BAPS’s Landmark Biography of Pramukh Swami Maharaj Sets a Guinness World Record

New Delhi: A 13-volume biography of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, spanning 8,848 pages and 2,146,447 words, has been recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s longest biography by a single author.

Titled Brahmaswarup Pramukh Swami Maharaj: Vistrut Jivan ane Karya, the biography was authored by Sanskrit scholar Sadhu Adarshjivandas, PhD. It chronicles the 94-year life and legacy of Pramukh Swami Maharaj (1921–2016), the late spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.

The work documents Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s spiritual leadership, humility, devotion and selfless service, as well as his work serving and inspiring individuals and communities around the world. It was researched and written over 38 months, from July 2017 to August 2020.

The Guinness World Records certificate was presented to His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj at OVO Arena Wembley on Sunday, 4 October 2026, during celebrations marking his 93rd birth anniversary. The presentation was witnessed by 11,000 people at the arena, with tens of thousands more watching via a live webcast around the world.

More than an account of remarkable scale, the biography is an extensive historical record of a life dedicated to spirituality, service and the wellbeing of others. It preserves Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life and work for present and future generations. More than 310,000 copies of the volumes have already been sold.

This recognition follows another Guinness World Records title achievement by BAPS. In February 2026, 12,723 children gathered in Vadodara, India, for a simultaneous recital of Sanskrit verses from the Satsang Diksha, setting the record for the Largest Simultaneous Hindu Text Recital. More than 15,000 children had memorised all 315 Sanskrit verses as part of the wider initiative.