Kathmandu, Nepal The World Sanskrit Conference is a prestigious international gathering dedicated to the Sanskrit language—a celebration of one of the world’s most ancient and profound languages. Held every three years in different countries, the conference brings together thousands of scholars from around the globe to present research and engage in meaningful dialogue on Sanskrit language, literature, and philosophy.
This year, the 19th edition of the five-day conference ranged from June 26 to 30, 2025, in Kathmandu, Nepal, and was inaugurated by the President of Nepal. Reflecting Nepal’s sacred connection to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, the organizers invited a special session dedicated to the Akshar-Purushottam Darshan—the unique Vedantic philosophy revealed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
Nepal has been sanctified Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He journeyed across its terrain for nearly three years, sanctifying the land through his spiritual austerities, yogic practices, and by imparting divine knowledge. It was during this sacred journey that he expounded the core principles of the Akshar-Purushottam Darshan, which has since become a revered school of Vedantic thought.
In recognition of this deep spiritual bond between Nepal and the teachings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, a special academic session on Akshar-Purushottam Darshan was organized on June 28 as part of the conference. Esteemed scholars from Nepal, India, the United States, China, Japan, and various European nations participated.
The session was chaired by Mahamahopadhyaya Swami Bhadreshdas, the author of the Swaminarayan Bhashyas, a commentary on the Prasthanatrayi, and a globally recognized scholar of Vedanta. Many distinguished academics and institutional leaders graced the session, including:
- Shri Kashinath Nyaupane – National Coordinator of the World Sanskrit Conference and renowned scholar from Nepal
- Prof. Srinivasa Varakhedi – Vice Chancellor, Central Sanskrit University, Delhi
- Prof. Murli Manohar Pathak – Vice Chancellor, Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit University, Delhi
- Prof. G.S. Murthy – Vice Chancellor, Central Sanskrit University, Tirupati
- Prof. Bhagyesh Jha – Renowned Sanskrit scholar and former IAS officer
- Prof. Sukanta Senapati – Vice Chancellor, Shree Somnath Sanskrit University, Gujarat
- Prof. Rani Sadashiv Murthy – Vice Chancellor, Vedic University, Tirupati
- Prof. Hareram Tripathi – Vice Chancellor, Kavikulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit University, Nagpur
- Prof. Ramsevak Dubey – Vice Chancellor, Jagadguru Ramanandacharya Rajasthan Sanskrit University
- Prof. Vijay Kumar C.G. – Vice Chancellor, Maharshi Panini Sanskrit & Vedic University, Ujjain
- Prof. Ramnarayan Dwivedi – Secretary General, Kashi Vidvat Parishad
- Dr. Sachchidanand Mishra – Member Secretary, Indian Council of Philosophical Research (ICPR)
Representatives from several prominent Nepali organizations also attended, including Nepal Sanskrit University, Rashtriya Dharma Jagaran Abhiyan, Jayatu Sanskritam, Nepal Shikshan Parishad, Nepal Panchang Nirnayak Vikas Samiti, Nepal Pandit Mahasabha, Nepal Maharshi Vedic Foundation, and Valmiki Vidyapeeth.
A defining feature of this session was that, for the first time in Nepal, the Akshar-Purushottam Darshan as revealed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan was formally introduced to the scholarly community. In honor of this historic moment, Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj conveyed his blessings and prayers for the success of the entire conference through a heartfelt video message.
During the session, scholars presented research papers on various tenets of the Akshar-Purushottam Darshan. Topics and presenters included:
- Dr. Atmatruptdas Swami: A Study on the Composition Process of the Swaminarayan Bhashyas on the Prasthanatrayi in 21st Century Sanskrit Literature
- Dr. Aksharananddas Swami: The Akṣara-Puruṣottama Darśana’s Analysis of Dharma in the Bhagavad Gita
- Acharya Brahmananddas Swami: The Concept of Divine Manifestation in Akshar-Purushottam Darshan Revealed by Parabrahman Bhagwan Swaminarayan
- Dr. Gnanatruptdas Swami: Akshar-Purushottam Darshan in the Vachanamrut of Bhagwan Swaminarayan
- Dr. Sagar Acharya: The Unified Philosophical Structure of the Swaminarayan Bhashyas on the Prasthanatrayi from the Perspective of Aksharbrahman
- Acharya Tarun Dhola: A Study on the Brahman-Parabrahman Relationship According to Akshar-Purushottam Darshan
- Acharya Harikrishna Pedhadiya: An Analysis of Brahman-Atman Unity in the Gita Bhashya of Akshar-Purushottam Darshan
- Acharya Tejas Koria: A Comparative Study of the Concept of Akshara in Vishishtadvaita and Akshar-Purushottam Darshan Based on the Bhagavad Gita
In his keynote remarks, Prof. Srinivasa Varakhedi praised the Akshar-Purushottam Siddhanta revealed by Parabrahman Bhagwan Swaminarayan as a distinct and original contribution to the Vedic philosophical tradition. He further announced that the Central Sanskrit University has formally incorporated the Akshar-Purushottam Darshan into its curriculum from this academic year.
In his concluding address, Mahamahopadhyaya Swami Bhadreshdas emphasized the sanctity of Nepal, sanctified by the presence of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, who not only blessed the land but also shared the divine truths of the Akshar-Purushottam Darshan with seekers there. He highlighted the unbroken flow of Sanatan Vedic tradition, which continues to give rise to new insights and schools of thought over time.
Today, countless aspirants across the world are striving to internalize the principles of the Akshar-Purushottam Darshan. Leading scholars have recognized it as a unique and foundational contribution to Vedic Sanatan Dharma. Notably, numerous global universities are now offering courses and academic programs focused on this school of thought, furthering its reach and scholarly exploration.
To commemorate the moment, Shri Kashinath Nyaupane, National Coordinator of the World Sanskrit Conference, formally declared, “Today, we in Nepal joyfully welcome, honor, and establish the Akshar-Purushottam Darshan.”
Thus, the special session on Akshar-Purushottam Darshan at the 19th World Sanskrit Conference became a memorable occasion—both from the perspective of Vedantic philosophy and the sacred bond between Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the spiritual land of Nepal.
