Have we ever truly paused to think about the divine bonding of lands—how nature works, how the ecosystem operates, and how the very heart of life connects itself in mysterious ways? Often, we only recognize visible connections: the link between people of the same culture, the harmony of shared language, or the unity of religious and social groups. But beyond these tangible bonds lies something far deeper—an invisible, spiritual thread that ties life to life, heart to land, and soul to the divine presence that governs all creation.
This invisible connection is not random. It is orchestrated by a supreme consciousness—the ultimate engineer behind every thought, every moment, and every inch of this perfectly balanced universe. This divinity works silently, without claiming recognition, without excuses, and beyond the boundaries of time and fear. It is this unseen divine presence that sustains existence and brings harmony to life.
To communicate the message of that supreme reality, the divine often manifests through chosen souls—rare beings who descend to Earth in specific eras to guide humanity. These enlightened beings are not ordinary; their presence purifies the world, their teachings heal generations, and their actions cleanse the accumulated negativity of human civilization. They become beacons of serenity and wisdom, showing the path to true freedom—moksha. Wherever they walk, bliss follows; wherever they speak, knowledge blossoms.
Among such divine personalities, one of the most revered and gracious is Nilkantha Varni, later known as Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Born in Chhapiya near Ayodha, India around the 18th century, Nilkantha Varni’s life was a divine journey that transcended borders and cultures. His life story is not merely a biography—it is a living scripture that reveals how a soul can realize the divine even while existing in the human realm.
At the tender age of 12, young Nilkantha left his home, renouncing comfort and worldly attachments to embark on an extraordinary journey. His mission was simple yet profound: to bless the land, nature, and humanity through divine wisdom and spiritual awakening. He wandered across mountains, rivers, and plains, spreading peace and guiding seekers toward a life of purity and self-realization. His life symbolized yoga in action, devotion in motion, and enlightenment in simplicity.
Centuries later, his footsteps still echo through the lands he graced. His teachings—rooted in bhakti (devotion), yoga (discipline), and karma (righteous action)—continue to inspire millions across the world. Each of his footsteps represents a lotus of bliss and a blueprint for achieving inner peace. His journey was not just physical but metaphysical—a pilgrimage that connected heaven and earth.
Country’s first accessible trail launched in Pokhara
But surprisingly, a significant part of Nilkantha Varni’s sacred journey remains largely unknown and unexplored. For nearly three and half years, he wandered through the serene landscapes of Nepal—a period that holds immense spiritual importance. Yet, this divine chapter of his life remains underrated and overlooked even among his followers. The sacred Swaminarayan Trail in Nepal, which preserves the legacy of those years, is still awaiting proper recognition and preservation.
The Swaminarayan Sampradaya, a vast spiritual community with millions of followers worldwide, venerates Nilkantha Varni’s teachings. However, only a fraction of devotees are aware that he spent around three and half years of his transformative years in Nepal. During this period, he journeyed through forests, rivers, mountains, and villages—meditating, chanting, and enlightening countless souls. He visited holy sites, blessed lives, and studied Ashtanga Yoga (the eightfold path) under the guidance of his grace Gopal Yogi. Yet, this priceless spiritual trail in Nepal has not received the attention it deserves.
Historical references suggest that Nilkantha Varni entered Nepal through Himalaya Nilgiri Parvat, following the sacred Kaligandaki River, eventually reaching Muktinath, a revered pilgrimage site. His path took him through Butwal where he stayed at Mahadatta Raj Durbar now known as Madimukundasen Durbar for four months and here he listened about Gopal Yogi. So, he moved to Gopal Yogi Ashram which is at Modibeni. Varni stayed with him for one year. Gopal Yogi taught him Ashtanga Yoga, Varni later move onwards to Kathmandu, where he is believed to have blessed the then King of Nepal, Rana Bahadur Shah, who was suffering from a serious illness. This divine meeting, supported by historical and scriptural evidence, stands as a testament to Swaminarayan’s compassionate presence in Nepal.
Amidst the growing recognition of Nepal’s spiritual heritage, a remarkable milestone was witnessed during the 19th World Sanskrit Conference, hosted in Nepal. This auspicious occasion brought together Sanatan scholars from diverse philosophical backgrounds from around the world. Among the many enlightening moments, the most profound was the introduction and acceptance of a new philosophy of dharma—the Akshar Purushottam Darshan Satra, masterfully presented by Pujya Bhadreshdas Swami.
For the first time in Nepal, this darshan(philosophy) —rooted deeply in the eternal teachings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan—was inaugurated and received with reverence and enthusiasm by the global academic and spiritual community. Scholars unanimously appreciated its universal relevance, seeing it as a philosophy capable of guiding humanity in the present and future. The essence and precision carved by Bhadreshdas Swami during the conference stood as a divine representation of Swaminarayan’s spiritual vision, bridging scriptural wisdom with modern understanding.
Adding to this momentum, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Nepal has formally expressed its support toward preserving and promoting the Swaminarayan Trail. The ministry has pledged recognition, allocated budgets, and initiated preliminary plans to safeguard this sacred route as a national spiritual heritage. This commitment marks a hopeful step in ensuring that Nepal’s connection to Bhagwan Swaminarayan receives the respect and visibility it truly deserves.
Following these developments, recent research by scholars from the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, including Swami Shrutiprakash, has unveiled further insights. His findings suggest that Modibeni in Parbat is the actual location of the hermitage (ashram) of Gopal Yogi, with whom Swaminarayan studied Ashtanga Yoga. This discovery adds a new dimension to the understanding of Nilkantha’s Nepal journey and offers a foundation for developing the Swaminarayan Trail as a spiritual heritage route.
Encouragingly, efforts are underway to revive and promote this sacred legacy. The Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Sanstha (BAPS), which continues Swaminarayan’s teachings globally, has initiated research and promotional events to highlight his journey in Nepal. One landmark event took place before few months in Kathmandu, at the very royal palace of the then King Rana Bahadur Shah - Kathmandu Durbar square, a site of immense historical and spiritual importance which is listed at the world heritage site.
During this historic occasion, Pujya Bhadreshdas Swami, presented the Satsangdikchya in Nepal. The event was graced by eminent figures, including former President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav, government ministers from ministry of culture, tourism, and civil aviation and key stakeholders. It marked a turning point in recognizing and preserving Swaminarayan’s contributions to Nepal’s spiritual heritage.
This event was not just a commemoration; it was the rekindling of a spiritual bond between two sacred lands—India and Nepal. It symbolized a revival of history and the beginning of a mission to unveil the hidden chapters of divinity written across Nepal’s soil.
Looking ahead, BAPS has even greater plans. The organization envisions constructing an Akshardham Temple in Nepal, similar to the magnificent temples it has built in India and abroad. This initiative will not only honor Nilkantha Varni’s divine presence in Nepal but also serve as a major step in promoting religious tourism, cultural preservation, and global spiritual awareness.
The Government of Nepal has an invaluable opportunity here—to collaborate with BAPS and scholars in mapping, defining, and promoting the Swaminarayan Trail. This effort could transform Nepal into a major hub for religious tourism, drawing pilgrims and researchers from around the world. More importantly, it would preserve a sacred legacy that belongs not just to a religion, but to humanity itself.
Every inch of Nepal that felt the touch of Nilkantha’s feet is a living testament to divinity. Beneath the soil lie stories untold, blessings unspoken, and energies still radiating. The Swaminarayan Trail is not just a historical route—it is a spiritual artery that connects nature, humanity, and the supreme consciousness.
At a time when the world seeks peace, balance, and meaning, this underrated pious land—where the divine once walked—deserves attention, research, and reverence. The gracious Swaminarayan Trail in Nepal is more than a forgotten path; it is a journey back to the roots of spirituality, to the place where the earth itself was once sanctified by the steps of a living god.
Indeed, we still live in a blessed land. The footprints of divinity remain hidden beneath our soil, waiting for humanity to rediscover them. It is time to unveil this sacred connection—to preserve it, promote it, and let the world know that Nepal, too, holds within its heart the untold story of Swaminarayan’s divine journey.
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