14. Sadavratas and Annasatras

(Places where free food is distributed to the needy.)

Shri Swaminarayan considered charity and altruism as essential attitudes in a welfare society. Pained by the suffering of the poor the Lord declared, "The poor and the oppressed are my dearest and nearest. Those who will try to mitigate their suffering and pain shall win my heart." He taught His followers to serve the poor by establishing and running charitable community kitchens everywhere. Thus, starving and the deprived members of the society got relief. He got wells, stepwells and ponds dug through His saints and followers whenever the need arose. By improving the economic condition of the poor, He inspired them to lead a life of honesty and good conduct.