Shikshapatri
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The Shikshapatri is a text of two hundred and twelve verses, and was written by Shree Swaminarayan, a reforming Hindu from the Vaishnava tradition, who lived in Gujarat from 1781-1830 and who was recognised by his followers as a deity during his lifetime. It is what is known as a dharma text, detailed instructions on how to live. Although Sanskrit had ceased to be spoken as an every day language in India many centuries earlier, it was still used as the language for religious texts and so Swaminarayan composed his blue-print for moral and social order in this ancient sacred language.
Shreeji Maharaj sat in the Hari Mandap – His residence at Vadtal Temple – and wrote it in Sanskrit. He instructed the Saint Nityanand Swami to translate it into Gujarati. It has since been translated numerous times into other languages. The Shikshapatri is a key scripture of the Swaminarayan Sampraday.
See also
- Bhagwan Swaminarayan
- Shree Swaminarayan Sampraday
- BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha
- Hinduism
External links
- [Digital Shikshapatri] Provides a wide variety of online resources which set the Shikshapatri in its historical, cultural and religious context.
- [Swaminarayan.info] History and overview of the Shikshapatri.
- [Swaminarayan.org] History, Excerpts along with a pictorial and audio version.
- [Kakaji.org] Full text of the manuscript in Gujarati and English.
- [Video of the Shikshapatri being read] by Sadhu Yogicharandas, of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.
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