On 28th May 1966, Guruhari Pappaji Maharaj received a letter from Brahmswarup Yogiji Maharaj. This stated that He (Yogiji Maharaj) was now witnessing the fruits of 40 years of His labour, and that Babubhai (Pappaji) should now commence the work that was entrusted to Him and carry this out this seva for 40 years. Every moment, Pappaji Maharaj lived in Yogiji Maharaj. His whole being, His very breath was for Yogi Bapa and every facet of His body was saturated in divinity. On 28th May 2006, exactly 40 years later, as prophesised by Yogiji Maharaj, Guruhari Pappaji Maharaj gave up His corporeal body and returned to Akshardham!
What was the task that was entrusted to Guruhari Pappaji? This was to create an organisation for women who wanted to dedicate their lives to God and become a sadhu, with the aim of giving them spiritual mentoring to attain the highest spiritual state of God realisation as per Vachanamrut G III 26. Supported by Param Pujya Sonaba and Param Pujya Ben, this is precisely what Guruhari Pappaji achieved and He prepared gunatit satpurusho of the calibre of Pujya Taraben, Pujya Jyotiben, Pujya Didi, Pujya Deviben and Pujya Jashuben. In addition, He put into place grahasta chaintanyo madhyamo who could also attain God realisation as well as to support Gunatit Jyot. Today, these accomplished swarupo are carrying on Pappaji Maharaj’s spiritual work.
The 28th of May, although tainted with a little sadness that Guruhari Pappaji is not physically present with us, is actually a celebration for all aspirants. It is a celebration of Shreeji Maharaj’s grace, Yogiji Maharaj’s divine vision and the association of divinity in person in the form of Guruhari Pappaji Maharaj. He has given us the divine peace, joy, love and the direct darshan of the Bhagwan Swaminarayan Himself. He has taken us from a mundane existence to that of living in heaven on earth, not through opulence or great worldly standing but through purity such that Maharaj has taken His place in our hearts.
Every 28th, bhajan sandhya are held to sings songs of devotion in His memory, to reflect on His remarkable character and achievements, and with a promise to Guruhari Pappaji, everyone has a renewed zeal to live as per His aspirations and wishes in order to attain that highest goal of unified samaj dedicated to becoming Param Bhagwat Sant.