by A new storm has erupted in Gujarat as Jnanjivan Swami, a saint from the Swaminarayan sect, made controversial comments about Lord Ganesha, the revered Vighnaharta, on March 30, 2025. Following earlier disputes involving Jalaram Bapa and Dwarkadhish, this latest outburst has reignited tensions with Sanatan Dharma followers. Speaking at a gathering in Botad, the Swami’s remarks have drawn sharp criticism, with devotees accusing the sect of repeatedly disrespecting Hindu deities. The incident adds fuel to an ongoing debate about the sect’s stance toward traditional Hinduism.
Jnanjivan Swami’s Shocking Claim on Ganesha
During a sermon, Jnanjivan Swami allegedly portrayed Lord Ganesha, widely worshipped as the remover of obstacles, as a servant of Swaminarayan Bhagwan. This controversial comment, made on March 30, 2025, has stunned devotees who hold Ganesha in high esteem across Sanatan Dharma. The Swami’s attempt to elevate the Swaminarayan sect’s founder over a universally adored deity has sparked outrage, with many calling it an affront to Hindu traditions. Social media posts on X reflect growing anger among the faithful.
Pattern of Disputes: Jalaram Bapa, Dwarkadhish, Now Ganesha
This isn’t the first time the Swaminarayan sect has courted controversy. Earlier in March 2025, saints from the sect faced backlash for claims about Jalaram Bapa and questioning Lord Dwarkadhish’s presence in Dwarka. Now, Jnanjivan Swami’s remarks on Vighnaharta Ganesha follow a similar pattern, suggesting a deliberate agenda to assert dominance over Sanatan Dharma icons. Critics argue this reflects a recurring disrespect, stirring unrest among Gujarat’s Hindu communities, from Virpur to Dwarka.
Public Backlash Grows in Gujarat
The controversial comments by Jnanjivan Swami have triggered widespread condemnation across Gujarat as of March 31, 2025. Devotees of Lord Ganesha, alongside followers of Jalaram Bapa and Dwarkadhish, are demanding an apology. Community leaders and priests have called the remarks “baseless” and “hurtful,” urging the Swaminarayan sect to stop undermining Sanatan Dharma. Protests are brewing, with some threatening strikes similar to those seen in Virpur earlier this month, signaling deep discontent with the sect’s rhetoric.
Will an Apology Follow the Outrage?
Past controversies saw Swaminarayan saints like Gyanprakash Swami issue apologies after distorting facts about Jalaram Bapa. Now, with Jnanjivan Swami under fire for his Ganesha remarks, pressure is mounting for a retraction. On March 31, 2025, as sentiments boil over, observers wonder if the sect will again backtrack. The Swaminarayan sect’s history of apologizing after such incidents suggests a pattern, but for now, Gujarat braces for more reactions to this latest clash with Sanatan Dharma values.
