Sadguru Shri Shukanand Swami

Early life :

Shukanand Swami was born in the village of Dabhan near Nadiad in Gujarat on the 5th day of the Margshirsh month in the Vikram Samvat year 1855 in an Audichya Brahmin family.  From his childhood he was detached from the material world and did not seek worldly pleasures, but was more interested in theological studies.

Diksha (initiation as a saint) :

When he met Lord Swaminarayan in Gadhada and was given diksha, Lord Swaminarayan noticed his detachment from the world and ascetic life like Shukdevji, he named him Shukanand Swami in the presence of Muktanand Swami.

Lord’s writer :

Whenever Shreeji Maharaj had something to write, he would call upon Shukanand Swami and dictate it to him.  Shreeji Maharaj also asked him to compose scriptures for the Swaminarayan faith.  His love for the Lord is evident in the many hymns that he composed.  He was also one of the composer’s of the Vachanamrutam.