Nishkulanand Swami
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Nishkulanand Swami (Devnagari: निश्कुलान्द स्वामी) (Vikram Samvat 1822-1903) was a saint of the Swaminarayan Sampraday.
[edit] Biography
Nishkulanand Swami was born to a Suthar family residing in a small village - Shekhapt. His parents were Rambhai and Amritbhi and was named Lalji on birth. He grew up to be an expert at carpentry.
He became a firm follower of Shriji Maharaj after the demise of his Guru-preceptor Ramanand Swami and developed rock steady faith and firmness in Satsang, Katha and Kirtans. Driven by the devotional fervour, he walked 30 km on foot to and fro every evening to attend Satsang Sabhas of Shriji Maharaj in Bhadra after finishing a hard days work in Shekhpat during day He slept in Bhadra to come back home early in the morning.
Once, Shriji Maharaj rested beneath the shade of a tree on their way between the villages of Lakadia and Aadhoi and inquired, 'For how long will you pull on such life of a householder ? Why don't you became a saint ?' In reply, Laljibhai submitted himself at the lotus feet of Shriji Maharaj to become a saint and Shriji Maharaj initiated Bhagwati Deeksha right at that place and named him Nishkulanand Swami.
It is said that when Bhagwan Swaminarayan wished to leave this world, he informed Nishkulanand Swami 3 days in advance and asked to prepare a palanquin for his bier. Nishkulanand Swami prepared it during night only. When the Lord left the human body, all the other saints asked him to prepare a palanquin. He said, "It is ready" and brought it. Everyone asked him, "When Lord was alive, how did you prepare it?" He replied, "I am a heavy hearted obedient servant. Any damn or any hard order may be, I must obey it."
[edit] Works
He has composed a scripture named Bhakta Chintamani, describing the life history of Lord Swaminarayan along with his sermons, his theory and the obstacles faced by him and his activities.
He has also composed twenty two other very impressive scriptures on various subjects. They are complied as Nishkulanand Kavya.
The swing with the twelve doors in theVadtal Temple and the most artistic wooden thresholds in the inner temple of the Dholera Temple are a few from his treasure of the art. In Gadhpur he used to display his art in diwali celebrations by presenting artisitic plants and trees decorated with kindling lights and beautifully lighted canopy to cover the beautiful seat of Lord Shriji Maharaj.
[edit] References
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