Some villages have made a significant contribution in igniting the flame of Sanatan Dharma and keeping it burning forever. Ravapar village can be counted as such a Sanatani village. Initially only two families became Sanatani so their social boycott started. Without caring about it, the population of Sanatani ideology holders started increasing. Acquiring one floor out of two floors of Jyotishdham, the temple of Shree Laxminarayan Bhagwan was established in 1949 AD (Samvat 2005). At that time there was no temple of Shree Laxminarayan Bhagwan anywhere in that area. In this way Laxminarayan Sanatan Samaj started. Its influence started falling on the surrounding villages also and Sanatan Dharma started spreading.

Temple was established, but the question of use of society’s utensils arose. It was decided not to allow Sanatanis to use utensils and cooking equipment on wedding occasions and other occasions. There was a lock on the utensils room. Sanatan Samaj brothers put their own lock on it. As the quarrel increased, it was sealed by the court. The case reached Rajkot court. Finally, a compromise was reached by both parties that as long as the Mukhi (head) of that time is alive, he will administer it and after that administration should be done with the consent of both societies. Utensils etc. can be used by members of both societies.

Over time, the population of Sanatani families started increasing. Yuvak Mandal (Youth Group) was established. Various religious and social festivals started taking place and a library was established. Due to this, attraction started among youths. They started meeting each other and Sanatani thoughts started getting encouragement. Upon becoming a majority, they went to meet the Mukhi and his other workers. Made them aware of Sanatani Prasad. Then the Mukhi stated “Boys are yours only, let us be. Why should we learn new things now.” Considering the feelings of those elders, did not pressure them. Both societies kept walking on their own paths.

Due to population increase, the temple started falling short. New temple was constructed. Before inauguration i.e. in 1974 AD when went to meet Mukhi again, Mukhi said with love “Now do as you feel right.” Getting consent, immersed the Pat (religious symbol of Pirana) in river with religious rituals. Two societies became one society. Everything happened with harmony and peace so there was no bitterness at all among brothers of both sides. If pressure was applied then that work might have been done earlier, but bitterness would have remained among people. The new temple was inaugurated with fanfare. Mukhi was given appropriate place on stage during inauguration. In this way a difficult task was completed with unity and love and from 1974 AD Satpanth Samaj merged into Sanatan Samaj in Ravapar. Elders of Sanatan Samaj insisted that no lowly language should be used anywhere in this entire process. That is why love has been maintained in the society. This experiment was emulated in other surrounding villages also.

There was such an awakening among youths that when Kaka’s Vel (procession) came, they used to arrange themselves at the entrance and road of the village and did not allow the Vel to enter the village.

That time was such that it was impressed that boys and girls should not be taught much. But elders of Ravapar were of different thought. They used to encourage students to study further. Not only that but took personal interest regarding studies of students and also gave them required help. Therefore, the level of education remained high in Ravapar. It is a matter of great pride that the first boy and girl to pass matriculation in our entire society are from Ravapar. (Late Shri Danabhai Arjan Jadavani and Shrimati Laxmiben Pokar (Bhadani).

Talking about the norms of the society, it can be said that they followed them strictly. In Ravapar, there has been no instance of burying anyone after death in the last about 70 years. Mukhi and his wife were also cremated.

Currently there are two Sanatani societies in Ravapar, Shree Laxminarayan Samaj and Shree Swaminarayan Satsang Samaj. Both societies do their activities mingling with unity. Participate in each other’s festivals.

Spread of Sanatan Dharma in Ravapar is due to tireless efforts of elders of society. But due to insufficient information if name of any elder is left out then injustice can be done to them, so names of any elders are not mentioned here and only subjects touching Sanatan are mentioned here.

Pujya Late Shri Lalji Somji Nakrani and Sanatani Movement

Ravapar resident Late Shri Laljibhai Nakrani lived in Karachi and did business of building contractor. He participated diligently in whatever Sanatani movements happened in Karachi, . He had participated in conventions held in Karachi. He himself was a staunch Sanatani. Used to explain all brothers of society to come into Sanatan Dharma and help them in difficulty. How could Gedheras of that time tolerate it? Therefore, families of him and Shri Ratanshi Shivji Nakrani (Editor of Patidar Uday) of Ravapar were outcasted and both families were boycotted. Not allowing them to fill water from well, no one should show (visit) their house, not allowing to use society’s mattresses, quilts for wedding or other occasions, not engaging with children of family harassment was done in such ways. As a solution to it Pujya Bapa tried to find ways. Like, dug a well in the courtyard itself for water. His nephew Late Shri Danabhai, who was a good painter painted his name in big letters on the outer wall of the house. Bought utensils and mattresses etc. of his own. Started doing engagements with Sanatanis living far away. Team of our social reformers Late Shri Narayanbhai Ramji and Late Shri Narayanbhai Shivji etc. used to remain present on wedding occasions.

During that time one such incident happened, which introduces his firmness. The occasion was wedding of his two nieces. Both marriage processions (Jaan) arrived. But elders of Jaan of Late Shri Mulji Khimji Gorani of Vigodi village insisted that marriage should be done by Mukhi only. Pujya Laljibapa stated in clear words that it will not be possible. Marriage will be done in Chori (wedding canopy) with Vedic Mantras only. One sister got married. Other sister’s marriage got stuck. Late at night Vevan (mother-in-law side lady) came. Started pleading that how can Jaan returned from green Toran (auspicious entrance) go back? But Pujya Bapa was firm in his decision. Finally Vevan got ready. Brahmins took out Muhurat and marriage took place next day afternoon. In that time hardly anyone could show such courage from girl’s side.

In 1949 AD Laxminarayan Samaj was formed in Ravapar and temple started. In that he was appointed as the first president of the society. Celebration of religious and social occasions started happening in the temple. Used to inspire and encourage surrounding villages also to construct Laxminarayan temple and if any questions arise then used to solve them also. Temples were constructed in many villages under his guidance.

Once he was asked that instead of fighting case regarding use of society’s utensils till Rajkot and spending, if new utensils were bought then it might have been cheaper. Then he replied that “Question is not of money, but of principle. If we are called leaders of surrounding villages and if we had let go then remaining villages also would not have got their right. Due to court’s verdict coming in our favor, all villages could get appropriate benefit.”

After partition of India, after leaving Karachi he settled in Ravapar only. He used to say “We could also have gone out of Kutch to earn but people who have come in Sanatan Samaj are not yet firm. Constant friction (polishing) is needed so that no one can fool them. Therefore we are sitting in Kutch with mission to make them firm by constant friction.” So used to make them firm by meeting people and giving anecdotes and religious examples. When new Laxminarayan temple was constructed in Ravapar in 1974 AD, installation of Kalash of temple’s shikhara was done by his hands.

Pujya Bapa was not educated, but used to inspire students for education. Encouraged students remember him even today. Lastly served as a member of construction committee of Patidar Vidyarthi Bhavan, Nakhatrana.

It is said that in a village students broke sacred threads of Sanatan brothers. As Pujya Bapa came to know, he immediately came to Kutch from Karachi. Going to Devisar taking Ratu Maharaj (who was associated with our Sanatan movement), reached that village and made brothers wear sacred thread again. In Karachi also when someone’s health deteriorated or difficulty came then taking them to Kutch, giving possible financial help used to drop them home.

Pujya Bapa strictly followed principles of Hindu religion and social norms. When leaders of society themselves violated social rules, then he used to feel very sad and being outspoken used to say that if it doesn’t work in their house then first ask at home and then only make norms of society. There was absolutely no difference in his words and deeds.

Another incident happened about Pujya Bapa is worth knowing. Stayed in a Dharmashala of Bhuj (then our Wadi was not there) there a Brahmin family had also come. Being clever in speaking, he cultivated friendship with them and got to know that that family had come after doing pilgrimage of Hajipir. At the time of meal that family started giving food to Pujya Bapa. Pujya Bapa refused it and said “Your food will not work for us.” That Brahmin brother was very surprised and said that “We are high caste Brahmins then why it won’t work for you” then Bapa replied “Being a Brahmin who goes to pilgrimage of Hajipir, food of such Brahmin won’t work for us.” Brahmin brother understood immediately and said, “Patel, I made a mistake. You opened my eyes. From now on I will never go to places like Hajipir.” He himself followed Hindu religion strictly, but cleverly showed his religion to the other person also.

In Sanatani revolution our sisters and mothers also gave appropriate cooperation. Pujya Laljibapa’s wife Mataji Valbai also used to cook her own food separately when going to parent’s home.

When Pujya Bapa himself was in Karachi his child died. As the society of that time had boycotted him, who would take that dead child for final rites? So Mataji showed courage, leaving dead child at home, locking the house, herself went to Wadis and informed brothers of Swaminarayan sect family.

Due to sacrifice given by many such known, unknown brave men and women our Sanatan Samaj has reached today’s level. Million salutations to all. Jai Sanatan.