New Delhi. The biography of BAPS chief Swami Maharaj has made a Guinness World Record. Recognized by Guinness Records as the world's longest biography written by a single author, this well-researched 13-volume tome is an important contribution of BAPS towards recording the spiritual history and preserving the legacy of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. The biography, titled 'Brahmaswarup Pramukh Swami Maharaj: Detailed Life and Works', has been written by Sanskrit scholar Sadhu Adarshjivandas (PhD). It details the 94-year-old life and legacy of late spiritual leader Pramukh Swami Maharaj (1921–2016) of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.
The book chronicles Pramukh Swami Maharaj's spiritual leadership, humility, devotion and selfless service, as well as his work to connect and inspire people and communities around the world. This book was written after research from July 2017 to August 2020, i.e. 38 months. The Guinness World Records Certificate was handed over to His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj on the occasion of his 93rd birth anniversary at the OVO Arena Wembley on Sunday, 4 October 2026. 11,000 people were present in the arena during this event. While thousands of people across the world watched its telecast through live webcast.
A monumental 13-volume comprising of 2,146,447 words on His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj has been officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the Longest Biography by a Single Author. The certificate was presented to His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj on Sunday 4 October
— BAPS (@BAPS) October 5, 2026
Senior Adjudicator Carl Saville, who awarded the certificate, said: “It is a real pleasure, privilege and honor for me, on behalf of Guinness World Records, to make today's presentation for the longest biography written by a single author. The main objective of Guinness World Records as a brand is to record amazing things from around the world and bring to the fore such unique and special achievements which no one else on earth has been able to achieve till date. Therefore, this special title holds immense significance as it has been created with utmost effort.
Sadhu Adarshjivandas said, the subject of this biography is more important than the author. The life of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj was filled with deep spirituality, immense humility, unwavering dedication to global harmony, compassion and empathy. It was an honor and a privilege to document his divine life and enduring legacy. This biography is not just an extraordinary account, but a detailed historical document of a life dedicated to spirituality, service and the welfare of others. It preserves the life and works of Pramukh Swami Maharaj for present and future generations. More than 3,10,000 copies have already been sold.
BAPS's second Guinness World Record of this year
This honor follows another Guinness World Record achieved by BAPS. Earlier in February 2026, 12,723 children gathered in Vadodara, India to simultaneously recite Sanskrit verses from 'Satsang Diksha', creating a record for the 'largest mass Hindu scripture recitation'. Under this massive initiative, more than 15,000 children recited all 315 Sanskrit verses by heart.
Introduction of Sadhu Adarshjivandas
Sadhu Adarshjivandas (PhD) is a Sanskrit scholar, author and BAPS Swami. After graduating in mechanical engineering, he completed post-graduate studies in Sanskrit and obtained two doctoral degrees. He has written 17 books, collaborated in writing 8 books and written more than 300 major plays.
About His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj
His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj (1921–2016) was the fifth spiritual successor of Lord Swaminarayan and an inspiration to millions around the world. “Our happiness lies in the happiness of others” – Inspired by this mantra, he dedicated his life to serving and inspiring others for the betterment of humanity. He traveled around the world and shared the values of love, peace, harmony, virtue and faith in God with all kinds of people. Under his leadership, BAPS grew into an international spiritual and humanitarian organization with more than 1 million members, 80,000 volunteers and 5,025 centers worldwide.