Morari Bapu

{{Short description|Indian spiritual leader}}

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{{EngvarB|date=May 2015}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}

{{Infobox person

| honorific_prefix =

| name = Morari Bapu

| image = Morari Bapu.png

| caption =

| birth_name = Morari Bapu

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1946|03|2}}

| birth_place = Talgajarda, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India

| nationality = Indian

| citizenship = Indian

| occupation = Reciter, Ram Charit Manas

| spouse = Narmadaben Hariyani

| children = 4

| website = {{URL|http://chitrakutdhamtalgajarda.org/}}

}}

Morari Bapu (born Moraridas Prabhudas Hariyani, 2 March 1946) is an Indian spiritual leader and narrator of Rama katha from Gujarat. He is an exponent of Ramcharitmanas with more than 900 kathas recited over the last 60 years.{{cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/others/article/ramayana-s-famous-exponent-morari-bapu-gifts-rs-57-lakh-to-the-indian-olympic-squad/798733|title=Ramayana's famous exponent Morari Bapu gifts Rs 57 lakh to the Indian Olympic Squad|website=Times Now|date=12 August 2021|access-date=5 December 2022|archive-date=5 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205104837/https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/others/article/ramayana-s-famous-exponent-morari-bapu-gifts-rs-57-lakh-to-the-indian-olympic-squad/798733|url-status=live}}

Early life

Morari Bapu was born on 2 March 1946 (Maha Shivaratri according to the Hindu calendar) in Talgajarda village in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat, to Prabhudas Hariyani and Savitriben Hariyani, in a family of six brothers and two sisters.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ncL8Ve9FqNwC&pg=PA4923|title=The Indian Encyclopaedia: Meya-National Congress|last=Kapoor|first=Subodh|date=2002|publisher=Cosmo Publications|isbn=9788177552737|page=4923|language=en|access-date=29 October 2019|archive-date=26 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126071356/https://books.google.com/books?id=ncL8Ve9FqNwC&pg=PA4923|url-status=live}}[http://www.moraribapu.org/moraribapu_biography.html Biography] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221140038/http://moraribapu.org/moraribapu_biography.html |date=21 December 2013 }} His family followed Nimbarka Sampradaya, a Hindu Vaishnava tradition.{{Cite encyclopedia|last1=Sheth|first1=Chandrakant|author1-link=Chandrakant Sheth|last2=Parikh|first2=Pravinchandra|last3=Shukla|first3=Bansidhar|title=મોરારિબાપુ|encyclopedia=Gujarati Vishwakosh|editor-last=Thaker|editor-first=Dhirubhai|editor-link=Dhirubhai Thaker|publisher=Gujarat Vishwakosh Trust|year=2002|edition=1st|oclc=248968280|volume=XVI|location=Ahmedabad|pages=725–726|language=gu}} Both the Ramcharitmanas and the Bhagavad Gita were embedded in Bapu's life from childhood.Kang, Bhavdeep (5 August 2016). "The Chronicler Of Lord Rama". Swarajya. Retrieved 5 December 2022.

Tribhuvandas, grandfather and guru of Bapu, taught him the deeper meanings of Goswami Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas and initiated him on the path of recitation of the sacred text, i.e., the narration of katha. Bapu recited the Ramcharitmanas Chaupais (stanzas or couplets) while walking to and from school, and thus began his journey of oration.{{cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-spiritual-leader-morari-bapu-exemplifies-civic-duty-casts-vote-in-lok-sabha-elections-3088645|title=Spiritual Leader Morari Bapu Exemplifies Civic Duty, Casts Vote in Lok Sabha Elections|date=9 May 2024|website=Daily News and Analysis|author-first=Ayushmann|author-last=Chawla|access-date=18 May 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ahmedabadmirror.com/renowned-spiritual-leader-morari-bapu-exemplifies-civic-duty-casts-vote-in-lok-sabha-elections/81866773.html|title=Renowned Spiritual Leader Morari Bapu Exemplifies Civic Duty, Casts Vote In Lok Sabha Elections|date=8 May 2024|location=Ahmedabad, Gujarat|website=Ahmedabad Mirror|access-date=18 May 2024}}

After completing secondary education, Bapu joined the Shahpur Teacher's Training College in Junagadh. In 1966, Bapu started teaching at a primary school in Mahuva.

=Lineage=

File:Nimbarkiya_Lineage.jpg

Dhyanswami Bapa, a followers of Nimbarka Sampradaya, entered Jeevant Samadhi (live burial) at Senjal Dham of Mahuva.{{cite web |date=18 May 2022 |title=Eight-fold path of loving devotion to reach Samadhi |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/spiritual/eight-fold-path-of-loving-devotion-to-reach-samadhi-article-91634598 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205111501/https://www.timesnownews.com/spiritual/eight-fold-path-of-loving-devotion-to-reach-samadhi-article-91634598 |archive-date=5 December 2022 |access-date=5 December 2022 |website=Times Now |quote=Speaking at Senjal Dham, which is the place Samadhi of Dhyanswami Bapa in Gujarat...Dhyanswami Bapa followed the Nimbarki tradition and had taken Jeevant Samadhi, meaning immersed into the ground alive. While Dhyanswami Bapa remained unmarried, his devotee Jeevandas Bapa married and it is into this ancestry that Morari Bapu was born.}} Dhyanswami Bapa's disciple, Jeevandas Bapa got married, and in his lineage Bapu was born. Tribhuvandas Bapu's younger brother, Vishnu Devanand Giri, was the 6th Mahamandaleshwar of Kailash Ashram, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Uttarakhand (India).

Career

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When Bapu was 14 years old, he began reciting Ram Katha under the guidance and encouragement of his grandfather and spiritual mentor, Tribhuvandas Bapu. Initially, he would recite verses from the Ramcharitmanas to a small group of people under a banyan tree named Tribhuvan Vat, named after his grandfather, mentor, and guru in his village.{{Cite web |date=2020-06-08 |title=Morari Bapu starts online Ram Katha, inaugurates discourse on a note of deep compassion |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/spiritual/article/morari-bapu-starts-online-ram-katha-inaugurates-discourse-on-a-note-of-deep-compassion/603057 |access-date=2023-09-19 |website=www.timesnownews.com |language=en |archive-date=5 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205104838/https://www.timesnownews.com/spiritual/article/morari-bapu-starts-online-ram-katha-inaugurates-discourse-on-a-note-of-deep-compassion/603057 |url-status=live }} As time went on, he began to recite at the Ram Temple in both his village, Talgajarda, and the nearby town of Mahuva.{{Cite web |title=Morari Bapu |url=https://www.hinduscriptures.com/gurus/morari-bapu/2176/ |access-date=5 December 2022 |website=www.hinduscriptures.com |archive-date=5 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205112506/https://www.hinduscriptures.com/gurus/morari-bapu/2176/ |url-status=live }}

Bapu's first 9-day katha outside of Talgajarda was in 1966 at Ramfaldas Maharaj's ashram in Ganthila village, Gujarat. He gave his first discourse abroad in Nairobi, Kenya in 1976.{{cite web |date=1 September 2012 |title=Nathdwara Spiritual Music Festival in Jodhpur |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/events/mumbai/nathdwara-spiritual-music-festival-in-jodhpur/articleshow/16063343.cms?from=mdr |access-date=19 January 2023 |website=The Times of India |archive-date=19 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119112744/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/events/mumbai/nathdwara-spiritual-music-festival-in-jodhpur/articleshow/16063343.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}{{cite web |author-last=Sanganee |author-first=Hemant |date=20 August 2012 |title=Sunil Shetty listens to Murari Bapu's Katha at Nathdwara Festival 2 ! |url=https://dumkhum.com/sunil-shetty-listens-to-murari-bapus-katha-at-nathdwara-festival-2/ |access-date=19 January 2023 |website=Dumkhum |archive-date=19 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119112943/https://dumkhum.com/sunil-shetty-listens-to-murari-bapus-katha-at-nathdwara-festival-2/ |url-status=live }} Kathas based in Gujarat are narrated in Gujarati, and in the rest of India and abroad, in Hindi.

Bapu has also narrated the 19 verses of the Gopi Geet as Manas Gopi Geet.{{cite web |date=8 June 2022 |title=Morari Bapu starts online Ram Katha, inaugurates discourse on a note of deep compassion |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/spiritual/article/morari-bapu-starts-online-ram-katha-inaugurates-discourse-on-a-note-of-deep-compassion/603057 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205104837/https://www.timesnownews.com/spiritual/article/morari-bapu-starts-online-ram-katha-inaugurates-discourse-on-a-note-of-deep-compassion/603057 |archive-date=5 December 2022 |access-date=5 December 2022 |website=Times Now}}

Bapu's Ram Kathas can be seen on the Aastha TV network"Pujya Shri Morari Bapu will start Ram Katha from November 19" (3 November 2020). The India Saga. Retrieved 5 December 2022{{cite web|url=https://www.indiantelevision.com/iworld/over-the-top-services/aastha-tv-to-launch-vod-app-180117|title=Aastha TV to launch OTT, VOD service|date=17 January 2018|website=www.indiantelevision.com|access-date=5 December 2022|archive-date=5 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205152448/https://www.indiantelevision.com/iworld/over-the-top-services/aastha-tv-to-launch-vod-app-180117|url-status=live}}Robins, Derek (15 October 2020). "Puyja Morari Bapuji offers prayers at Vrindavan Temple". US Times Now. Retrieved 5 December 2022 and the Chitrakutdham Talgajarda YouTube channel.{{cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/spiritual-leader-morari-bapu-s-event-olive-ridley-site-tn-raises-concerns-141036|title=Spiritual leader Morari Bapu's event at Olive Ridley site in TN raises concerns|date=7 January 2021|website=The News Minute|access-date=5 December 2022|archive-date=5 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205114536/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/spiritual-leader-morari-bapu-s-event-olive-ridley-site-tn-raises-concerns-141036|url-status=live}} The largest gathering at one of Bapu's Ram Kathas to date has been 1.2 million people over the course of nine days in Nathdwara, Rajasthan (India).{{Cite web |title=Nathdwara Spiritual Music Festival in Jodhpur - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/events/mumbai/nathdwara-spiritual-music-festival-in-jodhpur/articleshow/16063343.cms |access-date=2023-01-27 |website=The Times of India |language=en |archive-date=27 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127065238/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/events/mumbai/nathdwara-spiritual-music-festival-in-jodhpur/articleshow/16063343.cms |url-status=live }}

Bapu has traversed major areas and pilgrimages in India, including Amarnath, Vaishno Devi, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Kurukshetra, Vraj Chaurasi, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Hastinapur, Naimisharanya, Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Bet Dwarka, Bodh Gaya, Jagannath Puri, Dhanushkodi, Rameshwaram, Somnath, Vaishno Devi, Ambaji and Ayodhya. Some overseas Kathas would include Toronto, Atlanta, Panama, Amazon Rainforest, London, Paris, Switzerland, Vatican City, Athens, South Africa, Mauritius, Jordan, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Rakshastal, Kailash, Bhushundi Sarovar, Moscow, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Bali, Hiroshima, Sydney and New Zealand.Shukla, Saurabh (16 August 2003). "Ram Katha in rain forests a hit with Brazilians". The Hindustan Times. Retrieved 5 December 2022 Bapu's other unique Kathas include – A Katha on board a cruise ship and on board a flight;{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WhgDL6SwGeQC&pg=PA125|title=The Intimate Other: Love Divine in Indic Religions|last1=King|first1=Anna S.|last2=Brockington|first2=J. L.|date=2005|publisher=Orient Blackswan|isbn=9788125028017|page=125|language=en|access-date=29 October 2019|archive-date=26 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126071412/https://books.google.com/books?id=WhgDL6SwGeQC&pg=PA125#v=onepage&q&f=false|url-status=live}} Katha in the Cambridge University Campus having UK Prime minister Rishi Sunak attend on 77th Indian Independence Day and greeted the audience with Jai Siya Ram;{{cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/world/uk-pm-rishi-sunak-attends-morari-bapus-ram-katha-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-spiritual-leader-11692218525416.html|title=UK PM Rishi Sunak attends Morari Bapu's Ram Katha - All you need to know about the spiritual leader|date=17 August 2023|author-first=Anwesha|author-last=Mitra|website=Mint|access-date=18 May 2024}} A 12 Jyotirlings Katha journey of 12000 km by train in 18 days from Kedarnath to Somnath; A Katha at Ayodhya to celebrate Ram Temple Consecration ceremony.{{cite web|url=https://theblunttimes.in/a-historic-journey-of-12-jyotirlinga-ram-katha-yatra-with-morari-bapu-ends-at-talgajarda-gujarat/34874/|title=A Historic Journey Of 12-Jyotirlinga Ram Katha Yatra With Morari Bapu Ends At Talgajarda, Gujarat|date=8 August 2023|website=The Blunt Times|author-first=Melvyn|author-last=Thomas|access-date=18 May 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://curlytales.com/covering-12000-kms-pujya-morari-bapu-sets-out-on-an-18-days-jyotirlinga-ram-katha-train-yatra/|title=Covering 12,000 Kms, Pujya Morari Bapu Sets Out On An 18-Days Jyotirlinga Ram Katha Train Yatra|date=23 July 2023|website=Curly Tales|author-first=Mallika|author-last=Khurana|access-date=18 May 2024}}

Bapu does not charge for his recitations of Ram Katha. His sermons are open to everyone without financial or other restrictions, regardless of age, gender, caste, creed, or social status.

Spiritual views and Teachings

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Bapu's overall ethos of katha is universal peace by reciting nine-day discourses, spreading the message of truth (satya), love (prem), and compassion (karuna), and relating the Ramcharitmanas scripture to everyday lives, embedding spirituality rather than religion.{{cite web|url=https://www.thehitavada.com/Encyc/2020/1/30/Ramcharitmanas-is-meant-for-welfare-of-every-living-being-Morari-Bapu.html|title=Ramcharitmanas is meant for welfare of every living being: Morari Bapu|date=30 January 2020|website=The Hitavada|access-date=5 December 2022|archive-date=5 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205121134/https://www.thehitavada.com/Encyc/2020/1/30/Ramcharitmanas-is-meant-for-welfare-of-every-living-being-Morari-Bapu.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bluetoad.com/publication/?i=411550|title=Hindu of the Year - Morari Bapu|website=Hinduism Today|access-date=5 December 2022|archive-date=5 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105170034/https://bluetoad.com/publication/?i=411550|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://scroll.in/article/737322/how-agnostic-filmmaker-anand-patwardhan-and-guru-morari-bapu-found-common-ground|title=How agnostic filmmaker Anand Patwardhan and guru Morari Bapu found common ground|date=25 June 2015|author-first=Anand|author-last=Patwardhan|website=Scroll.in|access-date=5 December 2022|archive-date=5 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205121900/https://scroll.in/article/737322/how-agnostic-filmmaker-anand-patwardhan-and-guru-morari-bapu-found-common-ground|url-status=live}}

Bapu defines religion as truth, love, and compassion. According to him, the conventional idea of being religious is confined to going to temples or churches and observing fasts, but the idea of religion as truth, love, and compassion goes beyond the boundaries of countries and continents.{{Cite web |date=2020-06-17 |title=Truth, Love, Compassion! |url=https://medium.com/indias-spiritual-connect/truthlovecompassion1-fbe6fed517f2 |access-date=2023-01-27 |website=India’s Spiritual Connect |language=en |archive-date=27 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127072755/https://medium.com/indias-spiritual-connect/truthlovecompassion1-fbe6fed517f2 |url-status=live }}

Bapu's line of thought is “not to improve, but to accept all”. Bapu does not see those who listen to or attend the Ram Kathas as his followers. Instead, he calls them "flowers".

Bapu spreads awareness about the essentials of life, which captures the interest of numerous young individuals who are also drawn to attend katha. People should come out of the mental crises of jealousy (Īrṣyā), backbiting and criticism (ninda) and hatred (dvesh).

Bapu supports environment-related causes.{{cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/features/plea-to-conserve-environment-plant-saplings-97338|title=Plea to conserve environment, plant saplings|date=23 June 2015|website=The Tribune (Chandigarh)|access-date=5 December 2022|archive-date=5 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205122529/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/features/plea-to-conserve-environment-plant-saplings-97338|url-status=live}} Cows should be nurtured and worshipped, not harmed.{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vadodara/gaushala-established-by-dargah-trust-inaugurated/articleshow/68310427.cms|title='Gaushala' established by dargah trust inaugurated|date=8 March 2019|website=The Times of India|access-date=5 December 2022|archive-date=5 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205122807/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vadodara/gaushala-established-by-dargah-trust-inaugurated/articleshow/68310427.cms|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2018/state-editions/ram-katha-preacher-morari-babu-in-rishikesh.html|title=Ram Katha preacher Morari Babu in Rishikesh|date=22 April 2018|website=The Pioneer|access-date=5 December 2022|archive-date=5 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205122954/https://www.dailypioneer.com/2018/state-editions/ram-katha-preacher-morari-babu-in-rishikesh.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sanskritimagazine.com/culture/o-mother-cow-teach-love/|title=O Mother Cow, teach me to love you|website=Sanskriti Magazine|access-date=5 December 2022|archive-date=5 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205123206/https://www.sanskritimagazine.com/culture/o-mother-cow-teach-love/|url-status=live}} Bapu believes in ‘Pravahi Parampara’ (flowing tradition). He has been speaking for progressive norms in the 21st century and feels there should be no stagnancy in religious beliefs.{{cite web|url=https://zeenews.india.com/photogallery/delhi-inderlok-building-collapse-3463|title='Girls should be allowed to conduct last rites'|date=5 February 2012|website=Zee News|author-first=Akrita|author-last=Reyar|access-date=5 December 2022|archive-date=5 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205123809/https://zeenews.india.com/photogallery/delhi-inderlok-building-collapse-3463|url-status=live}}

Bapu says that the Ramcharitmanas is meant for the welfare and development of every living being.

Bapu has faith in the five elements (Pancha tattva) philosophy.{{cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/spiritual/article/the-fundamentals-of-prayer/625800|title=The Fundamentals of Prayer|date=23 July 2020|website=Times Now|access-date=5 December 2022|archive-date=5 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205124104/https://www.timesnownews.com/spiritual/article/the-fundamentals-of-prayer/625800|url-status=live}} As per him, the five cardinal elements of Sanatan Dharma are: Bhagavan Ganesha, Bhagavan Rama, Bhagavan Krishna, Bhagavan Shiva, Goddess Durga (representing all goddesses). And all philosophy is contained in the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Puranas, the Bhagvad Gita and the Ramayana.

Bapu celebrates and espouses the importance of Sanatan Dharma festivals like Diwali,{{Cite web |title=Importance of Deepavali - Sanatan Dharma Project |url=https://sites.google.com/site/sanatandharmaproject/importance-of-deepavali |access-date=2023-01-27 |website=sites.google.com |archive-date=27 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127072754/https://sites.google.com/site/sanatandharmaproject/importance-of-deepavali |url-status=live }} Janmashtami, Ram Navami,{{Cite web |last=Sanstha |first=Sanatan |date=2014-03-16 |title=Shriram Navami |url=https://www.sanatan.org/en/a/188.html |access-date=2023-01-27 |website=Sanatan Sanstha |language=en-US |archive-date=24 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324115930/https://www.sanatan.org/en/a/188.html |url-status=live }} Shravan Maas and Navratri{{cite web|url=https://www.amarujala.com/uttar-pradesh/mirzapur/navaratri-mother-s-day-morari-bapu|title=नवरात्र मदर्स डे: मोरारी बापू|date=22 September 2017|language=hi|website=Amar Ujala|access-date=5 December 2022|archive-date=5 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205125117/https://www.amarujala.com/uttar-pradesh/mirzapur/navaratri-mother-s-day-morari-bapu|url-status=live}} and encourages vegetarianism{{cite web|url=http://www.bwcindia.org/web/awareness/learnabout/VegetarianandAnimalReligiousObservances.html|title=Vegetarian and Animal Religious Observances|date=11 November 2022|website=Beauty Without Cruelty - India|access-date=5 December 2022|archive-date=5 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205125437/http://www.bwcindia.org/web/awareness/learnabout/VegetarianandAnimalReligiousObservances.html|url-status=live}} and keeping the Holy Basil Plant (Tulsi) in homes.{{cite web|url=https://navjeevanexpress.com/spiritual-leader-and-preacher-morari-bapu-plants-trees-to-mark-world-environment-day/|title=Spiritual leader and preacher Morari Bapu plants trees to mark World Environment Day|date=5 June 2020|website=Navjeevan Express|access-date=5 December 2022|archive-date=5 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205131207/https://navjeevanexpress.com/spiritual-leader-and-preacher-morari-bapu-plants-trees-to-mark-world-environment-day/|url-status=live}}"Pujya Morari Bapu plants trees on World Environment Day". News Track. 5 December 2022.

Morari Bapu himself follows the tradition of bhiksha, a sacred ritual in the Sanatan Dharma of accepting food as alms without any personal choices and eating whatever is served.{{cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/mirror-now/article/akshaya-patra-along-with-gmsp-foundation-to-help-tackle-uk-s-child-hunger-crisis/674956|title=Akshaya Patra along with GMSP Foundation to help tackle UK's child hunger crisis|date=30 October 2020|website=Times Now|access-date=5 December 2022|archive-date=5 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205185121/https://www.timesnownews.com/mirror-now/article/akshaya-patra-along-with-gmsp-foundation-to-help-tackle-uk-s-child-hunger-crisis/674956|url-status=live}}

Philanthropy

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  • Medical Aid/Support: Bapu believes in Humanitarian Aid (Manav Seva) and has recited many Kathas to support medical facilities in India:{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/morari-bapus-katha-to-fight-cancer/articleshow/17486212.cms|title=Morari Bapu's katha to fight cancer|date=5 December 2012|website=The Times of India|access-date=5 December 2022|archive-date=5 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205224328/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/morari-bapus-katha-to-fight-cancer/articleshow/17486212.cms|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.deshgujarat.com/2012/12/05/morari-bapus-ramkatha-from-december-8-in-amdavad/|title=Morari Bapu's Ramkatha from December 8 in Amdavad|date=5 December 2012|website=Desh Gujarat|access-date=5 December 2022|archive-date=5 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205191353/https://www.deshgujarat.com/2012/12/05/morari-bapus-ramkatha-from-december-8-in-amdavad/|url-status=live}}
  • Manas Dharam was conducted for Kidney patients - Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Centre (IKRDC) and Dr H.L. Trivedi Institute of Transplantation Sciences (ITS), Ahmedabad, Gujarat in 2015.{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Morari-Bapus-kidney-katha/articleshow/45623656.cms|title=Morari Bapu's kidney katha|date=24 December 2014|website=The Times of India|access-date=5 December 2022|archive-date=5 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205192257/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Morari-Bapus-kidney-katha/articleshow/45623656.cms|url-status=live}}
  • Manas Cancer was conducted for “Fight for Cancer” - Gujarat Cancer Society, Ahmedabad, Gujarat in 2012. (Approx ₹3 crore raised and donated).{{Cite web |date=December 5, 2012 |title=Morari Bapu's katha to fight cancer |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/morari-bapus-katha-to-fight-cancer/articleshow/17486212.cms |access-date=2023-01-30 |website=The Times of India |language=en |archive-date=5 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205224329/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/morari-bapus-katha-to-fight-cancer/articleshow/17486212.cms |url-status=live }}
  • Manas Seva Yagna was conducted for "cost-free hospital" - Shree Lallubhai Sheth Arogya Mandir in Savarkundla, Gujarat in 2017.{{cite web|url=https://www.shreevidhyaguru.in/ramkatha-details.php|title=RAM KATHA|website=Shree Vidhyaguru Foundation|access-date=5 December 2022|archive-date=5 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205192744/https://www.shreevidhyaguru.in/ramkatha-details.php|url-status=live}}
  • Manas Ram Janam ke Hetu Aneka was conducted for “Treatment for Cancer Patients” - Nargis Dutt Foundation, Mumbai in 2018.{{Cite web |title=Nargis Dutt Foundation |url=https://www.nargisduttfoundation.com/shri-pujya-morari-bappu-ramkatha-2018 |access-date=2023-01-30 |website=www.nargisduttfoundation.com |archive-date=30 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130045715/https://www.nargisduttfoundation.com/shri-pujya-morari-bappu-ramkatha-2018 |url-status=live }}
  • Indian Army: Bapu has always supported the soldiers of India during his various kathas and speeches. He has visited them a couple of times at Wagha, Ferozepur, Amarnath and many other Indian borders.{{cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/ahmedabad/report-ramkatha-in-surat-protest-hub-to-raise-funds-for-martyrs-2559808|title='Ramkatha' in Surat protest hub to raise funds for martyrs|date=14 November 2017|website=DNA|access-date=5 December 2022|archive-date=9 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009122731/https://www.dnaindia.com/ahmedabad/report-ramkatha-in-surat-protest-hub-to-raise-funds-for-martyrs-2559808|url-status=live}} Bapu has also made donations for the soldiers martyred during the Galwan Valley encounter in 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.timesnowhindi.com/india/article/morari-bapu-provided-20-lakhs-assistance-to-the-families-of-the-soldiers-who-were-martyred-in-the-galwan-valley-of-ladakh/299118|title=Morari Bapu: गलवान घाटी में शहीद हुए जवानों के परिवारजनों की मदद को आगे आए मोरारी बापू|language=hi|date=19 June 2020|website=Times Now|access-date=5 December 2022|archive-date=5 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205193338/https://www.timesnowhindi.com/india/article/morari-bapu-provided-20-lakhs-assistance-to-the-families-of-the-soldiers-who-were-martyred-in-the-galwan-valley-of-ladakh/299118|url-status=live}}
  • Manas Shaheed, Surat in 2017, was conducted for the Indian army to raise funds for veterans and their families, to support the families of deceased army personnel in the conflict which also raised awareness across the globe.{{cite web|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/gujarat-sets-example-of-honouring-martyrs-and-national-pride-117080900784_1.html|title=Gujarat sets example of honouring martyrs and national pride|date=9 August 2017|website=Business Standard|access-date=5 December 2022|archive-date=5 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205193723/https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/gujarat-sets-example-of-honouring-martyrs-and-national-pride-117080900784_1.html|url-status=live}}
  • Bapu announced an aid of ₹1 lakh to the family of each Central Reserve Police Force personnel killed in the 2019 Pulwama attack.{{cite web|url=https://ndtv.in/india/morari-bapu-will-help-families-of-deceased-crpf-men-in-pulwama-attack-1995557|title=पुलवामा हमले में शहीद परिवारों की मदद को मोरारी बापू ने बढ़ाया हाथ, देंगे 1-1 लाख रुपये की मदद|language=hi|date=19 February 2019|website=NDTV India|access-date=5 December 2022|archive-date=5 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205194120/https://ndtv.in/india/morari-bapu-will-help-families-of-deceased-crpf-men-in-pulwama-attack-1995557|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://hindi.timesnownews.com/india/article/pulwama-attack-morari-bapu-will-give-financial-assistance-of-1-lakh-rupees-to-per-crpf-martyr-family-jammu-kashmir/367149|title=पुलवामा में शहीद हुए जवानों के परिजनों की सहायता के लिए आगे आए मोरारी बापू, देंगे लाखों की आर्थिक मदद|website=hindi.timesnownews.com|language=hi|access-date=9 October 2019|archive-date=9 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009122731/https://hindi.timesnownews.com/india/article/pulwama-attack-morari-bapu-will-give-financial-assistance-of-1-lakh-rupees-to-per-crpf-martyr-family-jammu-kashmir/367149|url-status=dead}}
  • Sex Workers (Prostitutes): Bapu was the first spiritual leader to meet the sex workers in Kamathipura, Mumbai. In December 2018, Manas Ganika Ram katha was conducted in the holy city of Ayodhya for these sex workers. The message here was to give dignity to the neglected, exploited and marginalised segments of the society. As a father figure would, Bapu announced to facilitate sex workers and their children who would want to join the main stream. In this Katha, Bapu pledged ₹3 crore for the welfare of sex workers. At the end ₹6.92 crore was distributed which was more than double of the pledged amount. Morari Bapu addressed a deprived section of society and cited that Rama's life was based on acceptance and reforms.{{Cite web|url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/mumbai/other/morari-bapu-pledges-rs-3-cr-for-sex-workers/articleshow/67264990.cms|title=Morari Bapu pledges Rs 3 cr for sex workers|date=27 December 2018|website=The Times of India|author-first=Labonita|author-last=Ghosh|access-date=5 December 2022|archive-date=9 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009112550/https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/mumbai/other/morari-bapu-pledges-rs-3-cr-for-sex-workers/articleshow/67264990.cms|url-status=live}}
  • Transgenders: In December 2016, Manas Kinnar was held in Mumbai for transgenders, to get communities to accept and acknowledge them for who they are.{{cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-morari-bapu-s-ram-katha-makes-space-for-transgenders-2285553|title=Morari Bapu's Ram katha makes space for transgenders|date=23 December 2016|website=DNA|access-date=6 December 2022|archive-date=9 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009112548/https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-morari-bapu-s-ram-katha-makes-space-for-transgenders-2285553|url-status=live}}
  • For this work, Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, an Indian LGBT activist, had said, "No spiritual or religious leader in the world has ever done this kind of a community event for us and for that, I'm grateful to him".
  • Dalits: In October 2019, Manas Harijan was held in Delhi for Dalit Community. Bapu gave the meaning of Harijan (Hari – Jan) People of God and also visited many Dalit family homes.{{cite web|url=https://www.tv9hindi.com/india/morari-bapu-manas-harijan-150th-birth-anniversary-of-mahatma-gandhi-100364.html|title=महात्मा गांधी की याद में दिल्ली में "मानस-हरिजन", मोरारी बापू सुनाएंगे रामकथा|date=15 September 2019|language=hi|author-first=Amod|author-last=Rai|website=TV9 Bharatvarsh|access-date=6 December 2022|archive-date=6 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206084206/https://www.tv9hindi.com/india/morari-bapu-manas-harijan-150th-birth-anniversary-of-mahatma-gandhi-100364.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.dalailama.com/news/2019/visit-to-harijan-sevak-sangh-at-gandhi-ashram|title=Visit to Harijan Sevak Sangh at Gandhi Ashram|date=25 September 2019|website=14th Dalai Lama|access-date=6 December 2022|archive-date=6 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206085122/https://www.dalailama.com/news/2019/visit-to-harijan-sevak-sangh-at-gandhi-ashram|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.newzviewz.com/hindi/news-detail/president-kovind-inaugurates-harijan-manas-by-pujya-morari-bapu1|title=दिल्ली: पूज्य मोरारी बापू कि "मानस हरिजन" कथा का शुभारम्भ, राष्ट्रपति भी रहे खास उपस्थित|website=Newzviewz|language=hi|access-date=6 December 2022|archive-date=6 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206085807/https://www.newzviewz.com/hindi/news-detail/president-kovind-inaugurates-harijan-manas-by-pujya-morari-bapu1|url-status=live}}
  • Cows: Bapu has advocated for the care of cows and the establishment of gaushalas.{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vadodara/gaushala-established-by-dargah-trust-inaugurated/articleshow/68310427.cms|title='Gaushala' established by dargah trust inaugurated|date=8 March 2022|website=The Times of India|access-date=6 December 2022|archive-date=5 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205122810/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vadodara/gaushala-established-by-dargah-trust-inaugurated/articleshow/68310427.cms|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2018/state-editions/ram-katha-preacher-morari-babu-in-rishikesh.html|title=Ram Katha preacher Morari Babu in Rishikesh|date=22 April 2018|website=The Pioneer|access-date=6 December 2022|archive-date=5 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205122959/https://www.dailypioneer.com/2018/state-editions/ram-katha-preacher-morari-babu-in-rishikesh.html|url-status=live}} Upon desire by The President of India to Bapu, "Gir" cattle were sent to Rashtrapati Bhavan. Around 1975, Bapu along with Shri Vinoba Bhave requested to close slaughterhouses to save cows.
  • In 2012, Manas Surdhenu was recited in Govardhan and raised and donated approximately ₹3 crore for the welfare of cows.{{cite web|url=https://www.jagran.com/news/national-morari-bapu-give-five-cows-to-pranab-mukherjee-12488050.html|title=गौ प्रेम पर मोरारी बापू ने प्रणब को दिया साधुवाद|date=16 June 2015|website=Dainik Jagran|author-first=Manoj|author-last=Yadav|access-date=6 December 2022|archive-date=6 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206091325/https://www.jagran.com/news/national-morari-bapu-give-five-cows-to-pranab-mukherjee-12488050.html|url-status=live}}
  • Nature: Bapu appeals for mass tree plantation drives. Bapu supports sanitation campaigns and encourages avoiding the single use of plastic bags to preserve nature. Bapu also recited a katha for the construction of public toilets in Bardoli in 2005.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LTKUDwAAQBAJ&dq=morari+bapu+%2B+bardoli&pg=PT167|title=Sanity in Sanitation|author-first=Jayanti S|author-last=Ravi|date=24 April 2019|pages=296|publisher=Penguin Random House India|access-date=6 December 2022|isbn=9789353055257|archive-date=19 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419072019/https://books.google.com/books?id=LTKUDwAAQBAJ&dq=morari+bapu+++bardoli&pg=PT167|url-status=live}}
  • Temples: Morari Bapu supported the construction of the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple on the disputed site in Ayodhya. In the TV show, Aap Ki Adalat, he appealed to the Hon. Supreme Court of India not to delay the judgement regarding the temple. In this same episode, he said that nobody can question the patriotism of Narendra Modi. When the Supreme Court announced the verdict, Morari Bapu welcomed it as fair and balanced.{{cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/morari-bapu-welcomes-ayodhya-verdict-says-it-is-in-the-welfare-of-all/513498|title=Morari Bapu welcomes Ayodhya verdict, says it is in the welfare of all|date=11 November 2019|website=Times Now|author-first=Akrita|author-last=Reyar|access-date=6 December 2022|archive-date=6 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206094228/https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/morari-bapu-welcomes-ayodhya-verdict-says-it-is-in-the-welfare-of-all/513498|url-status=live}} In July 2020, during his discourse at Pithoria Dham located near his village, Morari Bapu announced ₹5 crore (US$700,000) donation for the construction of Ram Janmabhoomi Temple and urged his Flowers (Katha listeners) to contribute as well.{{Cite web |title=Spiritual leader Morari Bapu announces a donation of Rs 5 crore for construction of Ram Temple |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/spiritual-leader-morari-bapu-announces-a-donation-of-rs-5-crore-for-construction-of-ram-temple/628153 |access-date=2023-01-27 |website=www.timesnownews.com |language=en |archive-date=27 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127063733/https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/spiritual-leader-morari-bapu-announces-a-donation-of-rs-5-crore-for-construction-of-ram-temple/628153 |url-status=live }} Bapu ended up becoming the highest donor contributing around ₹19 crore (US$2.5 million) with his flowers.{{Cite web |title=Spiritual leader Morari Bapu collects Rs 18.61 crore for Ram temple in Ayodhya |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/spiritual-leader-morari-bapu-collects-rs-18-61-crore-for-ram-temple-in-ayodhya/632335 |access-date=2023-01-27 |website=www.timesnownews.com |language=en |archive-date=27 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127063734/https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/spiritual-leader-morari-bapu-collects-rs-18-61-crore-for-ram-temple-in-ayodhya/632335 |url-status=live }}
  • Natural Disasters (Floods, Cyclone, Nuclear Leak, Drought, Earthquake): Bapu has contributed and encouraged others to provide aid and support at times of tragedy in India and abroad.{{Cite web |title=India evacuates over 300 from Nepal |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/india-evacuates-over-300-from-nepal/53726 |access-date=2023-01-30 |website=www.aa.com.tr |archive-date=30 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130045726/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/india-evacuates-over-300-from-nepal/53726 |url-status=live }} A few examples of where Bapu facilitated aid are Gujarat floods,{{cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/morari-bapu-announces-assistance-of-rs-25-lakh-to-gujarat-cm-fund-for-rain-affected-areas-of-saurashtra/812505|title=Morari Bapu announces assistance of Rs 25 lakh to Gujarat CM fund for rain affected areas of Saurashtra|date=15 September 2021|website=Times Now|access-date=6 December 2022|archive-date=6 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206094747/https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/morari-bapu-announces-assistance-of-rs-25-lakh-to-gujarat-cm-fund-for-rain-affected-areas-of-saurashtra/812505|url-status=live}} Uttarakhand floods (Ram katha has contributed around ₹10 crore to Uttarakhand floods and re-construction of the Kedarnath temple in 2014,{{cite web|url=https://zeenews.india.com/news/uttarakhand/morari-bapu-contributes-rs-10-cr-for-uttarakhand-relief-kedarnath-temple_1485573.html|title=Morari Bapu contributes Rs 10 cr for Uttarakhand relief, Kedarnath temple|date=16 October 2014|website=Zee News|access-date=6 December 2022|archive-date=6 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206095130/https://zeenews.india.com/news/uttarakhand/morari-bapu-contributes-rs-10-cr-for-uttarakhand-relief-kedarnath-temple_1485573.html|url-status=live}} Cyclone Idai (South Africa), Cyclone Tauktae (Gujarat), Cyclone Yaas (Odisha), Fukushima nuclear leak (Japan). Bapu recited a Ram Katha in Jaipur, Rajasthan during the 2003 drought and J&K floods. Raised and donated approximately ₹5 crore to support gaushalas through the Governor Relief Fund. Bapu raised and donated approximately ₹15 crore towards the Kutch earthquake 2001.
  • COVID-19 Pandemic: During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bapu conducted a Hari Katha for a period of 61 days without any live audience in attendance.{{Cite web |title=The Guru shapes a disciple like a clay pot |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/spiritual/article/the-guru-shapes-a-disciple-like-a-clay-pot/841010 |access-date=2023-01-27 |website=www.timesnownews.com |language=en |archive-date=27 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127063050/https://www.timesnownews.com/spiritual/article/the-guru-shapes-a-disciple-like-a-clay-pot/841010 |url-status=live }}
  • Art and Culture: Bapu has hosted writers and poets from all over India to discuss literary and scholarly developments during a programme like Asmita Parva as part of the Hanuman Jayanti celebrations that take place every year. Bapu has also hosted scholars of the most ancient language, Sanskrit, as well as other artists. Bapu invites well-known Indian musicians and singers to perform during the evening festivities.{{cite web|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/supplements/divinity-in-music-56703.html|title=Divinity in Music|website=The Statesman|url-status=}}{{dead link|date=September 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://zeenews.india.com/photogallery/day-in-pics-23rd-july-3500|title=Morari Bapu fetes Waheeda Rehman on Hanuman Jayanti|date=7 April 2012|website=Zee News|author-first=Akrita|author-last=Reyar|access-date=6 December 2022|archive-date=6 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206095950/https://zeenews.india.com/photogallery/day-in-pics-23rd-july-3500|url-status=live}}
  • Multiple Weddings (Samuh Lagna): Bapu facilitates "Samuh Lagna" (an occasion where multiple marriages take place together) every year for the needy in Senjal Dham and Talgajarda in Gujarat. In Akshayvat Katha Bapu facilitated 95 couples getting married on 8th day of Ram Katha in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh in March 2020 (which also included a couple from sex workers community as well).
  • Prisoners: On humanitarian grounds Bapu visited jails in Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Buxar,{{cite web|url=http://www.buxarkhabar.com/bapu-preached-in-central-jail-inmates-provided-food/|title=केन्द्रीय जेल में बापू ने किया प्रवचन, कैदियों ने कराया भोजन|language=hi|date=30 November 2019|website=Buxar Khabar|access-date=6 December 2022|archive-date=6 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206111827/http://www.buxarkhabar.com/bapu-preached-in-central-jail-inmates-provided-food/|url-status=live}} Sabarmati{{cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-morari-bapu-infuses-spiritual-life-into-sabarmati-inmates-1379675|title=Morari Bapu infuses spiritual life into Sabarmati inmates|date=6 May 2010|website=DNA|access-date=6 December 2022|archive-date=6 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206102005/https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-morari-bapu-infuses-spiritual-life-into-sabarmati-inmates-1379675|url-status=live}} and many more.

References

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