Ayodyaprasadji (25 May 1809 – 18 Feb 1868), known to devotees as "Sanatan Dharma Dhurandar Acharya Maharaj Shree 1008 Ayodyaprasadji Maharaj", was the first

acharya In Indian religions and society, an ''acharya'' (Sanskrit: आचार्य, IAST: ; Pali: ''ācariya'') is a preceptor and expert instructor in matters such as religion, or any other subject. An acharya is a highly learned person with a ...

of the north diocese (

NarNarayan Dev Gadi The Naranarāyan Dēv Gadī, named after NarNarayan Dev, is one of the two ''Gadis'' (seats) that together form the Swaminarayan Sampraday. Its headquarter is at the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Ahmedabad and controls the Uttar Vibhag. The Ach ...

) of the Swaminarayan Sampraday sect of

Hinduism Hinduism () is an Indian religion or '' dharma'', a religious and universal order or way of life by which followers abide. As a religion, it is the world's third-largest, with over 1.2–1.35 billion followers, or 15–16% of the global p ...

. He was the son of Rampratapji, Swaminarayan's elder brother. He was the 1st successor of Swaminarayan in the North Diocese, Ahmedabad). He was enthroned as Acharya on 10 Nov 1826 and held the post till his death. The bicentennial of his birth was celebrated as the ''Dharmakul Vandana Mahotsav'' in Ahmedabad from 1 to 3 June 2009. The event was attended by an estimated 600,000 people.

References

Swaminarayan Sampradaya 1809 births 1868 deaths {{Hindu-bio-stub