Satsangi

A follower of Swaminarayan of is referred to as a Satsangi (Devnagari: सत्सन्गी).

There are eight important things in the life of a Satsangi.

atsangi Life

Kanthi

Lord Swaminarayan instructed his followers to wear a double stranded kanthi to symbolise Krishna and Radha. The length at which a person should wear a kanthi is also standardised to the level of the heart, the place in which god is said to reside.

The kanthi is a double stranded necklace made of Tulsi. This is a significant symbol of the Swaminarayan Sampraday, and has been directly referred to by Lord Swaminarayan in the Shikshapatri, where he mentions in Slokh 41-44 that all his disciples that have been initiated by the Acharya, must wear the Kanthi and a Tilak Chandlo.

Tilak Chandlo

The Tilak is the name of the ‘U’ shape and the Chandlo is the circular dot between the tilak. The tilak is said to be Urdhva Pundra. Urdhva Pundra represents the shape of the lotus feet of Lord Swaminarayan.

The chandlo is made from red powder (kum kum or saffron), which symbolises Laxmiji (Goddess of Prosperity) living in the heart of Lord Swaminarayan. The tilak is adorned by male satsangis on four parts of their body using Gopichandan (a yellow paste sanctified by the Gopis, which is found on the banks of the Lake Gopi in Dwarka). It is impressed on the forehead, chest and both the upper arms.

Mala

The Mala is threaded with 108 beads and one larger bead. It is principally used as a counter whilst reciting the names of God. The almighty god supreme has thousands of names, the main names are shortlisted into 108, and this is the reason for 108 beads.

Nitya Pooja

Nitya means daily and pooja means worshipping God. Therefore pooja performed every day is known as Nitya Pooja.

Mandir (Temple)

Lord Swaminarayan himself stated that he resides in four places - Temples, Scriptures, Acharyas and saints.

Darshan

Darshan is a form of worship. It is a way of connecting a devotee to god and to gain his blessings.

Aarti

Aarti is a religious ceremony performed to gain darshan and blessing of god.

Aarti is conducted by the singing of a special prayer to god and also playing of musical instruments. Muktanand Swami composed the words of the Swaminarayan Aarti, he did this when realising that Lord Swaminarayan was almighty god supreme.

Vandu and Chesta Pad

Gopalanand Swami requested Premanand Swami to compile the Chesta Pad after the Lord's departure, which vividly describes Lord Swaminarayan's daily routine and habits.

For the purpose of meditation the Vandu Pad was compiled by Premanand Swami on the 14th day of the dark half of the month of Maha Vikram Samvat 1880, during the presence of Lord Swaminarayan. The Vandu Pad describes the beauty and appearance of Lord Swaminarayan.

The tradition of reciting these Pads has remains an important part of the evening ceremony at Shri Swaminarayan Mandirs.

Conduct of a Satsangi

A Satsangi must show :

* Reverence for the Lord
* Reverence for the Shastras
* Reverence for the Acharya of the Gadi the Satsangi comes under (NarNarayan Dev Gadi or LaxmiNarayan Dev Gadi)
* Reverence for festivals
* Reverence for elders
* Overall good conduct

See also

* Bhagwan Swaminarayan
* Swaminarayan Sampraday

References

* [http://www.swaminarayansatsang.com/library/articles/articledetails.asp?Articleid=1 Daily pooja guidlines]
* [http://www.swaminarayansatsang.com/library/articles/articledetails.asp?Articleid=2 Guidlines to the good conduct of a Satsangi]
* Life and Faith of Lord Swaminarayan - Published by Shree Swaminarayan Temple, Oldham