The inaugural lecture of the ‘Akshardham Lecture Series’was held on Sunday, 1 May 2011 at the Pramukh Swami Assembly Hall, Swaminarayan Akshardham, New Delhi. Organized by the BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute and held in the esteemed presence of Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami, over 500 delegates from across North India, including New Delhi, Jaipur and Indore, attended the lecture.

The inaugural lecture, titled ‘Concept of the Guru,’ featured presentations by eminent scholars, Pujya Bhadresh Swami (D.Litt.) and Dr Ram Naresh Tripathi, Director of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Allahbhad,Uttar Pradesh.

Pujya Bhadresh Swami spoke on the importance of the guru in Hindu culture and religion.  He stated, “The term ‘guru’ has a vast connotation. The prayer ‘Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu’ states that the guru is the highest Brahman incarnate. Therefore, for both worldly and spiritual knowledge, an aspirant must seek the guru with humility.” He quoted extensively from the Mundaka Upanishad, Bhagavad Gita and Svetashvatara Upanishad to highlight the special importance and role of the living guru. In conclusion, he stated, “We are greatly fortunate to have such a living teacher in Param Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj, who has for decades been helping us as a friend, philosopher and guide, thus proving the well-known Indian saying ‘Nasti tattvan guroh param’ (There is none above the guru).”

In his speech, Dr Ram Naresh Tripathi, extensively quoted from Devibhagavat, Kurma Purana, Bhagavat Purana, Ramcharit Manasa and other shastras.  He explained how deeply the Hindu sages and seers realized the necessity of a spiritual teacher who guides the individual beyond the materialistic world, enabling him to experience enlightenment and genuine freedom both in this world and in the next.

Akshardham Lecture Series
The Akshardham Lecture Series strives to explore and share an enriching cultural, spiritual and educational experience. This quarterly lecture series will provide an international forum for the presentation and discussion of significant topics pertaining to Hinduism and the Indian Subcontinent by experienced delegates from various fields of study. 

BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute
Inspired by Param Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj, BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute in New Delhi endeavors to encourage educational exploration of India’s exquisite art and architecture, profound philosophy, sacred religions, rich culture and extensive history.