Swaminarayan Jayanti
festivalsQuick Overview
- Date in 2026
- Thursday, March 26, 2026
- Tithi
- Chaitra Shukla Navami (Purnimanta)
- Tithi begins / ends
- 11:49 AM, Mar 26 to 10:07 AM, Mar 27
- Lunar month
- Chaitra · Shukla Paksha
- Also on this tithi
- Rama Navami
Swaminarayan Jayanti
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Lunar Month: Chaitra
Swaminarayan Jayanti at a Glance
Swaminarayan Jayanti is fixed by the lunar calendar to Chaitra Shukla Navami, the 9th tithi of the waxing (Shukla) fortnight of Chaitra.
- Tithi rule
- Chaitra Shukla Navami (Purnimanta)Shukla NavamiChaitra month
- Tithi swami and group
- Durga · Rikta Tithi
- Also on this tithi
- Rama Navami
Panchanga on This Day
Swaminarayan Jayanti · Mar 26, 2026
About Swaminarayan Jayanti
Swaminarayan Jayanti celebrates the birth of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, the founder of the Swaminarayan tradition of Hinduism. Born as Ghanshyam Pande on April 3, 1781, in Chhapaiya near Ayodhya, he is revered as the Supreme Reality by his followers and as a great reformer-saint by many others.
At the age of 11, he left home on a spiritual pilgrimage across India, eventually taking initiation as Nilkanth Varni. Later, at the age of 21, he was initiated as a yogi by Ramanand Swami and given the name Sahajanand Swami. He established the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, emphasizing dharma, jnana (knowledge), vairagya (detachment), and bhakti (devotion).
His followers, known as sadhus and householders, observe this day with fasting, prayers, kirtans, discourses, and grand celebrations at temples (mandirs) around the world. The festival often coincides with Rama Navami.
Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules
Devotees observe a fast, attend temple celebrations, and reflect on the teachings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
- Wake before sunrise, bathe, and wear clean, traditional clothes.
- Observe a fast according to capacity, often taking only fruits and milk until the evening.
- Visit a Swaminarayan mandir and participate in the birth celebration (Jayanti Utsav).
- Listen to discourses on Swaminarayan's life and teachings, and sing devotional kirtans.
- Chant the Swaminarayan Mahamantra: 'Swaminarayan, Swaminarayan'.
- Feed devotees and donate to charitable causes in the spirit of service.
Puja Samagri & Ritual Steps
- Clean the altar and install Swaminarayan's image.
- Perform abhisheka with water, milk, and panchamrit.
- Apply sandalwood paste and adorn with flowers.
- Light incense and lamp; chant the Swaminarayan Mahamantra.
- Offer bhoga of sweets and fruits.
- Perform arati and distribute prasad.
Vrat Katha: The Birth of Ghanshyam
In the village of Chhapaiya, Dharmadev and Bhaktimata prayed earnestly for a divine child who would uplift dharma and guide souls. On Chaitra Sud 9, Samvat 1837, a radiant boy was born, named Ghanshyam.
Even as a child, he displayed extraordinary wisdom and compassion, and at the age of 11 he renounced home to wander as Nilkanth Varni. Years later, he became Sahajanand Swami, the founder of the Swaminarayan tradition, whose teachings continue to inspire millions around the world.
Swaminarayan Jayanti: Frequently Asked Questions
Chaitra Shukla Navami; its swami is Durga, a Rikta Tithi.
Shukla Navami: 11:49 AM, Thu, Mar 26, 2026 to 10:07 AM, Fri, Mar 27, 2026 (IST).
Rama Navami, also on Chaitra Shukla Navami.
Swaminarayan was born on the same day as Rama Navami, so the festivals often coincide.
It is 'Swaminarayan, Swaminarayan'—repeated as a means of devotion and remembrance.
He was born in Chhapaiya, near Ayodhya, in present-day Uttar Pradesh, India.
Festivals in the Same Lunar Month
Chaitra
Note: times are shown with their date; a Panchang day runs from sunrise to sunrise.
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Tamil solar calendar dates and monthly Panchangam.