During the early Nineteenth century, the northwest region of India was a lawless territory. Bandits and gangsters ruled the area with an iron fist and anyone who stood in their way was attacked, tortured or killed. Mobs roamed the districts stealing property and destroying people's lives. Rape was commonplace and the bandits stooped to the lowest imaginable levels. The British Raj at the time was at a loss. It appealed to the gangs through discussion, deals and finally with the power of the gun. Despite all their efforts they failed.

In the midst of this mayhem, during this period of darkness in India 's history, a ray of light emerged, Lord Swaminarayan. Through love and compassion towards His devotees, and teachings of duty towards the Lord, He transformed the regions previously inhospitable, into areas of peace, calm and prosperity.
Through the teachings of Lord Swaminarayan, many of these gangs became devoted to Lord Swaminarayan and his ideals of high moral living. The British Government was astounded. Where they had failed with all the power and might of armies, Sahajanand Swami (Lord Swaminarayan) commanded a much greater influence, through love and compassion alone.

Sir Malcolm meets Lord Swaminarayan

The work of Lord Swaminarayan did not pass the British authorities unnoticed. Hearing about the greatness of Lord Swaminarayan, and the social and spiritual reforms that He had instilled into previously lawless people, Sir John Malcolm, Governor of Bombay was very keen to meet Lord Swaminarayan.

From Samvat 1886 (1830 AD), Posh Sud 2, Lord Swaminarayan started to show signs of illness in His body. He stopped taking food and gradually started to lose weight. Lord Swaminarayan predominantly stayed within the 4 walls of the Akshar Ordi in Gadhada. Bhaguji Parshad, Mulji Brahmchari, Surakhachar and another 30 sants remained in the Lord's service day and night.