Nijanand
Nijanand
Founded in 1621 AD, Nijanand Sampradaya (the path of eternal bliss and joyfulness) is a uniquely monotheistic Hindu denomination which is based on spiritual teachings of Nijanand Swami Shri Devchandra ji (1581-1654 AD) and its exponent Mahamati Prannath (AD 1618-1694). The founder conceived the Absolute Reality as the totality encompassing the graded existences of various levels of consciousness: mainly, Kshar Purusha, Akshar Brahman and Aksharateet Par-Brahman. He revived true monotheism by clarifying the underlying intent of an important tenet of the Vedas which says: God is One and there is no second who is worthy of worship (Eka Brahman Dwitiya Nasti). He explained the nature of Supreme Reality as "Swa-Leela-Dwait" (स्व-लीला-द्वैत), meaning "one appearing many in self-sporting joy" in His Supreme transcendental Abode, which is infinite and unbounded existence of infinitely blissful divine play.
Philosophy and Teachings
Teachings of this school of thought are characterized by a free and responsible search for truth and meaning by two spiritual explorers: Nijanand Swami and Mahamati. At age 11, Nijanand Swami started contemplating that there is more to life than just material existence. He sought answers to the most intricate questions: Who am I? Where have I come from? Who is my Beloved Lord? Why am I here in this world? What is the ultimate purpose of human existence? He was not satisfied with routine answers of the scriptures which abound in storytelling and cosmological theories with rudimentary ideas of the long past. Upon receiving Tartam Knowledge, he started the mission of spiritual awakening (Jagani) and inspired numerous great souls by sharing blissful love and knowledge of the Ultimate Reality of Supreme Godhead Aksharateet.
It was the first time in our cosmos of 14 planes that this Tartam Knowledge was being shared. During their spiritual encounters, Nijanand Swami and Mahamati had a complete and clear vision of three main levels of God-realities: Kshar Purusha, Akshar Brahman (God), and Aksharateet Par-Brahman (Godhead). They conceived the Absolute Reality as the totality encompassing the graded existence of various levels of consciousness. They attained the state of Nijanand, which transcends that of peace and tranquility attained by the worshippers of Formless - Nirakar reality.
Kshar Purusha
First, they realized the totality of Kshara Purusha, which means the entire perishable existence defined by space, time and causality. Existence of things and beings - gross, astral or causal - are all subject to time (Kaal) and dissolution (Pralaya). Therefore, Kshar Purusha is called the domain of Kaalmaya. It is essentially the dream state of consciousness projected as countless cosmic creations from God's (Akshar's) dreaming mind. The play of cosmic creations of form-entities (Saakaar) and their dissolution into formless consciousness (Nirakaar) continues unceasingly. Formless keeps appearing as the world of forms and dissolving back Into its formless state.
Prannath identifies three levels of realities: Kshar, Akshar and Aksharateet. Māyā (cosmic illusion), Ishwara, and Jiva are all entities existing in cosmic dream of Akshar Brahman. Forms are created and dissolved since eternity in the cosmic dream of universal creation. This process is eternal, not the entities in Dream. All Dream entities cease to exist upon Final Dissolution (Maha-Pralaya).
In Akshar's dream, MahaVishnu represents the first ideation of Great Intelligence, which scriptures call Mahat-Tattva or Primordial Will. Narayana represents the second ideation or the great ego principle in causal ocean, who desires: "I Am One, May I Become Many" ( Eko-Aham Bahusya ̅m || एको अहं बहुश्याम् ||) This desire causes the breaking up of homogeneity and beginning of the process of individualization through projection. Narayana's ego principle incarnates as Ishwara, his omnipotent universal energy.
Ishwara is also called Nira ̅ka ̅r निराकार - Formless Consciousness. This Formless Keeps Appearing As the World of Forms and Dissolving Back Into Its Formless State. Those who attain to this formless state, lose their individualities and abide in complete silence of the one syllable sound OM. This is the state of Void which is called Shunyata (in Biddhism). This is the Zone of Musical melody (experienced by Kabir).
Nira ̅ka ̅r Transforms into Two Energy Forms: Animate - Para Shakti परा शक्ति or Vira ̅t Purush - विराट् पुरुष and Inanimate -Apara Shakti अपरा शक्ति - सावित्री. Nira ̅ka ̅r's Para Energy Becomes Vast Field of Light Consciousness - ज्योति स्वरुप. Being free from Nature's Blemishes, it's called Niranjan, Ga ̅yatri गायत्री or Omka ̅r (ॐ).
Reservoir of Eight Envelopments - अष्टावरण over 14 Planes Arises From Apara Energy As Ego अहम् - Intellect बुद्धि - Mind मन & Space आकाश - Gas वायु - Fire अग्नि - Water जल and Earth पृथ्वी.
The Fourteen Planes of Our Solar System: सूर्य मंडल के चौदह लोक representing Various Dimensions of Consciousness were created and Inhabited by Various Types of Beings. Fourteenth Plane is Sat Loka - सत लोक, the abode of Tri-Guna त्रिगुण Gods: Brahma, Vishnu & Shiva. Thirteenth Plane is Tapa Loka - तप लोक, the Destination of Ascetics - तपस्वी जन. Twelfth Plane is Jana Loka - जन लोक, the Destination of Those Engaged in Selfless Services - निस्वार्थ सेवक. Eleventh Plane is Mahar Loka of Dharma Ra ̅j's Celestial Court. Tenth Plane is Swarga स्वर्ग Loka of Indra, Varun and Demigods, who Ascends to the Eleventh Plane at Prakrit Pralaya. The Ninth Plane is Bhuvar Loka, also known as Pitru Loka पितृ लोक, of Forefathers. This is the Summer Land where Unfulfilled Desires are Fulfilled Before one's Upward Journey. This is the Barjakh mentioned in Koran and Purgatory mentioned in Bible. The Eighth Plane is our Pruthvi Loka पृथ्वी लोक, which is the Earth's Surface. There are Seven Inter-penetrating Planes called Paatal Loka Inside the Earth - पृथ्वी के भीतर सात पाताल लोक. There are Planes of Mortal Creatures & Titans and Demons. These planes are Visible Only to Those Vibrating at a Frequency Corresponding to That Particular Plane.
Garbhodak (Shesh) Shayi Na ̅ra ̅yana शेष शायी नारायण is the Soul of the Cosmos (Viraat - विराट की आत्मा), which Supports the Entire Cosmos Up to Na ̅ra ̅yana and Goes Into Dissolution After 311 Trillion Years. For this reason, he is shown at the bottom of the cosmological presentation.
Akshar Brahman (God)
Second, beyond Kshar, Nijanand Swami and Mahamati both saw, all kinds of Paradises and the blissful abodes of Akshar Brahman. They realized that Akshar is associated with delusive energy of Maya and is ever engaged in creating cosmos unlimited in number. He is the reflection attribute of separation in divine love and causes consciousness of pain through the concealment of Supreme's absolute knowing (love) and absolute bliss. Akshar is the consciousness of longing to seek fulfillment in union with the Absolute blissful love. In the spirit of opulence, Akshar simply enjoys the might of His glory, longs seeking fulfillment through the varied creations, and longs to be glorified by the simple souls who eternally abides in His four zones in devotional service.
It was also revealed to them that Akshar aspires to have some experience of higher love from the Absolute Par-Brahman and often visits His abode with such lofty intention. Lately Aksharateet has arranged a Raas Leela disport on the Earth caused in Akshar's dream to let him have a slight taste of His amorous love with His Celestial Souls, whom Akshar could glimpse only in His own dreamy consciousness, and not in Par-Brahman's absolute Abode, where the intensity of the Leela disports are beyond Akshar's comprehension.
Also, interestingly, as Mahamati says, Absolute Aksharateet has gracefully awakened Akshar partially in His dream so as to let His partially awakened mind have the permanent imprints of the play of Raas - which represents collective divine nectar of love dancing with the immensity of pure joy. रसानाम समूह: रास: | Due to this partial awakening of Akshar, the demigods and demigoddesses of his (Akshar's) fourth zone are enabled to have a faint glimpse of the Raas disport with celestial souls.
Notably, the description of blissful loving sports of Raas Leela in scriptures holds many mysteries related to Akshar Brahman. Navrang Swami (1649 AD- 1722AD) has beautifully clarified Tartam's supreme essence by posing Ten Riddles of Akshar Brahman and then solving them in light of Tartam.
They realized Akshar Brahman as a partial manifestation of the Absolute Aksharateet, and as His Relative aspect too. Mahamati says, "Akshar as that essential knowledge-bridge (Sootra hai Akshar Roop - सूत्र है अक्षर रूप), which has potential to connect the aspirant human beings living in the present dreamy world-play with Supreme Aksharateet. In this world, it is through Akshar that divine knowledge, however scattered, has been shared in diverse scriptures. That's how humanity has become aware of a higher Absolute Reality. So, Akshar is the one who points the path towards Supreme Aksharateet, however scattered throughout the scriptures.
Aksharateet Par-Brahman (Godhead)
Transcending Maya-associated Akshar, the Godhead is union in the eternal sport of ever-rising creativity of blissful love in His Supreme Transcendental Abode called Paramdham. Paramdham is infinite and unbounded existence of infinitely blissful divine plays. The Absolute Reality of Aksharateet is the perfection of Love and He perpetually enjoys the play of amorous sweetheart love with His eternal Celestial Souls (Brahman Srishtis, Par-Atmans) and countless other divine manifestations. Celestial Souls are like radiating rays of the sun of absolute Love, indeed. The self-play (स्व-लीला) of One Par-Brahman keeps growing perpetually with infinite varieties of blissful love.
Nijanand Swami and Mahamati both saw their True Blissful Self (Par-Atman) seated along with all other Celestial Souls (Brahman Srishtis), at the lotus feet of their beloved Aksharateet. It is from here that all the Celestial Souls are watching the cosmic dream called 'world' and have forgotten their essential nature. Now, the souls are being awakened through Tartam Knowledge.
Swa-Leela-Dwait" (SLD, स्व-लीला-द्वैत)
One Supreme Beloved manifesting as countless divine forms in self-sporting joy is called SLD principle of Paramdham. Understanding this explains how the essentially non-dual (Adwait) ParBrahman exhibits the Self-Play of apparent duality in Paramdham. In His play of variation, the Supreme's flame of loving consciousness lights up in infinite forms as Enjoyed (Bhogta) entities. Those forms are all in pure conscious state and are linked to homogeneous Supreme's consciousness. Every wave is, as it were rising and falling with the vast ocean, separated from the ocean only in the new play. Thus one becomes manifold. Such self-play of separation and absorption is called SLD. Owing to alternating ups and downs of duality and non-duality in Paramdham, Aksharateet is called SLD, which essentially means that Supreme Akshrateet is both the 'Enjoyer' and the 'Enjoyed' of His own self-illuminating loving disports. This 'completeness' distinguishes the Supreme Aksharateet from the conceptions of being dual (द्वैत), or non-dual (अद्वैत), and makes His Self-playing possible in SLD. Tartam's SLD principle is distinct from Nimbarka's "dualistic non-dualism" or "Dvaita-Advaita" (द्वैत-अद्वैत) or "Bheda-Abheda" philosophy. While Nimbarka's theology regards human beings as both different and non-different from God, it falls short in explaining God beyond Formless or Nirakar dream reality. Navrang Swami (1649 AD- 1722AD) has beautifully clarified Tartam's supreme essence by posing Fifteen Riddles of Aksharateet and then solving them in light of Tartam.
Shrimad Bhagvad Geeta mentions only briefly about God's three major realms, namely Kshar, Akshar and Uttam Purush beyond Akshar (Aksharateet). Shri Prannathji's Tartam Brahm Gyan is the only scripture on this earth that explains how the same God (Aksharateet) governs these three domains via three levels of His power of consciousness. It offers unprecedented Tartam knowledge concerning Aksharateet ParBrahmn's swaroop (divine form), leela (divine play) and the highest Abode (Paramdham).
Nijanand Swami
According to Hindu scriptures, unlike atman, a jiva is subjected to birth and rebirth. Accordingly, the Supreme Lord and His souls utilized human bodies as an instrument to carry out their purpose. Shri Dev Chandra Ji (C.E.1581-1655), who will be later known as Nijanand Swami Sat-Guru Dhani Shri Dev Chandra Ji, was born to mother Kuverbai and father Mattu Mehta. He was born and raised in the village of Amarkot, Marvad, Sindh--a province of undivided India.
Those souls of Param Dham, who played in Brij and Raas, came again to this mundane world in the 28th Kaliyug. The soul of Consort Shyama made her abode into Dev Chandra Ji, the jiva of the King Devapi who prayed in their previous birth for eternal salvation. The prophecy of Shrimad Bhagvatam came true.
Devapihi Sananto-bhrata, Maru-Shche-kshwaku-Vanshajha |
Kalap gram aasate, Maha-yog-Balanvitau ||
Tavihaitya kalerante Vasudevanu shikshitau |
Varna shram yutam Dharma, Purva-vat prathyi-shytihi || (Bhag: 12/2/37,38)
Not only this, with this incident, the prophecy of the holy Koran also came true. Along with Shyama Ji (Rooh Allah), the Brahmn Srishti souls (Momin) also descended to this world.
Saal navso nabbey maas nav, hoovey rasul ko jab |
Rooh allah misal gaziyo, momin utarey tab || (KS, Kir: 108/9)
Abhavino bhavishyanti, Munayo brahmn rupinah |
Uttpannaye krut yugey, pradhan purusha ashrayaha ||
Katha yogen taan sarvaan, pujyishyanti manavaha |
Yasha puja prabhaven, jivsristi samudhhrah || (Harivansh Pu, Bh.Prv, Adh: 4)
At the age of 40, when the divine power of Supreme Lord (aavesh) merged with Shyama Ji’s soul in the person of Dev Chandra Ji, he transformed into Nijanand Swami. As a result, the supreme Tartam knowledge, the one leading from the darkness to the eternity, began flowing through Shyama Ji who is the direct source of Supreme Bliss. As predicted in Hindu scriptures, the Supreme Lord bestowed the Knowledge of Para Shakti to Sunderbai (Shyama Ji) and brought about the awareness regarding the Nij-Swaroop, Nij-Dham, and Nij-Lila.
After the appearance of Supreme Lord, and the descent of Tartam Knowledge, the Supreme Lord’s aavesh, and Consort Shyama's soul (Atman) became one. The Perfect Divine Couple (Yugal Swaroop) made Dev Chandra Ji’s heart their abode. Now, Dev Chandra Ji transformed into Nijanand Swami. This way, the seed of the true soul awakening knowledge sprouted on the Holy Land, Nautan Puri (Jamnagar, Gujarat) in the temple of Shyamji.
Eteh din trilok mein, huti budh supan |
So Budhji budh Jagrit Lay, Pragte Puri Nautan || (TS, Pari: 2/11)
It is not that the great masters who came to this world did not try to search for the One Supreme Truth God. In fact, they all did try, but could not succeed because this credit was already reserved for the Kalki Avatar. In the above verse of the holy Tartam Sagar, Dev Chandra Ji is identified as the long awaited Kalki or Buddha Avatar.
Awekning Of Mihir raj's Soul
As already predicted in Puran Samhita, the massive work of soul awakening was to be accomplished through the combined efforts of the two great souls, Sunderbai and Indrawati, from the Supreme Heaven Param Dham. The Holy Koran also predicted this: “The soul of Allah (Rooh Allah) will ware two different dresses, viz., Lam is Malki Surat (Dev Chandra Ji), and Mim is Hakki Surat (Pran Nath Ji).” Accordingly, the soul of Indrawati (worldly name Mehraj Thakur) joined the Jagni mission of Nijanand Swami. Mihir raj (Sept. 6, 1618-1694ADj) was born in Jamnagar (Gujarat) to mother Dhanbai and father Keshav Thakur, the Chief Minister of the State. At the age of twelve, he was introduced to Nijanand Swami, who instantly recognized in him the soul of Indrawati and awakened him.
Note: Both, the Supreme Lord and His souls, cannot be identified by worldly names. Indrawati and Sunderbai are the names of the Gopies of Brij and Raas. In the scriptures, these same names have been utilized to establish proper co-relation with the predicted events.
Prannath
Supreme Godhead Prannath is the Original Lover of the Par-atmans, who made one of His Souls Indrawati's heart His abode. Indrawati is the spiritual identity of an Atman experiencing the worldly drama in the person of Mihir-raj Thakur (AD 1618-1694, born and raised in Jamnagar, Guj., India). First time ever, Beloved Prannath bestowed Indrawati (in the person of Mihir raj) the exalted title of ‘Mahamati,’ signifying the impregnation of Prannath's five-fold divine empowers in her heart. These powers are: Exalted Inspirational Power (Josh or Ᾱvesh), Bliss (Anand), Tartam Knowledge (Noor), Will (Hukum) and Awakened Intellect (Jagrut Buddhi and Nij Buddhi)
In his mysterious Samadhi state termed 'Turyateeta', poetic verses (Chopais) were revealed through him, mostly by his title “Mahamati". A total of 18,758 such verses were revealed over the span of 33 years at different places. Later, they were compiled in fourteen sections before Mahamati's assuming the permanent Samadhi state. It now makes up Tartam Sagar (TS), the principal holy book of NS. Being the Ocean of revealed Tartamic Wisdom. It is also called Kulzam Swaroop (KS). Some recent scholars even call it "Seventeenth Century Revelations."
Mahamati saw people's obsession with mere externalities of religious practices and realized that the ritualistic part of the scripture had caused sectarian outlook in their minds. So, he saw it a priority to annihilate the monster of ignorance about unity of everything with the sword of integral Tartam knowledge. He integrated the esoteric scriptural essences and preached these fundamental essences permeating in the scriptures of the East and the West and advanced his religious ideas with emphasis on unity and magnanimity.
With the grace of Godhead, Mahamati integrated the pearls of divine wisdom scattered throughout the diverse world scriptures preparing a beautiful necklace revealing the totality of One Ultimate Reality. He taught and practiced the fundamental unity underlying all the religious creeds. Inspired by his ideals of oneness of all religions, and his vision for a true form of a universal religion, many men and women left their homes and accompanied him everywhere in completion of his mission. The true value of his Unitarian plan for the humanity can be realized only if one dares to break free from the confines of his narrow sectarian views.
Naam saron jude dharey, jude jude bhekh anek |
Jin koi zagdo aap mein dhani sabon ka eak || Tartam Sagar (TS)
Hukmen Ved Kateb mein, likhe lakhon nishaan ||
So mile kaul dekhe toom, haai haai ajun na aave emaan || TS Si: 29/98
He realized that the essence of the Vedas and the wisdoms of all Prophets was concentrated mostly in Srimad Bhagvatam and metaphorically in Koran. But since people were taught to understand their words literally, the essence was lost.
In an age of religious intolerance of Mughal king Aurangzeb more than three and a half centuries ago, it was Mahamati who insisted that no worldly barriers including cultural, geographical or linguistic can stop spirituality from growing. While world cultures can celebrate their individual diversities, humanity as a whole cannot afford to remain in isolation anymore. He taught the fundamental unity underlying all the religious creeds and offer a vision for a true form of a universal religion. In Mahamati's eyes, belief in One God is essentially the belief in Sat-Chit-Ananad of Aksharateet level. This means faith in absolute truth and freedom from all limitations, total awareness of pure love consciousness, and bliss that brings total happiness and fulfillment. Grounding here in non-dual Sat-Chit-Anand's heart causes infinite growth of beauty, harmony, peace, love, wisdom, joyful relationship, compassion and grace.
Tartam Sagar
Tartam Sagar is the infinite ocean of transcendental wisdom inspired directly by the Supreme Beloved Godhead. The word Tartam is combination of two root words: Tar and Tam. 'Tar' implies the Light of Supreme Wisdom emanating from the Meta-Form (Swaroop) of solidified pure Love Consciousness (Chidghan). And, 'Tam' implies lack of love awareness or the darkness. Duality (Dvaita) is this darkness of ignorance about what is Dream and what is Real. When the word 'Tar' emanating from the Supreme Consciousness was associated with 'Tam' of lack of love awareness, the purest Supreme Wisdom emerged with the name Tartam.
Tartam Sagar(TS) is also known as Kulzam Swaroop(KS) is the main religious book of Nijanand. Tartam Sagar contains 17 sub books (Raas, Prakash Hindustani, Prakash Gujarati, Khatruti, Kalash Hindi, Kalash Gujarati, Sagar, Singar, Sanandh, Sindhi, Parikrama, Kirantan, Marifat Sagar, Khulasa, Khilwat, Chhota Quamatnama, and Bada Quamatnama. Together these seventeen books contain 18,758 verses. Tartam Sagar is the latest knowledge from Aksharateet Par-Brahman (Godhead) and it’s the only spiritual scripture in the world which has written as it was reveled by Godhead . All of the religious books in Nijanand is in poetic form written in Devanagari Hindi. The verse is called a Chopai.
Beetak
Beetak contains the life account of Devchandraji, Prananathji and adherents of Nijanand. It is a historical account and biography of Nijanand. Beetak is the second most important book in Nijanand. Beetak complements Tartam Sagar. Beetak is written in the same form and language as Tartam Sagar. Beetak is written by Mahamati Laladas swami. Laladas was an initial disciple of Mahamati Prannath.
In addition to Beetak NIjanand has two additional books that was written by disciples of Prannath. These books are Badi Vrit and Navarang Vani.
Faith Practices
Being strictly monotheistic, the faith practice avoids traditional idol worship and instead emphasizes in the following:
- Sincere study and contemplation of Holy Tartam Sagar and Beetak
- Developing personal practices for spiritual growth based on application of the teachings in life, and mainly by sharing God's love (Prem) through selfless services (Seva)
- Regular meditation (chitwani) of Godhead's divine form (Swaroop) and blissful love play (Leela) in Supreme Abode, which is called Paramdham.
- Follow Vegetarianism,Speak Truth, Prohibit Tobacco Products and alcohol.
Chitwan (Meditation)
Practice of Chitwan is unique requirement in Nijanand. During attaining the knowledge of Tartam Sagar Sundersatha(adherents) are required to do a meditation practice to attain the self-awakening process called Jagani. In the Chitwan one can concentrate his/her inner consciousness on the ever-joyful pure transcendent teenage form of God, any places of Paramdham (supreme heaven), or Leela’s (Divine sports) of God.
Jagani (Self Awakening of Soul)
Jagani process started by the great Satguru of Nijanand is the one of the most important aspect of human life in the Nijanand. Upon our soul’s wishes Aksharateet Par-Brahman (Godhead) has separated our soul’s consciousness from his supreme soul and delivered us to this world to show his entire realm. With this detachment our soul has forgot its true form and Love of Aksharateet. Via process of Jagani (Self Awakening) one’s soul will realize its true form and answer all the eternal questions itself. The jagani can be attained via gaining the knowledge of Tartam Sagar, Creating Love for God within ourselves, doing Chitwan (Meditation), and living a sattvic life.
Ananda
Ananda is not related to any fleeting happiness. We are guarenteed to get bored or discontent with happiness coming from outside - from any amount of material asset that you may acquire. That's just our delusion of happiness. Ananda is the state of happiness or joy without outside reasons. Ananda is real, eternal, ever new and never boring. And, God is the ocean of infinite Ananda, the Source from where flows Ananada in every Atman (or Par-Atman in Paramdham). Par-Atman is Atman's ultimate divine form and Paramadham is the abode of Par-Atmans where every particle is in the perfect state of Ananda.
Rituals
Rituals of Nijanand are similar to that of Hindus. However, there is slight differences in these rituals. In Nijanand Tartam Sagar held the center position in these rituals.
Festivals and Celebrations
Followers of Nijanand celebrate Holi, Diwali, Guru Purnima, Janmashtami and Rkshabandhan. Many of this festival are same as celebrated by people in India.
Place of Worship
Nijanand Place of worship is called Prannanthji Mandir. Mandir is an Indian word for temple. Temple has similar architectural as a Vedic temple. However, the Garbhagriha of temple has clothed ornate copy of Tartam Sagar. This ornate copy represents Aksharateet Par-Brahman (Godhead). As per core Vedic principal Nijanand do not believe in idolatry. Nijanand believes that Godhead resides in his knowledge of Tartam Sagar. Hence by attaining the knowledge of Aksharateet Par-Brahman (Godhead) one can know Aksharateet Par-Brahman (Godhead) and its many manifestations better.
Pilgrimage Places of Nijanand
City of Panna located in beautiful Vindhya range of central India is the most important place of worship for sundersath (followers) of Nijanand. After touring most of Indian subcontinent Prannathji and his followers laid foundation of Panna Temple. City is built around these temples. Main temples are Ghummatji Temple, Banglaji Temple, Satguru Temple, Baijuraj Temple and Choparaji Temple.
There many more places of pilgramges scattered throught subcontinents. These are places where Prannathji stayed during his Jagani tour of India.
Nijanand in Morden Time
Followership
Both Nijanand Swami and Mahamati welcomed people from all diverse castes, creeds and religions - Hindus and Muslims under the Unitarian fold of his Tartam Wisdom. Devotees were given one spiritual identity: 'Sundarsath', meaning "Blissful loving companion." After Nijanand Swami's passing, Mahamati's ideals of oneness of all religions and his vision for a true form of a universal religion inspired many men and women who left their homes and accompanied him everywhere in completion of divine mission of Jagani. Throughout his journey to awaken souls until arriving at Panna , thousands joined as his teaching grew into a glowing sun radiating its light in all parts of India.
Today, more than three million Sundarsath followers from diverse background, are scattered throughout Indian subcontinent, and mostly in Africa, Europe, middle east, and north America. Throughout the world, numerous Ashrams, temples and Satsang Centers are actively working to fulfill the divine mission under diverse leaderships. Humanitarian activities are also undertaken by many organizations.
Between 16th and 18th century Nijanand was the most prominent religious reform movement across India. The evidence of this can be found in the old temples situated across sub-continent from eastern most part of the country to western part. Movement influenced many philosophers, Freedom Fighters, Saints, Sufis, Reformers, Rulers and Sects. Presently movement is resurrecting its self from many years of stagnation. Movements like Jagani Abhiyan started by Shri Jagani Ratna(AKA Sarkar Shri) within Nijanand is working to bring Nijanand and its Philosophy in the context of present world.
Exoduses
Partition of India 1947: Many followers of Nijanand were living in the areas of West Punjab and Sindh what is now a part of Pakistan. After Partition many of these followers resettled resettled in various cities across India such as Jaipur, Delhi, Amritsar, Chandigarh etc.
Bhutanese Refugee crises: It is said that once upon a time around 30% of the population in Nepal followed Nijanand and a big chunk of people in Northeast India were followers of Nijanand. Many of these followers were living in the country of Bhutan situated in Northeast of India. Bhutan shares border with India and china. Due to religious tensions with Buddhist majority and Hindu minorities close to 100,000 Hindu Bhutanese were expelled from Bhutan in 1990’s by the persecuted policies of Bhutanese government against non-Buddhists. Amnesty International called this as one of the most neglected refugee crises in the world. All of these people settled in refugee camps across Nepal until early 2010. After 2010 many governments around the world notably western governments granted these stateless people path to permanent residencies and citizenship. Many Nijanand followers from this refugee crisis settled in various cities across the USA and Canada.
Gender Equality in Nijanand
From the beginning stage of the faith, women played crucial role in propagating spiritual awakening movement. The Founder, the Exponent and their torch bearer Maharaja Chhatrasal - all of them were happily married and lived inspirational family life along with simultaneous involvement in the mission of spiritual awakening. They recognized discrimination against women and negative effects of racism and set concrete examples for the future. Nijanand Swami initiated and sheltered widows and women form downtrodden castes and from diverse background, including Hindus, Muslims and others. They gave singular identity of 'Sundarsath' to all devotees to erase social inequality. While in Panna, Mahamati and Maharaja Chhatrasal challenged and discontinued the cruel tradition of Sati (Sati Pratha) in which a widow was required to sacrifice herself by sitting atop her deceased husband's funeral pyre. At least 150 years before organized movements for women right began in India, in around 1694-95, Maharaja Chhatrasal demonstrated his progressive ideology by initiating an ascetic woman named Kesarbai, and later delegating her the responsibility to lead the Sundarsath community in Jamnagar (Nautanpuri) region by sharing Tartam Wisdom with them. Chhatrasal sent each one, including Kesarbai with Tartam Sagar from Panna. Mahamati's wife, Tejkunvari and Chhatrasal's wife Devkunvari and Mazli Rani had also performed an important role to uplift the spirit of women.
Nijanand provided shelter to persecuted Hindus from the atrocities of Mughal Empire. Nijanand’s work among reducing cast inequality and discrimination among different casts within Indian society is unparalleled. This can be found in the teaching of Nijanand.
Jaat Eik Khasam Ki, Aur na Koi Jaat |
Ek khasam, Eik Duniya Ud gayi Duji Baat || Tartam Sagar (TS)
There should not be any ambiguity that everybody came from one source of supreme Godhead. Hence everybody is equal and there should not be any racial discrimination among humans.
Popular Culture
In the late 2012 Shri Prananath TV serial was produced. The plot of the series was based on the Tartam Sagar, Laldas Krit Beetak and Navaran Vani.
In 2020 Web series called Chatrasal were produced by the Prannath Global Consciousness Mission and Resonance digital Media
NGO Affiliated with Nijanand
Shri Prananath Vishwa Chetna Abhiyan.
Prannath Global Consious Mission
Lord Prannath Divine Center
Shri Prannath Multi Media
References
Swarup, Kuljam. 1994. Hindi Translated version Vol. III, Project team headed by Jagdish Chandra and Krishnadas (Panna), Nijanand Ashram Trust (Registered), Ratan Puri, District: Muzaffarnagar, (Uttar Pradesh).
Bitak, Sahib. 1992. Sri 108 Swami Lal Das Ji Krit. Panna (Madhya Pradesh): Nijanand Ashram Trust (Registered). Dharam Veer Jagni Ratan and Sri Jagdish Chandra Ji. 1995.
Navrang Vani, Sri 108 Swami Navarang Swami Krit.
Param Dham Ki Badi Vrit, Sri 108 Swami Lal Das Ji krit.
Seventeenth Century Revelations By K.C.Vyas Delhi, India
Tartam Ka Tartam: The Essense of the Most Esoteric Spiritual Wisdom Acharya Budhdhi Prakash Bajpai, Ph.D (Phil)
Nijanand (Pranami) Sampradaya - Encyclopedia of Hinduism
This article "Nijanand" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical and/or the page Edithistory:Nijanand. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.
