Acharya Shree Keshavprasadji Maharaj, the son of Acharya Shree Ayodhyaprasadji Maharaj, was born in Ahmedabad at his ancestral residence near Rangmahal. Born into the sacred lineage of Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan, he was endowed with the noble virtues and divine qualities of the holy family. From a young age, he dedicated himself to worship, devotion, and spiritual discipline. Following in the footsteps of his revered father, he devoted himself wholeheartedly to the service of the Ahmedabad Diocese. Upon succeeding as the Acharya, he faithfully upheld the traditions, principles, and disciplines of the Swaminarayan Sampraday with great sincerity and religious commitment.
Although he was known to be somewhat short-tempered by nature, it never affected his duties or responsibilities as Acharya. He possessed a loving and compassionate disposition and treated devotees with affection and care. A great patron of learning, he deeply respected scholars and encouraged the pursuit of knowledge. During his religious tours, he regularly sought the company of learned sadhus and saints, valuing their wisdom and spiritual guidance.
Acharya Maharaj played a significant role in the preparation of the Sanskrit commentary on Satsangi Bhushan and consistently encouraged literary and scholarly pursuits. Under his guidance, several rulers of the erstwhile princely statesโincluding Dhrangadhra, Morvi, Wankaner, Limbdi, Wadhwan, Malia, and Bhuj-Kutchโembraced the Swaminarayan Sampraday with devotion.
His dedicated efforts also led to the establishment of Swaminarayan temples at Karachi, Prantij, Manasa, Dabhan, Charadva, Visnagar, and several other places. In addition, the assembly halls (Sabha Mandaps) at the temples in Ahmedabad, Muli, Dholka, and Jetalpur were constructed under his leadership, reflecting his commitment to the growth and development of the Sampraday.
Acharya Shree Keshavprasadji Maharaj served as the Acharya of the Ahmedabad Diocese for nearly twenty-two years. Before the end of his tenure, he appointed his son, Acharya Shree Purushottamprasadji Maharaj, as his successor. Through his steadfast leadership, devotion, and dedication to spiritual learning and temple development, he made lasting contributions to the Swaminarayan Sampraday and further strengthened the legacy of the Ahmedabad Gadi.