॥ શ્રી સ્વામિનારાયણો વિજયતે ॥

VACHANAMRUT PARATHĀRO

An Introduction to the Paratharo

A paratharo refers to a foundation, plinth, or a broad raised platform—specifically, the sturdy base upon which a traditional house, monument, or mandir is built. Just as a grand temple cannot stand without a solid paratharo supporting its weight, the deep, philosophical discourses of the Vachanamrut rest securely upon the historical and divine context established in this text.

The Vachanamrut Paratharo provides the necessary “grounding” for the reader. Before diving into the vastness of the Vachanamrut, the reader steps onto the Paratharo to understand the foundational truths: who Shreeji Maharaj is, the purpose of His incarnation, His divine marks, and His daily routine. This text presents the original Gujarati Paratharo alongside the English translation published in H. T. Dave’s 1989 2nd edition of the Vachanamrut. The translation has been slightly edited to correct obvious errors and ensure terminology remains consistent with newly published editions.

The Paratharo is a long continuous prologue to the Vachanamrut. To make the text easier to grasp, it has been sectioned with titles given according to the major themes of the narration. These sections are as follows:

Paratharo 1 - The Birth of Shri Hari: Covers the divine description of Akshardham, the assembly at Badarikashram, Durvasa’s curse, and the promise of the incarnation.

Paratharo 2 - Shri Hari’s Childhood Leela and Van Vicharan: Covers His birth in Chhapaiya, the naming by Markandeya Rishi, the move to Ayodhya, and His intense vicharan as Neelkanth Brahmachari across the holy land of Bharat.

Paratharo 3 - Shri Hari’s Divine Exploits, Deeds, and Majesty: Arrival at Loj, meeting Ramanand Swami, accepting the leadership of the fellowship, and showing the divine samadhi trances to consolidate the Satsang.

Paratharo 4 - Shreeji Maharaj’s Auspicious Marks: Covers the detailed description of the auspicious marks and divine symbols on Shreeji Maharaj’s body—including His insteps, hands, and chest—which serve to help devotees focus their minds and meditate upon His physical form.

Paratharo 5 - Shreeji Maharaj’s Natural Tendencies and Daily Routine: Covers Shreeji Maharaj’s daily routine, personal habits, and natural tendencies, detailing His manner of eating, bathing, delivering spiritual discourses, and His compassionate, everyday interactions with sadhus and devotees.