PERSONAL INFORMATION
Full Name: Moraridas Prabhudas Hariyani
Profession(s): Spiritual Leader and Preacher
Date of Birth: 25 September 1946 (Wednesday)
Age (as of 2024): 78 Years
Birthplace: Talgajarda, Bhavnagar District, Gujarat
Zodiac sign: Virgo
Nationality: Indian
Hometown: Talgajarda, Bhavnagar District, Gujarat
Religion: Hinduism
Caste: Hindu Vaishnava (Nimbarka Sampradaya) [2] Google Books
Age: 78 Years
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EDUCATION
School: Higher Secondary School, Talgajarda
College/University: Shahpur Training School in Junagadh, Gujarat
Educational Qualification: Teacher Vocational Course (Lectureship) [1] Google Books
PHYSICAL STATISTICS
Height (approx.): in centimeters – 165 cm in meters – 1.65 m in feet inches – 5’ 5”
Eye Colour: Dark Brown
Hair Colour: Grey (Semi Bald)
FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS
Marital Status: Widower
Wife/Spouse: Narmadaben Hariyani (passed away on 11 June 2025)
Children: Son – Parthiv Hariyani Daughter(s) – 3 • Bhavana Modi • Prasanna Patel • Sobhana Hariyani
Parents: Father – Prabhudas Bapu Hariyani Mother – Savitri Ben Hariyani
Siblings: He has six brothers and two sisters and of his brothers’ is Late Jadgishbhai Hariyani.
Wife: Narmadaben
MONEY FACTOR
Net Worth (approx.): Rs 550 crore; as in 2018 [7] Mangalore Today
OTHER INFORMATION
Address: Shree Chitrakutdham Trust, VIII, Talgajarda, Mahuva, District- Bhavnagar, Gujarat
Hobbies: Listening to Indian Classical Music, Singing Couplets of Urdu, And Playing Cricket
INTERESTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Morari Bapu is a revered Indian spiritual leader and preacher whose life’s journey is deeply intertwined with the teachings of the Ramayana. His birth on Shivratri, a significant festival in the Hindu calendar, marked the beginning of a path that would see him inspire countless souls around the globe. He hails from a lineage rich in spirituality; his paternal great-grandfather, Mahamandleshwar Vishnu, served as the Giriji Maharaj of Kailas Ashram in Rishikesh. This heritage laid a strong foundation for Morari Bapu, who was imbued with spiritual wisdom from a young age. Daily recitations of hymns from the Ramcharitmanas taught to him by his grandfather, Tribhovandas Dada, allowed him to immerse himself in the holy text. By the tender age of twelve, he had successfully recited the entire Ramayana, a feat made even more poignant by receiving a cherished 300-year-old copy from his grandfather.
At just fourteen, Morari Bapu delivered his first Ram Katha at Ramji Mandir in Talgajarda, marking the genesis of his illustrious journey as a storyteller and spiritual guide. His first international Katha took place in Nairobi in 1976, and since then, he has held over 800 Ram Kathas across diverse locales including the USA, England, Brazil, Bhutan, and South Africa. His ability to connect with people from various cultures is a testament to his universal appeal. Bapu is part of the ‘Vaishnava Bava Sadhu Nimbarka lineage,’ where every child is affectionately called Bapu, reflecting a deep-rooted tradition of spiritual mentorship and community.
Morari Bapu’s influence extends beyond mere storytelling; he is a beacon of compassion and humanitarian aid. During a poignant Ram Katha in California, he urged his audience to donate to the victims of the Uttarakhand calamity, resulting in an overwhelming contribution of over Rs. 3.14 crore. His Talgajarda Trust also donated a significant sum to assist in relief efforts, highlighting his commitment to social welfare. Throughout his career, he has organized various Ram Kathas aimed at uplifting marginalized communities, including transgenders and sex workers, showcasing his dedication to inclusivity. Moreover, he has extended his support to artists and scholars through the ‘Sankat Mochan Sangeet Mahotsav,’ a cultural celebration held annually in Gujarat.
Bapu’s outreach is complemented by his initiatives to promote dialogue among different faiths. In 2009, he organized the ‘World Religions Dialogue and Symphony Conference’ in Mahuva, inaugurated by the esteemed 14th Dalai Lama. His role as a unifying figure is evident in his participation in programs like ‘Yaad-e-Hussain,’ hosted by the Muslim community, and his peace meetings in diverse settings, including locations in Abu Dhabi where he was graciously welcomed by Sultan Mohammad-Bin-Jayad-Al-Nahyan. His commitment to spirituality transcends barriers, as he has famously supported performances by artists like Ustad Ghulam Ali, even amidst protests, underlining his belief in the power of unity through art.
In interviews, Morari Bapu has shared insights into his philosophy of life, emphasizing his roots in poverty and the importance of supporting those in need. He refrains from celebrating his own birthday, choosing instead to honor the lives of the less fortunate. His distinctive persona is marked by his choice of attire, including the symbolic black shawl he wears and his practice of wrapping the Ram Charit Manas in a hand-spun orange cloth. These gestures not only reflect his deep spiritual connection but also resonate with his followers, some of whom emulate his style, like the spiritual saint known as “Chhote Morari Bapu.” Through his teachings and actions, Morari Bapu continues to illuminate paths of compassion, understanding, and spiritual growth for millions across the globe.
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Note: All biographical information compiled from publicly available sources.
