Yogiji Maharaj was a Hindu swami who served as the fourth spiritual leader of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, a branch of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya. According to BAPS' metaphysical belief system, Yogiji Maharaj is considered as the next incarnation of Akshar after Shastriji Maharaj in the guru parampara lineage, which is an unbroken chain of "perfect devotees" that provides "authentication of office through Gunatitanand Swami and back to Swaminarayan himself. Yogiji Maharaj played a vital role in BAPS' growth by introducing new programs, expanding into new regions, and constructing temples, alongside Pramukh Swami Maharaj, who was responsible for BAPS' administrative affairs.
As a guru, he consecrated over 60 temples and visited more than 4000 towns and villages, and he was particularly successful in attracting the devotion of young people and initiating many of them into asceticism. His multiple visits to the United Kingdom and East Africa were crucial in the overseas expansion of BAPS. Yogiji Maharaj designated Pramukh Swami Maharaj as his successor before his death on January 23, 1971.
Yogiji Maharaj, whose original name was Jina Vasani, was born on May 23, 1892, in Dhari, Gujarat, India. Even in his childhood, he exhibited a keen interest in spirituality and regularly participated in the daily worship and service of the temple in his town. His dedication and diligence in this work led to him being entrusted with the full responsibility of managing the temple. At the age of 16, he was initiated into the parshad fold, and three years later, he was initiated into the swami fold. As a swami, he strictly followed the principles of absolute celibacy, detachment from sense objects, non-avarice, and other such spiritual principles.
Yogiji Maharaj became an integral part of the newly-formed BAPS organization after meeting his guru, Shastriji Maharaj, following a doctrinal split with the Vadtal diocese. With Shastriji Maharaj's guidance, Yogiji Maharaj played a pivotal role in expanding the organization, both in India and abroad. He dedicated himself to serving God and society and performed various tasks, such as sweeping the temple and serving devotees. His austere lifestyle and adherence to Swaminarayan's principles earned him the title "Yogiji," which signifies a person who practices asceticism and attains communion with God. The addition of "ji" to his name is a sign of respect.
As a guru, Yogiji Maharaj oversaw the construction of numerous temples in India and abroad. He consecrated two shikharbaddha mandirs and 41 smaller hari mandirs in India, as well as 7 mandirs in Africa and the United Kingdom. He also organized large festival celebrations and arranged for devotees to go on pilgrimages around India. Throughout his tenure, he visited over 150,000 homes and corresponded with devotees through letter writing and other activities. Yogiji Maharaj propagated the Akshar-Purushottam philosophy in parts of East Africa and London, and interacted with devotees around the world to offer encouragement and spiritual guidance.
He was also the first BAPS guru to travel outside of India, visiting East Africa and England at the behest of Gujarati devotees who had migrated to these locations. Despite his age, he continued to travel, and during his third overseas tour in 1970, he established the first Swaminarayan mandir in London and installed the image of Akshar-Purushottam in hari mandirs in Nairobi, Kenya.
Yogiji Maharaj was a revered spiritual leader of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha who emphasized the importance of engaging youth in spiritual development. He established various initiatives such as the weekly Swaminarayan Satsang Patrika and the youth wing to cater to the needs of young people seeking spiritual, academic, and personal growth. Yogiji Maharaj also encouraged camps, seminars, and the construction of educational institutions, hostels, and spiritual academies.
During his tenure, the BAPS organization expanded both in India and abroad. Yogiji Maharaj introduced weekly assemblies, publications, and festivals that promoted spiritual endeavors among devotees. Following his tours of East Africa and Britain, Yogiji Maharaj passed away and appointed Pramukh Swami Maharaj as his spiritual successor.
Yogiji Maharaj's spiritual teachings and prayers are compiled in the Yogi Gita, which offers insights into the attributes necessary for spiritual progress and enlightenment. The Yogi Gita provides a comprehensive understanding of the Akshar-Purushottam Darshan, the BAPS philosophy's foundation. The Yogi Gita includes Yogiji Maharaj's letter to Jagjivan Ruda Poriya, a follower who nursed him back to health, the Jivan Bhavna summarizing his life philosophy and guidance, and the Hrudayni Vato, a collection of his words of wisdom.