About Jalaram Bapa

Jalaram Bapa

Shree Jalaram Bapa was born on 4 November 1799 in the village of Virpur, Gujarat, India. From a young age, he showed little interest in material life — his heart was drawn entirely to devotion, service, and the welfare of others. Source: Wikipedia

His Life & Spiritual Journey

At the age of 18, Jalaram Bapa accepted Shree Bhojalram of Fatehpur as his Guru and received the sacred Guru Mantra in the name of Shree Ram. This became the turning point of his life. With the blessings of his Guru, Jalaram Bapa and his devoted wife Virbai initiated Sadavrat — a lifelong commitment to feed everyone who came to their door. It was a centre where monks, saints, and the destitute could find food and shelter at any time of day. 

What made Jalaram Bapa extraordinary was not just his generosity, but its complete lack of conditions. Whoever came to him — Hindu or Muslim, wealthy or destitute — was welcomed and fed. A Muslim merchant whose son was cured by Jalaram’s prayers honoured him with the words “Jalla so Allah” — “Jala is God” — a testament to his universal appeal.

His Legacy

Jalaram Bapa passed away on 23 February 1881 at the age of 81, but his spirit of selfless giving lives on. The main shrine in Virpur — the very house where he lived — continues to draw devotees from around the world. It houses the deities of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman that he worshipped, as well as the sacred Jholi (satchel) and Danda (staff).

Jalaram Bapa & Our Mandal

At Shree Jalaram Sanatan Mandir  and Community Centre in Perth, we carry forward Bapa’s message — that true devotion is expressed through service, humility, and an open door for all. Whether you are coming to pray, volunteer, or simply find community, you are living Bapa’s legacy.

Jai Jalaram.