Only the Acharya of Shree Swaminarayan Gadi can perform true vartman because only He has the power to burn away such great sin. This unique ceremony frees the devotee of all his sins and karmas from his past and present lives.
During the formal and ceremonial initiation of a devotee into the Karan Satsang, Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan, the Acharya of Shree Swaminarayan Gadi places a few drops of water in the devotee’s palm, chants the Lord’s mantra and then pours the water onto the ground. Only the Acharya of Shree Swaminarayan Gadi can perform true vartman because only He has the power to burn away such great sin. This unique ceremony frees the devotee of all his sins and karmas from his past and present lives.
By virtue of this ceremony the soul is free from past sins and the devotee promises to obey the panch vartman, Five Vows;
Not to consume intoxicating or addictive substances (liquor, drugs etc) which lead to wrongful temptation
Not to kill nor to eat the flesh of any living entity, i.e. pure vegetarianism, ahinsa, non-violence.
Not to commit adultery and other wrongful sexual acts (rape, seduction etc)
Not to steal, not only money but also properties and goods.
Not to perform irreligious, unsociable or immoral deeds or have others perform them.