Shastri Narayanswarupdas (December 7, 1921), commonly known as Pramukh Swami Maharaj, is a Hindu sadhu, Indian social worker, and spiritual Guru of an international Hindu organization known as the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha). His life work primarily revolves around teaching principles of bhakti yoga, self-realization, and service to society as taught by Bhagwan Swaminarayan. The followers of Pramukh Swami Maharaj believe that he is the fifth spiritual successor of the Bochanwasi Akshar Purushottam Sanstha. Presently, Pramukh Swami is the leader of Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Sanstha. Life The present spiritual leader of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Sanstha (BAPS), Pramukh Swami Maharaj, represents a succession of spirituality that began a little over 100 years ago around 1907. Prior to his death, Yogiji Maharaj gave leadership to Pramukh Swami Maharaj in 1971. Over the last 24 years, under his able leadership and guidance, the BAPS faith has spread throughout India and internationally. What was, 85 years ago, a relatively small institution with only several thousand devotees and a handful of sadhus, is now a dynamic worldwide organisation with over 720 temples, over 5600 Satsang centres, more than 800 sadhus and a million followers spread over five continents. Inspired by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the Sanstha has enjoyed success in international festivals celebrated in 1981 (Bicentenary Celebrations of Lord Swaminarayan), 1985 (Bicentenary Celebrations of Gunatitanand Swami) and 1992 (Centenary Celebrations of Yogiji Maharaj), as well as the spectacular ‘Cultural Festivals of India’ held in London, 1985 and in New Jersey, 1991. Pramukh Swami Maharaj has embarked on no less than 15 preaching tours, covering 50 countries in 5 continents over the last 38 years. Temples and Satsang Centres have been established in USA, Canada, Europe (UK, France, Portugal, Holland, Belgium, Ireland), Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Malawi, Mauritius), South Africa, The Middle East (Bahrain, UAE), The Far East (Japan, Fiji, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong), Australia and New Zealand. Pramukh Swami Maharaj has been recognised by the United Nations for his efforts in religious harmony, and his message of peace and goodwill, having been asked to deliver a message to all at the World Peace Summit of 2000.