Virpur, Gujarat: A massive controversy has erupted in Gujarat after Swami Gyanprakash of the Vadtal Swaminarayan sect made controversial remarks about Jalaram Bapa during a religious discourse in Amroli, Surat. His comments have deeply hurt the sentiments of the Raghuvanshi community and Jalaram Bapa’s devotees, leading to widespread outrage. In response, a crucial meeting was held in Virpur (Jalaram) on Monday, where leaders, traders, and prominent community members decided to observe a complete shutdown for two days.
Virpur to Remain Shut for Two Days
During the meeting at Virpur Gram Panchayat, community leaders decided that the town would remain completely shut on March 4 and 5, except for essential services such as medical stores and hospitals. The protest aims to express the community’s anger over Swami Gyanprakash’s statements and demand a public apology. The Panchayat has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to Swami Gyanprakash, demanding that he visit Virpur and personally apologize at Jalaram Bapa’s temple. If he fails to do so by the evening of March 5, the community will decide further action on March 6.
Swami Gyanprakash’s Apology and the Ongoing Controversy
Amid the growing backlash, Swami Gyanprakash has publicly apologized and deleted the controversial video. However, this has not pacified the devotees, who insist that an in-person apology is necessary. Additionally, Swami Gyanprakash has been invited to bring the literature he cited while making the remarks. Devotees claim that the Swami misrepresented historical facts, leading to false narratives about Jalaram Bapa’s legacy.
Historical References and PDF Controversy
Following the controversy, a PDF document has surfaced on social media groups of Swaminarayan followers. The document contains excerpts from the book Parachano Amar Itihaas and old newspaper clippings, mentioning that Gunatitanand Swami, a revered saint in the Swaminarayan sect, once visited Virpur and was served food by Jalaram Bapa. However, the document lacks any reference to Gunatitanand Swami giving direct blessings for the establishment of the ‘Sada Vrat’ (continuous food service) tradition at the temple. This has further fueled the debate over historical accuracy.
Raghuvanshi Community Plans Further Action
Rameshbhai Sarvaiya, the sarpanch of Virpur, has stated that the entire village is deeply hurt by Swami Gyanprakash’s statements. “Jalaram Bapa’s legacy has been respected for over 205 years. His Sada Vrat began with the blessings of his guru, Bhojalram Bapa, and continues to serve the needy to this day. Any attempt to distort history will not be tolerated,” he said. He also emphasized that while Swami Gyanprakash has apologized online, it is up to the villagers and devotees to decide the next course of action.
The Legacy of Jalaram Bapa and His Sada Vrat
Jalaram Bapa’s food service tradition, Sada Vrat, began in Vikram Samvat 1876 (1819 AD) when he was just 20 years old. Inspired by his guru, Bhojalram Bapa of Fatehpur, he started providing food to the hungry, a practice that continues uninterrupted even today. Devotees believe that Jalaram Bapa’s divine relics—the Jholi (cloth bag) and Danda (stick)—ensure that food never runs out at the Virpur temple.
Jalaram Bapa was born on Kartak Sud Saptami, Vikram Samvat 1856 (1799 AD) in the house of Pradhan Thakkar and Rajbai. He was a devoted disciple of Bhojalram Bapa, and after marrying Virbai Ma, he dedicated his entire life to serving the poor and hungry. Even when tested by God in the form of a sadhu, Jalaram Bapa did not hesitate to donate everything he had, including his wife. He attained Vaikunth Dham on Maha Vad Dasam, Vikram Samvat 1937 (February 23, 1881), at the age of 81.
Devotees Demand Historical Truth and Respect
Jalaram Bapa’s temple in Virpur is a sacred site for millions of devotees across India and abroad. His Sada Vrat is considered a symbol of unwavering faith and service. The controversy has struck an emotional chord among his followers, who are now demanding respect for historical facts.
As the deadline for Swami Gyanprakash’s in-person apology approaches, the community is determined to safeguard Jalaram Bapa’s legacy. The next steps will depend on whether Swami Gyanprakash complies with the demands or if further protests will be initiated on March 6. The coming days will be crucial in determining how this religious dispute unfolds.
