Definition: Vasant – Spring Panchmi – 5th day The literal meaning of Shikshapatri is the ‘letter of teachings’
On this day in Samvat 1882 (1826 AD) in Vadtal Lord Swaminarayan unveiled the jewel of the Sampraday, the Holy Scripture called SHIKSHAPTRI.
The Shikshapatri is an ocean of knowledge. It contains the mysteries of the smruti shastras. Lord Swaminarayan has in 212 verses given us the key for living a happy life leading to moksha. Shreeji maharaj has written the Shikshapatri, not only for his followers or for gods, Rishis or humans but for the welfare of all living beings, and those who abide by it will achieve great happiness including,
- Dharma (Virtue),
- Artha (Wealth),
- Kama (Pleasure)
- Moksha (Salvation).
Shikshapatri was originally written in Sanskrit by Lord Swaminarayan himself and later translated by great saints present at the time. It is available in two forms the short version, which is to be read as part of daily pooja and secondly in a more detailed version called Shikshapatri Bashya.
Shikshapatri Shlokas are read every day during the morning pooja.
A copy of the Shikshapatri can be found at the Bodlien Library at Oxford University. This Shikshaptri was gifted by Lord Swaminarayan to Sir Malcolm, the governor of Bombay during the British Empire.
On this day devotees in our temples perform poojan of the Shikshapatri. The 212 Slokhas are recited and prashad of popcorn is served. The playing of colours is performed in the temples by sprinkling Kum Kum on the devotees whilst observing the rules of our dharma.
“This Shikshapatri which are my words are my own form. It is therefore not to be considered like other scriptures and is to be preserved with respect and worshipped”.