Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781–1830), born as Ghanshyam Pande in Chhapaiya near Ayodhya, was a spiritual leader and social reformer. At the age of 11, he left home to begin a 7-year spiritual pilgrimage across India, known as his Van-Vicharan, traveling barefoot to seek truth and meet spiritual masters. He later settled in Gujarat and took the name Sahajanand Swami. Recognized for his divine qualities, he was appointed the leader of the Uddhav Sampraday by his guru Ramanand Swami. He reformed the sect and renamed it the Swaminarayan Sampradaya. Swaminarayan emphasized devotion to God, moral living, ahimsa (non-violence), and service to society. He built several temples (like in Ahmedabad and Vadtal), uplifted women and the poor, opposed superstitions, and established rules for spiritual living through texts like the Shikshapatri. He passed away in 1830 at Gadhada, but his legacy lives on through millions of followers and institutions like BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, continuing his mission of spirituality and service.