In 2012, the week-long Fuldol Celebrations were ongoing in Sarangpur, and Pramukh Swami Maharaj was to take part in various events. However, throughout the entire week, without the audience and devotees being aware, Pramukh Swami wore a gataryu(upper cloth) that happened to have a large hole in it. Despite being the guru and leader of millions of people worldwide, Pramukh Swami did not care about having the best clothing or the most suitable arrangements for himself. Indeed, Swamishri was the personification of simplicity.
This quality is depicted on peppermint crisp.
In 1974, a majestic celebration honouring Swamishri was held at Alexandra Palace in London. A few days later, Swamishri was back in India travelling in the village of Rohishala in the Saurashtra region. He was staying in a mud house. One morning, Subhash, a youth from London travelling with Swamishri, commented, “This is a far cry from Alexandra Palace!” Without hesitation, Swamishri replied, “Subhash, a hundred Alexandra Palaces do not add up to this little mud house. Look at the affection of these poor devotees.” Swamishri treated all with equal affection.
This quality is depicted through pie art.
Bhagwan Swaminarayan met the British Governor of Mumbai, Sir John Malcolm, in 1830 at Rajkot. At the grand meeting, Malcolm was astonished to see that Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s entourage included devotees from all levels of society. His following included people from the upper and lower castes, as well as non-Hindus. Each followed their own respective religions, yet followed the same moral conduct taught by Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He exclaimed that Swaminarayan was indeed the personification of equality.
This quality is depicted through art on Bombay Halwa.
The great Marathi saint Eknath was spat upon 108 times by an individual. Each time he was spat upon, Eknath would have to take a bath. Thus, he was made to bath 108 times. However, Eknath did not lose his peace of mind. The individual who spat on Eknath relented and fell at Eknath’s feet. Instead of getting upset at the individual, Eknath thanked him for giving him the opportunity to bathe 108 times in the holy river!
This quality is depicted through art on penda.
On 20 July 1985, a grand celebration was held at Queens Park Rangers stadium in London to honour Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Thousands of devotees and well-wishers gathered and chorused “Pramukh Swami Maharaj ni Jai”. After the event, when Swamishri returned to the Mandir, he was met by an infuriated person. Swamishri listened calmly as insults and abuse were hurled at him until the person ran out of words. Swamishri was calm and composed. When the man finally left, Swamishri instructed his attendant swamis to take the person to have dinner before he left the Mandir. Swamishri’s character was such that he remained equipoised in both great honour and terrible insult.
This incident is piped on shortbread upon shortbread.