Shri Nilkanth Varni Tapomurti - 6"

The murti of Tapomurti Shri Nilkanth Vari has portrayed in an ascetic pose performing tapas, or penance and worship with intense self-discipline.

This murti (sacred image) of Tapomurti Shri Nilkanth Varni is a homage to his travels around the Indian subcontinent for 11 years during his teenage years. He performed rigorous tapas for six months, standing on one leg in a yogic posture, and mastered yoga during his travels in the Himalayas. His emaciated body glows with the aura of his determined posture and inward drawn eyes.

In 1792, an 11-year-old boy named Ghanshyam left the comforts of his home in Northern India and set out on what turned into a 7-year, 8,000-mile journey touching the farthermost corners of the Indian subcontinent. During this 7-year teenage period, Ghanshyam was known as Nilkanth Varni. He would eventually settle in Gujarat and be known as Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781-1829). His journey was one of not only sheer physical and mental determination, discipline, and discovery, but one that has, for over two centuries, inspired individuals throughout the world to apply the universal concepts of unconditional love, empathy, simplicity, and service in both ordinary and extraordinary situations.