter written. Before it reached Gadhada, Bhagwan Swaminarayan out of grace for the Governor's heartfelt requests, and aware of the impending third letter, forsook His illness. He left Gadhada with a retinue of senior Paramhansas and Kathi chiefs. On the way to Rajkot, He received the third letter.
The historic meeting took place at the Political Agent's bungalow, on 26th February 1830. Sir Malcolm sent out a military band to welcome Bhagwan Swaminarayan to the bungalow.¹⁵
After a conversation lasting an hour, Sir John Malcolm asked for blessings and a written form of His teachings. Bhagwan Swaminarayan presented him with the Shikshapatri which today remains well preserved in the Indian Institute Library of the Bodlean Library in Oxford, England.¹⁶
In 1849, nineteen years after Bhagwan Swaminarayan's demise, Henry George Briggs visited Vadtal, one of the mandirs built by Him. About the disciples, Briggs observed:
'Sahajanand was loved beyond belief by his discples - comprising men of talent, of station and of wealth, the poor, the ignorant, the rude - and who would have sacrificed life itself for their preceptor.'¹⁷

Source References

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1937, p.132
Dave, op.cit.,Vol.III.,Transformation of Joban Pagi,pp.73,74.
2 Parekh, Hiralal T. Arvachin Gujaratnu Rekhadarshan. Khand 1. (1801-1857). Amdavad:
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Commissariat. M.S. History of Gujarat. The Maratha Period. Amdavad: Gujarat Vidya
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3 Dave, op.cit.,Vol.V., Maharajah Sayajirao II welcomes Bhagwan Swaminarayan, pp.177-182.
4 Harililamrutam.op.cit.,Maharajah Dewaji of Gondal State welcomes Bhagwan Swaminarayan,1/6.
5 Anon. History & Administration of Dharampur State. From 1262 to 1937. Dharampur:
D.V. Saraiya, 'visit of the great founder of the Swaminarayan sect,' p.28.
Harililamrutam. op.cit.,Letter to eighteen disciples, 6/21.
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7 Shastri, op.cit.,Kathi chiefs' devotion as guards,p.466.
8 Anon.History & Practices of the Thugs.London: W.H. Allen & Co.,1837.
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11 Wilberforce Bell, op.cit., Wajesinh & Khuman Kathis, pp. 205-207.
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with Jogidas Khuman,pp.362, 363.
13 Parekh, Hiralal T. op.cit.,Reports of Bhagwan Swaminarayan's edifying effects in Kathiawad
reaching the British, p. 90.
14 Parekh, M.C.Shri Swami Narayan.Bombay:Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan,3rd. ed.,1980, letters
written by Blane (& Williamson, secretary) to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, pp. 254-256.
15 Dave, op.cit.,Vol. V. Letter sent by Sir John Malcolm,p.455,meeting with, pp.475-478.
16 Williams, Raymond B. Presentation of Shikshapatri to Sir John Malcolm, in New
Dimensions in Vedanta Philosophy Vol. I., Amdavad: B.A.P.S. 1981, Ch. 43, p.114.
17 Briggs, Henry George. Cities of Gujarashtra. Bombay: The Times Press, 1849, p.242.