How Shrimadji transformed Gandhiji into the “Mahatma”

On the 152nd birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, here are some intriguing facts about his deep spiritual connection with Shrimad Rajchandraji:

• Gandhiji often regarded Shrimadji as Kavi Shri, for his spontaneity & clarity in conveying profound wisdom via the medium of poetry.

• Right from his first interaction in the year 1891, he was spellbound by Shrimadji’s depth of knowledge, inspiring character and burning passion for Self-realisation. Shrimadji’s teachings had a prominent role in shaping the virtues of Truth, Non-violence, Compassion and Brahmacharya, which were central to Gandhiji’s core philosophy. 

• Deeply inspired by Shrimadji’s blissful state, Mahatma Gandhi revered him as  a spiritual mentor, a role model and a trusted friend.

• Through conversations and letters, Shrimadji resolved Gandhiji’s questions on numerous matters such as the nature of God, Soul, Dharma, Moksha (Liberation), Bhakti, Karma, Life, Death, Afterlife and so on. He even received invaluable guidance on many holy scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita, the Vedas and the Bible. 

• The Vairagya-filled verses of the Apoorva Avsar Kaavya had a deep impact on Gandhiji’s life. The virtue of detachment from worldly desires & materialistic pleasures was quite evident in his values and actions. Ever since, this divine composition by Shrimadji has been an integral part of the Ashram Bhajanavali — a collection of devotional songs sung daily at the Sabarmati Ashram, Gujarat, India. 

Whether it was his individual life, or his life-story and philosophy that still resonate across the nation and abroad,  Shrimadji’s presence has had a remarkable influence on Mahatma Gandhi.

Compiled by Avneesh Shisodia Prabhu

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• Listen to the audio track of Shrimadji’s Apoorva Avsar Kaavya »
• Explore this Vairagya-filled poetic composition from the perspective of Sanyam & Sadhana in the Apoorva Avsar book, written by Sri Guru »
• This blog describes the various stages of Vairagya on a seeker’s journey »
• Filled with divine and thought-provoking notions, read short excerpts from Shrimadji’s Vachanamrut in the form of Shrimad Sutras »