On the day of Chaitra Sud Navmi, Samvat 1837, at 10.10pm, all the planets were at their usual positions and Vasant season was ongoing. It is in these circumstances that Almighty Shree Swaminarayan Bhagwan was born to Bhaktidevi and Dharmapita in order to uproot unrighteousness and establish Ekantik Dharma for the benefit of millions and millions of souls.
This most sacred day celebrates two divine appearances: Lord Ram and Lord Swaminarayan, both appearing on the same day of Chaitra Sud Navmi – though in different yugas.
Ram Navmi
Ram Navmi celebrates the birth of Lord Ramachandra, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, who appeared in the Treta Yuga. He is the embodiment of righteousness (Dharma), and his life as described in the Ramayana is the ideal of perfect conduct for a son, husband, brother, and king.
Swaminarayan Jayanti
Lord Swaminarayan (Sahajanand Swami) was born in 1781 in Chhapaiya, Uttar Pradesh. He is believed by followers to be the Supreme Being (Purna Purushottam Narayan) who descended to earth to uplift souls. He established the Swaminarayan Sampraday, which today has millions of followers worldwide.
On this day, Mandirs hold special celebrations with elaborate puja, abhishek (ritual bathing of the deity), kirtans, and discourses. It is one of the most joyous and widely celebrated festivals in the Swaminarayan calendar.