Father: Jeejeebhai (Poojari at Shiva Mandir)
Mother: Benjeeba
Birth Place: Barol
Born: Kartik Sud 15, VS 1859.
Birth Name: Devidan
One day Devidan's father had to go out so he left
Devidan in charge of the Shiva mandir. Lord Shiva
apeared from the Murti and asked what He can do for
Devidan. Devidan asked Lord Shiva for Antyantik Kaalyan.
Lord Shiva replied, "the almighty Lord travels the Earth
these days, He will give you Moksha and will be visiting
Badol soon. You will identify Him as He will be able
lick his elbow." When Lord Swaminarayan visited Badol,
Devidan went to have darshan of Him. Lord Swaminarayan
was urged to accept some food from villagers. He
accepted the food which was porridge. Devidan was
watching Bhagwan eat the porridge, then he saw the
porridge drip down the elbow of Swaminarayan Bhagwan.
Bhagwan licked his elbow and Devidan remembered what
Lord Shiva had said to him.
Devidan become a devotee of Swaminarayan Bhagwan and
joined Him. Devidan became a Parsad and was taught the
art of poetry and music by Bhramanand Swami. He got
Bhagwati Diksha and got named Devanand Swami.
Devanand Swami was respected by all followers as he
observed obsolete celibacy, deep devotion to Lord
Swaminarayan and saintliness towards other saints.
Devanand Swami was one of the eight leading poets.
After Brahmanand Swami passed away Devanand Swami became
the Mahant of Muli temple. Devanand Swami composed many
kirtans which can be found in Devanand Kavya.
Devanand Swami passed away in Shraavan Vad 10, VS 1910
in Muli. |
