Journey / Milestones of Mai-ism

No river flows without hindrance. Even the majestic Ganges splits itself into seven rivulets at Rishikesh. No movement progresses without impediment. This is all the more so in the case of religious movements. In earlier times, when religious dogmas such as “Thou shall not kill,” “Thou shall not commit adultery,” or “Thou shall not steal” were propagated, especially among primitive or uninformed sections, the results were not always encouraging. Even in modern times, people argue for religion, write for it, and even die for it, but rarely live for it.

In the case of Mai-ism, the one and only universal religion, its progress has been closely linked with decisive events in the life of its founder, Mai Swarupa Mai Markandji, regarded as a uniquely motherly saint. Below is a brief account of the birth, growth, and achievements of Mai-ism.

1885
The founder of Mai-ism, Markand Dholakia, later known as Mai Swarupa Mai Markand and affectionately called Maiji, was born on December 23. It is said that Sri Ramakrishna rejoiced on that day, believing that the Divine Mother had sent another great saint to establish the ideal of a universal religion centered on God as Mother.

1897
At the age of twelve, Markand began worship of the Divine Mother.

1903
Bahucharajee Mata assured him in a dream that she would be to him a purely loving and living mother. His supernatural abilities became more evident, and whatever he spoke or desired often came true. He came to be known as Mother’s son.

1907
Influenced by the idea of “Aham Brahma Asmi,” he abandoned his devotion and threw away sacred items into the Mula-Mutha river in Pune. He lost his spiritual powers and became distressed. When he attempted suicide, he experienced a divine embrace of the Mother, regained his powers, and found all the discarded items restored in his room.

1909
He began the repetition of Lalita Sahasranama.

1917
While facing unemployment, a telegram offering him a job arrived unexpectedly. He also experienced a divine vision of Mother inviting him to dine.

1931
A significant year in Mai-ism. During a critical illness of Mrs. Taraben Soparkar, Maiji prayed intensely. Despite medical expectations of death, she revived temporarily after his prayer, but passed away later as foretold. This and many such experiences deepened his resolve to glorify the Divine Mother.

He had numerous divine interventions in life, including protection from danger, financial help, guidance in exams, and rescue from false accusations. Despite these, he remained silent until compelled by a sense of duty to proclaim the glory of the Mother.

He repeatedly experienced the message:
God as Mother, Mother of all, propitiable through universal love, service, devotion, and unconditional cheerful self-surrender.

After initial reluctance, he accepted the divine command to establish Mai-ism.

1932
A historic year. On September 2, 1932, at midnight, Maiji installed Mai as the Universal Divine Mother and declared Mai-ism. He proclaimed unity of all religions and equality of all faiths, affirming that all religious founders are children of the same Divine Mother.

1933
He founded Mother’s Lodge (Mai Mandal) and began spreading the teachings through meetings, lectures, and publications.

1934–1938
He delivered lectures at major conferences and helped resolve communal disputes, demonstrating the practical application of universal love.

1940–1945
Publications began, and Mai-ism gained momentum. After retirement, he focused entirely on spiritual work.

1949
Mai Niwas in Santacruz, Mumbai, was established as the spiritual center. It became a place of worship, guidance, and relief for devotees.

1950–1960
Major scriptures of Mai-ism were written and published. Mai-ism spread across India and internationally to countries like Japan and Cuba. Maiji also participated in global religious conferences.

1962–1966
Further publications and organizational developments took place. On December 21, 1966, Maiji passed away and was believed to have merged with the Divine Mother.

1967 onwards
His birth and death anniversaries began to be observed annually with devotion and large gatherings.

1968–1974
A statue was installed, temples were established, and more literature on Mai-ism was published.

1980–1992
Abridged texts, jubilees, and large celebrations took place, with participation from people of various religions, emphasizing universality.

2003 onwards
Daily prayers, bilingual publications, new scriptures, and continued practices strengthened the movement.

2007–2013
Platinum Jubilee celebrations and further expansion of activities, including Sisters’ Social events in different locations.

Through his life and work, the founder established a universal religion based on love and service and gave the powerful mantra “Jai Mai Jai Markand Mai.” His legacy continues to inspire and guide devotees across the world.

Jai Mai Jai Markand Mai.