Sadhu Gnãnjivandas

Who was Sadhu Gnãnjivandas?

Sadhu Gnãnjivandas, commonly known as Yogiji Maharaj, was an Indian Sadhu and the second leader of Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, who is claimed to be the fourth spiritual successor to Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

Born Jinabhai Vasani to Devchandbhai and Puribai Vasani in the village of Dhari in Gujarat, India, he showed an inclination towards Hindu spirituality from an early age, according to his followers. As a result, he chose to become an ascetic, and received initiation into monkhood with the name Sadhu Gnãnjivandasji.

Yogiji Maharaj was given diksha by Shastriji Maharaj at the age of 16.

As a sadhu, Sadhu Gnãnjivandas was said to be well respected for his humility as he kept himself "busy in the service of others" and "never complained of fatigue". Although lacking a formal Western education himself, he had success in attracting educated people – including doctors and engineers – to renounce their worldly lives and join the monkhood. Yogiji Maharaj is also well known for spreading the BAPS Swaminarayan Hinduism internationally. The sect spread to Nairobi, Africa and London, England.