This 49-foot-tall bronze murti of Shri Nilkanth Varni – the teenage yogi form of Bhagwan Swaminarayan – depicts him standing on one leg with arms raised skywards in deep meditation, a posture he maintained for months at Muktinath in Nepal. It stands as a tribute to his sacred pilgrimage and rigorous austerities, undertaken for the spiritual welfare of humanity.
Born in 1781 in the village of Chhapaiya, Uttar Pradesh, Bhagwan Swaminarayan spent his early years in Chhapaiya and Ayodhya. On 29 June 1792, at the tender age of 11, he renounced his home and worldly life, adopted the name ‘Nilkanth Varni’, and embarked on a remarkable seven-year journey spanning 12,000 kilometres across present-day India, Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
Barefoot, wearing only a simple waistcloth, and without money or possessions, Nilkanth Varni travelled with an indomitable spirit. He fearlessly negotiated the treacherous, icy peaks of the Himalayas, navigated the dense jungles of eastern India, walked along the vast coastlines of southern India, and traversed the expansive terrains of western India.
During his travels, he visited many sacred pilgrimage sites, including Badrinath and Kedarnath in the north, Tirupati and Rameshwaram in the south, and Pandharpur and Somnath in the west. At each place, Nilkanth Varni engaged in profound dialogues with people of diverse beliefs and backgrounds. He shared fundamental lessons on life and spirituality, guiding many on to the path of ultimate liberation – moksha.
Often going days without food or water, Nilkanth Varni performed intense austerities at sacred places such as Manasarovar and Jagannath Puri. A remarkable example of his deep devotion, unwavering resolve, and steadfast spiritual discipline occurred at Muktinath in Nepal, where he stood in deep meditation for months, balanced on one leg with arms raised skywards. The magnificent statue memorializes that unparalleled feat of endurance and devotion.
His journey, marked by single-minded determination and a selfless commitment to the welfare of all, culminated on 21 August 1799, in the village of Loj, Gujarat. At just 21 years of age, Nilkanth Varni was widely recognized as a spiritual leader. He revitalized the principles and practices of Sanatan Hindu Dharma and spearheaded numerous social and spiritual initiatives to uplift society and strengthen dharma. Due to his divine virtues, profound wisdom, and inspiring leadership, he became enshrined in the hearts of countless people as Parabrahma Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan.
This ‘Nilkanth Vatika’, dedicated to Shri Nilkanth Varni, is a source of inspiration, encouraging visitors to cultivate determination, strengthen their faith, and practise self-discipline. May this sacred space guide you on your life journey towards harmony, fulfilment, and inner peace.
Inspired & Consecrated by:
His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj
11 November 2024; Kartik sud 10, Vikram Samvat 2081
