Question: Who is Swami Narayan projected as the Supreme source by the BAPS temple in Gujarat? When we are preaching to the Gujarati community here, they have brought this question. And they have quoted various scriptures like Visnu Purana, Skanda Purana, Visnu Dharmotara purana, to prove that Swami Narayan who appeared 250 years ago is an avatari of the Lord.

Guru Maharaj: I don’t know about such predictions. If you have those you can send the copy to me. I read the book where Swami Narayan said he was a devotee. But later on, his followers made him an avatar. So Srila Prabhupada requested that his status as a jiva never be changed. Because, many spiritual movements after the founder leaves, they declare their founder as God. So, I don’t see any reason why, Swami Narayan claims to be God. If you read his book, he doesn’t claim it. It is only claimed by his followers. That is as much as I know. I went to their center in Ahmedabad and other places. Some of their swamis came to see me. When they heard that I have been a swami for like 50 years, they paid their dandavats! You know generally, they are favorable.
18-Aug-2020 SRI MAYAPUR DHAM, INDIA