The Founder, Mai Swarupa Mai Markand

The close of the nineteenth century saw the birth of a great saint, Markandrai Dholakia.

Later, he became known as Saint Mai Swarupa Mai Markand. He was born in 1885 in Petlad, a prosperous town in the erstwhile Baroda State of Gujarat. He had his education at Pune Engineering College and was a qualified civil engineer. He entered government service in 1921 and retired in 1942.

He was affectionately called Maiji by his devotees and close associates. From his childhood, he worshipped the Divine Mother. However, he was inclined more toward the love aspect rather than the shakti aspect of the Mother. She granted him a number of visions, protected him from several dangers, and blessed him with unlimited powers. Eventually, she accepted him as her most beloved son.

Finally, at the repeated and insistent commands of the Divine Mother herself, Maiji installed her at the midnight hour of 2-9-1932 as the Most Merciful Universal Divine Mother Mai and declared Mai-ism, the universal religion centered around Mai.

Arising from his innate love for fellow beings, Maiji used his miraculous powers to relieve the miseries of countless people, cured incurable diseases, and performed many miracles. He was a marvel of his time, a living legend, and a miracle of love. He founded his spiritual path on love. Eventually, he identified himself so deeply with the Divine Mother that he himself became like a living mother in flesh and blood. Some of his disciples and close associates who were alive later asserted that the divine characteristics and godly powers he possessed were extraordinary.

He was one of the founders of the International Religious Federation in Japan. He was also elected Vice President of the Universal Religious Alliance in Cuba for six years from 1959 to 1965, holding the portfolio of peaceful human relations.

He wrote several books, his magnum opus being Mai-ism, in which he elaborated on his spiritual experiences and the universal religion of Mai-ism.

His life and teachings were mentioned in “Who is Who” in the Indian Year Book published by The Times of India from 1944-45 until 1966.

Without any external insignia of sainthood familiar to the general public, he remained a vibrant source of love and sympathy.

After performing a monumental task that ordinary people might take centuries to accomplish, Maiji returned to Mai’s lotus feet on 21-12-1966. Since then, in his disembodied form, he has continued to shower blessings even on casual devotees.

The story of his life will inspire generations to come. The best homage to his memory is to follow the path he illuminated until his last breath.

Founder Maiji’s promise to humanity:

Mai is there and I will be there even after dying to relieve the difficulties of all those who repeat Jai Mai Jai Markand Mai.