Devanand Swami

Childhood

He was born in 1803 (Samvat year 1859 on Kartik Poornima) in the village of Barol, India. Devanand Swami's childhood name was Devidan, his mother's name was Bahenjiba, and his father's name was Jijibhai.

Devidan once held his father's hand and they went to a Shiva temple. The child was very religious and wanted to please Lord Shiva. A legend says that he poured some water and milk on the idol. He felt very happy after doing this. Then, Lord Shiva presented a boon to him in that he would meet the supreme lord in person. Devidan was extremely happy.

Becoming a Saint

Devidan once ran into Swaminarayan, who was believed to be the lord. Lord Shiva's boon came true. After seeing Swaminarayan do unusual things that the ordinary can't do, he was convinced that Swaminarayan surely was the supreme lord. Swaminarayan initiated him into the sadhu fold (becoming a saint). He was then renamed Devanand Swami. Devanand Swami's singing was said to be great- he composed few, but he had astounding kirtans (religious songs). Devanand Swami was also popular for his great talent with the sitar (an instrument popular in India). Devanand Swami taught his great talent to many people, such as Dalpatram. After Brahmanand Swami died, he was in charge of the temple at Muli. Finally, in 1854 (Samvat 1910) Devanand Swami died.