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Birth Place: Dabhan (Darbhavthi) near
Vadtal
Birth Name: Jagnath Bhutt
Caste: Brahmin
Shukanand Swami (the private secretary of Lord
Swaminarayan) from VS 1855 to 1925
At a very young age, Jagnath Bhutt was educated in
Sanskrit and learnt other activities which were required
as a Brahmin. He was obeying Naishtik Brahamchari
(celibacy) rules. He regularly associated himself with
holy Sadhus. One day, he came in touch with Swaminarayan
Sadhus which were going to Durghpur (Gadhada) and
decided to join them.
He stayed in Durghpur for some time under the guidance
of Muktanand Swami as he was a very important Sadhu.
Muktanand Swami gave Maha Diksha to Jagnath Bhutt under
the guidance of Lord Swaminarayan. He was given the name
of Shukanand Swami (Sukh Muni in short) and Muktanand
Swami always kept Shukanand Swami near him. Because
Shukanand was a very good writer who would not miss
anything, Lord Swaminarayan appointed him to write
personal and private letters. He was referred to as
Lord's right hand man.
Lord Swaminarayan once said, "this swami is my devote
Sadhu and possesses great saintly values which are
increasing over time, he has some saintly qualities as
Muktanand Swami." (Vachanamrit, Kariyani 3)
Lord Swaminarayan appreciated Shukanand Swami by saying
that he likes three things in Dabhan:
A mango tree, now in Laxmiwadi
An ox which was used for transportation of sadhus |
