Composed in 1826 by Sahajananda Swami (Lord Swaminarayan), a reforming Hindu leader, the Shikshapatri provides moral and spiritual guidance for everyday life in 212 Sanskrit verses. It is read, heard and venerated daily by Swaminarayan followers.

It is believed that Sahajananda Swami himself gave this manuscript to the Governor of Bombay, Sir John Malcolm, to promote understanding between cultures.

Viewing the Shikshapatri at the Weston Library

The Shikshapatri is displayed in the Gaffer’s Library in the Blackwell Hall Transept - the area between the two exhibition spaces in Blackwell Hall in the Weston Library. Please speak to staff at the Information Desk in Blackwell Hall or in the exhibition galleries.

The manuscript will be shown closed, for conservation reasons.

Group visits to view the manuscript must be booked in advance. Please contact publicengagement@bodleian.ox.ac.uk to arrange this.

Explore the Shikshapatri online

You can see digitised images of the Shikshapatri on Digital Bodleian.