Hinduism and Swaminarayan Tradition FAQs

Flashcards covering general Hindu beliefs, scriptures, and festivals, as well as specific history, theology, and entities related to the Swaminarayan tradition and BAPS tradition.

Murti Puja

The worship of murtis, one of the four core beliefs every Hindu has.

Avatarvad

The belief in incarnations; the principle that for the liberation of infinite souls, Bhagwan himself takes birth on earth and reestablishes Ekantik dharma.

Karmavad

The Hindu core belief in karma.

Punarjanmavad

The Hindu core belief in reincarnation.

Vedas

The four sacred scriptures of Hinduism: Rig-veda, Sam-veda, Atharva-veda, and Yajur-veda.

Mahabharata

An epic recited by Ved Vyas to Ganeshji.

Pradakshina

A ritual where devotees walk around the murti of Bhagwan, signifying reverence and that Bhagwan is the center-point of one's life.

Sashtang Dandvat Pranam

A bow where eight parts (forehead, nose, chest, hands, feet, mind, vision, and speech) touch the floor to show humility and that one is a das of Bhagwan.

Shravanam

The form of devotion involving listening.

Kirtanam

The form of devotion involving chanting or praising.

Smaranam

The form of devotion involving remembering.

Archanam

The form of devotion involving worship.

Vandanam

The form of devotion involving praying.

Dasyam

The form of devotion involving servitude.

Sakhyam

The form of devotion involving friendship.

Atmanivedanam

The form of devotion involving self-surrender.

Padasevanam

The form of devotion involving serving the feet of Bhagwan.

Five Eternal Entities

Jiva, Ishwar, Maya, Brahman, and Parabrahman.

Samadhi

The 8th or last step of Ashtang yog.

Fuldol

A Hindu festival celebrated the day after Holi involving flowers, kirtans, and saffron-colored water representing spiritual joy.

Sahajanand Namavali

A list of 108 names of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

Guru

From 'Gu' (darkness/ignorance) and 'ru' (remover); someone who removes internal darkness and brings one towards the light.

Bhakti

Pure devotion and love for Bhagwan leading to spiritual liberation.

Vairagya

Detachment or renunciation from worldly pleasures and desires to focus on spiritual goals.

Janmashtami

The birthday of Krishna Bhagwan.

Annakut

An offering of many food items to Bhagwan.

Dev Podi Ekadashi

Also called Dev Shayani or Ashadhi Ekadashi, it marks the start of Chaturmas when Lord Vishnu enters divine slumber.

Dev Uthi Ekadashi

Also called Prabodhini Ekadashi, it marks the awakening of Lord Vishnu from his four-month slumber (Chaturmas).

Chaturmas

A four-month period of divine slumber for Lord Vishnu.

Jal Jhini

A ritual where Thakorji is taken across water in a boat or palanquin, symbolizing the journey across the ocean of life.

Bhagvad Gita

A dialogue between Arjun and Krishna Bhagwan that took place during the Mahabharata.

Pandavs

The five brothers: Yudhishthir, Bhim, Arjun, Nakul, and Sahadev.

Gnan

Spiritual knowledge and wisdom regarding the nature of the five eternal entities.

Trimurti

The three principal deities: Brahmaji, Vishnuji, and Shivji.

Raksha Bandhan

A festival where sisters tie a protective thread (rakhi) on their brothers' wrists.

Makar Sankratri

Also known as Uttarayan, symbolizing the string (niyams) that keeps a devotee connected to the Satpurush.

Four Stages of Life

Brahmacharya (student), Gruhastha (householder), Vanaprastha (retired), and Sannyasa (renunciant).

Four Yugas

The chronological cycles of time: Satya Yug, Treta Yug, Dwapar Yug, and Kali Yug.

Ahimsa

Non-violence; the belief that since all living things have souls, one should not harm or kill anything, even mentally.

Diwali

A celebration of light over darkness and the triumph of righteousness.

Akshar

The perfect, eternal servant and divine abode of Purushottam; also the entity that is the choicest devotee of Maharaj.

Purushottam

The supreme Bhagwan, referring to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, who is the 'avatar na avatari'.

Maya

The illusory material world that distracts the jiva from spiritual pursuits.

Reincarnation

The principle where the soul repeatedly takes birth as animals, insects, or humans until it is free from desires and flaws.

BAPS

Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha.

Shastriji Maharaj

The founder of BAPS who built five mandirs in Bochasan, Sarangpur, Gondal, Atladara, and Gadhada.

Yogiji Maharaj

The leader who started the Bal and Satsang Mandals.

Ghanshyam Maharaj

The childhood name of Sahajanand Swami (Bhagwan Swaminarayan).

Nilkanth Varni

The name Ghanshyam Maharaj was known by during His 7 year, 1 month, and 11 day pilgrimage of India.

Mahamantra

The word 'Swaminarayan' given by Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

Gunatitanand Swami

The choicest devotee of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, identified as Aksharbrahman.

Ekantik Dharma

The combination of four pillars: Dharma, Gnan, Vairagya, and Bhakti.

Gharsabha

The solution to all family problems.

Panch Vartmans of a Sant

Nirman (no ego), Nissneh (no attachment), Nirlobh (no greed), Nishkam (no lust), and Nisswad (no taste).

Vachanamrut

A scripture containing 10 years of Shriji Maharaj's life and teachings, compiled by senior paramhansas.

Satsang

Derived from 'Sat' (true) and 'Sang' (company); staying connected to Bhagwan and the Satpurush while living with good company.

Kanthi

A symbol of surrendering to Bhagwan; a thread worn around the neck representing the bond 'I am Bhagwan's and Bhagwan is mine.'

Chesta

A composition by Premanand Swami describing Bhagwan Swaminarayan's daily actions, sung at nighttime.

Four Essential Qualities of Bhagwan

Pragat (present), Sarvopari (supreme), Sakar (possessing a form), and Sarva Karta (all-doer).

Two Wings to Akshardham

Agna (commands) and Upasana (worship/theology).

Niyam, Nishchay, and Paksha

The three qualities of a staunch satsangi: rules, conviction, and loyalty.

Shikshapatri

A scripture outlining the code of conduct for devotees.