BAPS Sets Guinness Record For Largest Simultaneous Hindu Text Recital
India-West News Desk
CHINO HILLS, CA – The grand celebration of Mahant Swami Maharaj’s birthday, the spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, was held on February 2, drawing more than 200,000 devotees from around the world. The event also marked a global achievement as BAPS set a Guinness World Record for the largest simultaneous Hindu text recital by children.
The record was established when 12,723 children gathered to recite the Satsang Diksha, a sacred Sanskrit scripture composed by Mahant Swami Maharaj. Guinness World Records recognized the effort as the highest number of children simultaneously reciting Sanskrit verses, and a Certificate of Recognition was formally presented to Mahant Swami Maharaj during the celebration.
Inspired by Mahant Swami Maharaj’s guidance, a total of 15,666 children between the ages of 3 and 13 completed the full memorization and recitation of the Satsang Diksha within one year, a press release said. Of these, 12,723 children participated in the live recitation in Vadodara, meeting the criteria set by Guinness World Records.
The Satsang Diksha consists of 315 Sanskrit shlokas and offers guidance on spiritual growth, moral conduct, social harmony, and disciplined living. Participants included hundreds of children from the United States and Canada, reflecting the global reach of BAPS and the interest among Indian American families in traditional learning.
Guinness World Records officials traveled from England to verify the achievement. After a detailed review process, they formally declared the recital a world record, recognizing the children’s dedication and the collective effort behind the initiative.
Although the event took place in India, its impact resonated strongly with Indian American communities. Parents described the experience as a meaningful alternative to screen-heavy routines, noting that the Sanskrit recitation required focus, memorization, and sustained effort over several months.
Param Patel, a participant from Edison, New Jersey, said the preparation took months of consistent practice. “At first I thought it was too hard,” he said. “But once I finished, I felt more confident. It showed me I can stick with something.”
Six-year-old Anadi Tailor from Atlanta said memorizing the verses helped her apply values in daily life. “I remember the words when I am at school,” she said. “They help me make good choices.”
Another participant, Vani Patel from Los Angeles, described the experience of reciting alongside thousands of children as powerful.
Beyond the record-setting recital, the celebration featured cultural presentations with hundreds of performers, immersive video segments, and addresses by senior leaders. Mahant Swami Maharaj also inaugurated a Mobile School initiative for tribal regions under the theme ‘Har Ghar Shiksha Ki Jyot Jale,’ highlighting BAPS’ focus on education and social upliftment.
At the conclusion of the event, Mahant Swami Maharaj addressed the gathering, reflecting on the legacy of the BAPS gurus.
The celebration was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.
