By: Vandana Jhingan

Guinness World Records has recognised a 13-volume biography of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj as the Longest Biography by a Single Author.

Titled Brahmaswarup Pramukh Swami Maharaj: Vistrut Jivan ane Karya, the biography comprises 8,848 pages and 2,146,447 words. It was authored by Sanskrit scholar Sadhu Adarshjivandas, PhD, and documents the 94-year life and work of Pramukh Swami Maharaj (1921–2016), the late spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.

The work covers Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life from his birth in 1921 to his passing in 2016, documenting his spiritual leadership, service activities, personal humility and interactions with people and communities in India and around the world.

According to the authorship record, the biography was researched and written over 38 months, from July 2017 to August 2020. More than 310,000 copies of the completed volumes have reportedly been sold.

The Guinness World Records certificate was presented to His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj at OVO Arena Wembley on October 4, 2026, during celebrations marking his 93rd birth anniversary. The presentation was witnessed by approximately 11,000 people at the venue, while additional viewers followed the event through a live webcast.

Carl Saville, Senior Adjudicator for Guinness World Records, presented the certificate and said the achievement reflected the organisation’s role in documenting exceptional accomplishments from around the world.

Sadhu Adarshjivandas said the focus of the work was Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life and contribution rather than the author. He described the spiritual leader’s life as one marked by spirituality, humility and a commitment to compassion, harmony and service.

Beyond its record-setting length, the biography serves as a detailed historical account of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life, activities and influence. The 13 volumes seek to preserve documentation of his work and spiritual legacy for future generations.

The Guinness recognition is the latest in a series of record achievements associated with BAPS. In February 2026, 12,723 children gathered in Vadodara, India, for a simultaneous recital of Sanskrit verses from Satsang Diksha, earning the Guinness World Records title for the Largest Simultaneous Hindu Text Recital. More than 15,000 children had memorised all 315 Sanskrit verses of the scripture as part of the wider initiative.