Ognaj: 46 youths left worldly life and took Diksha to become Swaminarayan monks of Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Sanstha (BAPS) at Ognaj-based Pramukh Swami Nagar today as part of the Pramukh Swami Shatabdi Mahotsav.

Those who became monks were given new names and blessings by 89-year-old Mahant Swami, who heads the BAPS at present. Among those who took Diksha are from America, Africa, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Mumbai. BAPS has 1300 saints at present. BAPS gives nodes for Diksha to only graduate or above-educated or exceptional youths. Those who take Parshad Diksha wear white clothes and are trained at the Sarangpur-based training center of BAPS. Those who are given final diksha wear saffron dresses.

Among those who took Diksha today was Hardik Ajudiya who is the only son of his parents. His was renamed Sahaj Bhagat. There were many like Hardik who are the only sons of their parents and taking Diksha. DeshGujarat