Guru Parampara

An unbroken lineage of God-realised gurus

Bhagwan Swaminarayan taught that God remains ever-present on earth through His God-realised Sadhu. This is the living succession through which our fellowship receives guidance today.

  1. 1781 – 1830

    Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan

    Supreme Lord, founder of the Swaminarayan Sampraday

    Born in Chhapaiya, India, He travelled across the land as a young renunciant before establishing a spiritual fellowship rooted in devotion, moral discipline and social reform. He taught that God is eternally present through His God-realised Sadhu, so that seekers of every age may attain liberation.

    • Established mandirs as centres of worship and community life
    • Championed social reform, education and famine relief
    • Revealed the Shikshapatri as a code of righteous living

  2. 1785 – 1867

    Gunatitanand Swami

    First spiritual successor

    Recognised as the embodiment of Aksharbrahman, Gunatitanand Swami served for four decades as mahant of the Junagadh mandir. His discourses, compiled as the Swamini Vato, remain among the most treasured spiritual teachings of the tradition.

    • Served 40 years as mahant of Shree Swaminarayan Mandir, Junagadh
    • His discourses compiled as the Swamini Vato
    • Established the ideal of the guru as the gateway to God

  3. 1865 – 1951

    Shastriji Maharaj

    Second spiritual successor

    A scholar of scripture and an untiring builder, Shastriji Maharaj gave form to the philosophy of Akshar-Purushottam Upasana, consecrating mandirs in which the God-realised Sadhu is worshipped alongside the Supreme Lord.

    • Consecrated mandirs enshrining Akshar-Purushottam upasana
    • Deepened scriptural scholarship within the fellowship
    • Nurtured a generation of devoted sadhus and youth

  4. 1892 – 1971

    Yogiji Maharaj

    Third spiritual successor

    Known for boundless compassion and childlike simplicity, Yogiji Maharaj travelled tirelessly to villages and cities alike. He inspired the youth movement of the tradition and blessed the earliest gatherings of devotees settling overseas.

    • Pioneered youth and children's spiritual assemblies
    • Blessed the first satsang gatherings in East Africa and the UK
    • Embodied forgiveness, humility and love for every devotee

  5. 1934 – 2023

    HDH Hariprasad Swamiji Maharaj

    Fourth spiritual successor, founder of Yogi Divine Society

    Lovingly known as Guruhari Hariprasad Swamiji, he founded the Yogi Divine Society to carry forward Yogiji Maharaj's wish for a fellowship built on atmiyata — the divine kinship of souls. His teaching of suhradbhav transformed families and communities worldwide.

    • Founded the Yogi Divine Society (Haridham, Sokhda)
    • Established the Hariprabodham Parivar across the UK, USA, Africa and India
    • Taught atmiyata and suhradbhav as the essence of spiritual life
    • Inspired schools, hostels, hospitals and disaster-relief seva

  6. Present spiritual leader

    HDH Prabodhjivan Swamiji Maharaj

    Present Guruhari

    HDH Prabodhjivan Swamiji Maharaj is the current spiritual head of the Hariprabodham Parivar, appointed by HDH Hariprasad Swamiji Maharaj. A scholar, orator and tireless servant of devotees, he guides thousands of families with warmth, clarity and unwavering emphasis on atmiyata.

    • Guides the global Hariprabodham Parivar and its UK centres
    • Leads shibirs, satsang assemblies and youth conferences
    • Inspires humanitarian seva, education and value-based living
    • Continues the mission of atmiyata across generations

“The guru is not merely a teacher — he is the doorway through which the soul walks towards God.”