The Eternal Flame of Awakening, Lit by Yugrishi for Humanity
In the sanctified land of Shantikunj, Haridwar, shines a light that has never dimmed, never faltered — the Akhand Jyoti. This divine flame, ignited by Yugrishi Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya in 1926 on the holy festival of Vasant Panchami, is not an ordinary lamp. It is the living symbol of awakened consciousness, the eternal witness of penance, devotion, and selfless service.
At the young age of 15, Acharyashri lit this sacred lamp in his birthplace Awalkheda village, Agra (U.P.), with a resolve as deep as the ocean — to dedicate his life to spiritual austerity and world welfare. Since then, this flame has remained unextinguished, becoming the root source of the Gayatri Pariwar’s inspiration and the radiant center of its worldwide mission.
A Flame Born of Tapasya
In the presence of this Akhand Jyoti, Acharyashri performed 24 Maha Purashcharans — each consisting of 24 lakh Gayatri Mantra japas, completed over 24 years of intense penance. These years were not mere repetitions of mantra; they were the silent churning of divine energies, creating a reservoir of spiritual vibrations.
In 1958, upon the completion of these Purashcharans, the historic 1008-Kundi Gayatri Mahayagya was organized. This became the fountainhead of the Yug Nirman Yojna, awakening the collective consciousness of society and igniting in millions a longing for moral, cultural, and spiritual rejuvenation. Since then, in the light of this flame, over 2400 crore Gayatri Mantras have been offered, creating a powerful spiritual field that continues to uplift humanity and purify the environment.
The Light that Dispels Darkness
The Akhand Deep is not just a lamp — it is the radiant heart of Gayatri Pariwar. Its presence continuously wipes out inner gloom, awakens courage, and grants clarity to seekers who bow before it. Every day, thousands of men, women, and children come for its Darshan. The very sight of this flame fills hearts with faith, strength, and divine inspiration.
Even today, the Akhand Jyoti stands as a silent teacher — reminding us that true transformation comes not through words but through tapasya, seva, and swadhyaya. It calls each seeker to become a living flame, to spread light in the darkness of ignorance, and to burn for the welfare of others.
Janmashatabdi 2026: A Sacred Milestone
The year 2026 marks 100 years of this divine flame’s journey — the Janmashatabdi of Akhand Deep. This is not merely an anniversary; it is a call to humanity. It is a reminder of the ideals, sacrifices, and divine resolve of Yugrishi and Vandaniya Mataji, who together built the foundation of this spiritual renaissance.
This centenary is being observed as an ideological festival — an opportunity for every seeker, every parijan, every center of AWGP across the globe to rekindle this inner light. It is a chance to spread the Jyoti Kalash to every home, to undertake collective Gayatri Sadhana, and to engage in seva campaigns that make society healthier, stronger, and diviner.
The Call of the Flame
The Akhand Jyoti, which has burned ceaselessly since 1926, now calls us all to awaken. It asks us not only to offer flowers of devotion, but to live the fragrance of transformation. To celebrate its Janmashatabdi is to walk the path of self-discipline, selfless service, and spiritual practice.
This flame is not confined to Shantikunj; it is the flame of humanity’s hope. When one bows before it, one receives not only divine blessings but also the strength to live by noble ideals. In its glow lies the promise of a bright future — for individuals, families, and the world at large.