On March 24, 2022, a historic discourse on the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita Swaminarayan Bhashyam was held on the banks of the sacred Indradyumna Sarovar. Bhagwan Swaminarayan visited this ancient pilgrim place in 1797–1798 CE (Samvat 1853–1854). During his six-month stay in Jagannath Puri, he further sanctified the sarovar on numerous occasions by bathing in its holy waters. In memory of his stay, a small shrine that housed the murtis of Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj was consecrated. A colloquium attended by distinguished scholars of East India was organized to commemorate Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s discourses on the principles of the Akshar-Purushottam that transpired at this location.

After welcoming all attending scholars, Atmatruptdas Swami conveyed the significance of the Indradyumna Sarovar as well as the history of the Akshar-Purushottam Darshan. Thereafter, Mahamahopadhyay Bhadreshdas Swami delivered an address on verse 18.54 of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita. After first reciting its commentary, he elaborated on the verse’s contextual reference, spiritual significance, and practical implications in Sanskrit. The discourse culminated with a discussion where many scholars expressed their admiration of Bhagawan Swaminarayan’s teachings. Shri Harekrishna Shathapathiji concluded the event by stating, “Today, I received a satisfying answer to an inquiry I’ve had for over twenty years. I would often explain that the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita is a journey from despair to bliss, but I remained unclear on how to attain that bliss. I attempted to understand the meaning of the term ‘prasad’ from the Gita, but I remained discontent. From today’s presentation on the Akshar-Purushottam Darshan, I learned that only when one becomes brahmarup does one attain prasad or bliss. Like Arjuna, my disillusion was removed, and I feel delighted… All of us present express our earnest advocation and admiration for the Akshar-Purushottam Darshan.” The attendees of the event applauded and expressed their delight and support of Shathapathiji’s commendation.