Param Pujya Deviben echoes the work and teachings of Guruhari Pappaji Maharaj – to enlighten those who seek to attain ekantik dharma – a single-minded conviction in God and satsang. This spiritual stithi, Deviben herself has accomplished.
Never doubting Guruhari Pappaji and in every action in her sadhana, P. P. Deviben has only acted in manner that would make Him happy, thus she reached the position of Gunatit Swarup. She epitomises Garima, she has a pure, divine and dignified aura, which enlightens everyone and everything wherever she goes. This is a special tribute for her Gunatit Garima Parva celebration.
P. P. Deviben constantly beholds Guruhari Pappaji’s murti. Having her mind constantly focused on her guru and guru’swork and being absolutely resolute in her self-discipline (swadharma), she leads a perfect and simple life that defines and venerates her position as a sadguru. She always exhibits her own self-belief, which is, “I am God’s servant in this house.” She has accepted everything, has withstood the most difficult of obstacles and throughout her sadhana, has never ever questioned Guruhari Pappaji Maharaj.
One of her qualities is that of having a great sense of humour. Deviben possess a unique art of spreading bliss, laughter and rejoicing with haribhakto whilst imparting spiritual wisdom. Equally she has an insightful approach in ensuring she fulfils the needs and requirements of all who come her way.
Guruhari Pappaji has proclaimed that Deviben is the wisest of the wisest, possessing 99% percent of intellect in the entire world. She demonstrates her unparalleled understanding when considering everyone’s needs with flawless innocence; she acknowledges that everything and everyone is inspired by God, thus they are all divine and innocent. She is the Divine Ambassador of the Gunatit Samaj. Pappaji Maharaj once said, “Devi has never doubted me.”
From her childhood, Deviben knew her life was not going to follow a traditional and conventional path. At school she was never really focused in education because Her mind was always in ‘brahmvidya’ – yearning for spiritual knowledge.
Born on the 18th of November 1936 in Ville Parle and named Laxmi Devi, she had a spiritual awakening at the young age of 12 when she encountered Brahmswarup Shastriji Maharaj. Deviben and her friends became lost in a very large farm, night was fast approaching and panic stricken, when she prayed deeply to Shastriji Maharaj, a shepherd suddenly appeared and he guided the group back to towards the mandir, as soon as they arrived there, the shepherd disappeared! When they entered the mandir, Shastriji Maharaj was there and when Swamiji gave them a divine gaze from a far, Deviben realised that the shephard was in fact Shastriji Maharaj Himself, and from that moment bhagwanentered her heart. This experience became her spiritual initiation. Deviben realised that Bhagwan Swaminarayan was here on Earth in human form.
Ten years later in 1958, Laxmi Devi faced another defining moment. Brahmswarup Yogiji Maharaj (Bapa), who was walking with His sevak stopped very close to where Deviben was stood doing darshan through a small hole in the dividing curtain during a sabha, here their eyes met. The look was exactly the same as the gaze that Shastriji Maharaj gave to her those many years ago in the mandir. Deviben’s mind, body and soul became one with His divinity and she realised that Yogiji Maharaj and Shastriji Maharaj are one and the same, the incarnation of Bhagwan Swaminarayan here on earth. With that experience, Laxmi Devi’s definitive thought was, ‘Now the rest of my life is for HIM’.
This divine connection with both Brahmswrup Shastriji Maharaj and Brahmswrup Yogiji Maharaj confirmed to Laxmi Devi that there is only one path to her destiny – a life dedicated to God. She discovered her calling and life message at the young age of 22 years!
In the late 1950’s her bond with Guruhari Param Pujya Pappaji Maharaj was established, firstly through Param Pujya Ba and then through her attachment to Pujya Taraben, Pujya Jyotiben, and Pujya Hansadidi. On the 27th August 1959, Guruhari Pappaji started reading and explaining Vachnamrut Gadhada I-37: Attachment to One’s Native Place; ‘Self-realisation – to have no attachment to relations and become true atma and not the body. One’s heart should be filled with devotion to God’.
It was this event which triggered a series of letters from Brahmswrup Yogiji Maharaj and Guruhari Pappaji, also, whilst Pappaji was walking down the corridor in the Tardeo apartment, for a brief moment she witnessed Yogiji Maharaj in Guruhari Pappaji’s form, which affirmed Deviben’s realisation that Guruhari Pappaji was one with Brahmswarup Yogiji Maharaj and truly accepted that they are one and the same. She accepted in her heart that the living form of God was Pappaji. Her many questions had been answered, her mind was clear of all other thoughts – she decided to devote her life to her guru’s work.
In her service to Guruhari Pappaji, Deviben has embodied in life, seva, nirdoshbuddhi and suhradbhav. Haribhaktahave witnessed with their own eyes how Deviben leads her life in a modest, humble and egoless way. Her seva as a pillar of Gunatit Jyot, having included being the head of the kitchen, the head of the main office and of course the head of finance.
In 1980, Guruhari Pappaji appointed Deviben as Pardesh President (President of Overseas) and her travels have taken her to the USA, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and she visited the UK almost 30 times. Since 1973, she also became P.P. Ben’s companion to the UK.
She actively continues Guruhari Pappaji’s legacy in her role internationally through spreading His word and guiding those seeking spiritual guidance. She can adapt her spiritual message to all regardless of age, gender, culture, sect or background. Even the challenges faced by our modern world do not phase her. Her practical adaptions and examples of the scriptures such as the Vachanamrut and Anoopam 5, 6, 7 are longed for by devotees. Whether an established follower or a newcomer, she ensures they are inspired and that they depart with meaningful spiritual learning. Followers seeking advice, needing spiritual and emotional uplifting, or at a time of need will, to this day, seek her prayers, advice, and wisdom – she is truly here for us all!
Prathana:
Pujya Deviben knew as a child that her path in life would be unconventional and in her early 20’s realised it had a spiritual destiny. She was adamant and steadfast in her aim and never veered off this path. Her devotion and dedication to Pappaji, following HIS principles with all her heart, mind, body and soul is extraordinary.
We pray that may we all haribhakta remain focused and determined in our own sadhana. That we practice the principals of Guruhari Pappaji in everything we do, our every thought and actions – Never looking at the negative side of others. Deviben, may we make you and all of today’s pratyaksh swarupo proud and happy in our own journey to become Param Bhagwat Sant.