Swaminarayan handed over the responsibility of Satsang and both acharyas to Gopalanand Swami by instructing Gopalanand Swami to make each and every satsangi including sadhus, Brahmachari and haribhakt to remain under the commands of the Acharyas.Ayodhyaprasadji Maharaj was appointed the inaugural Acharya of the Nar Narayan Dev Gadi (also known as the Uttar Vibhag - Northern division), whilst Raghuveerji Maharaj became the inaugural Acharya of the Lakshminarayan Dev Gadi (also known as the Dakshin Vibhag - Southern division).

[2] The administrative division between the two is set forth in minute detail in a document written by Swaminarayan, called Desh Vibhag Lekh.

[4][5] Swaminarayan enthroned his two adopted sons, Ayodhyaprasad Pande and Raghuvir Pande, who were the sons of his brothers Rampratapji and Ichcharamji, as the spiritual leaders of the Nar Narayan Dev Gadi headquartered at Ahmedabad and the Lakshmi Narayan Dev Gadi headquartered at Vadtal respectively.

Swaminarayan gave sole authority to these two individuals to install murtis in temples and to initiate sadhus and householders into the Sampradaya.

[11] The constitution of the Sampradaya is laid out in Desh Vibhag Lekh which describes in detail the functions of the Acharyas.... it is my command to all sadhus, bhamcharis and all satsangies, that for the purpose of your kalyaan (emancipation) you must obey and follow the two Acharyas of Dharmavansh, and obey their commands by thought, action and speech.

"[20][21] It is seen as imperative to be a humble, loyal follower of the Dharmavanshi Acharya once receiving the diksha (guru mantra) in order to achieve a bhram form.

[14] The ceremony involves the taking of five vows (panch vartaman): not to commit adultery or robbery, not to consume intoxicants or meat and not to lie.

There are eight important things in the life of a Satsangi;[23] these are Kanthi – a thread worn around the neck,[24] the Tilak Chandlo – a holy mark,[24] the Mala – a thread with 108 beads,[14][25] Nitya Pooja – daily prayers,[24] the Temple,[24] Darshan – a form of worship,[24] Aarti – a ceremony, and[24] Vandu Pad and Chesta Pad – verses recited in the temples daily.

[26] Upon initiation, Satsangi make 11 vows, called Niyams (Rules):[27][28] From the beginning, ascetics have played a major role in the Swaminarayan Sampradaya.

[29] Sadhus, initiated by either Dharmavanshi Acharya, also form an integral part of the organization and wear only orange robes.

Ascetics lead a strict life, refraining from worldly pleasures and devoting their lives to the service of the holy fellowship.

Gujarat High court has stayed the order removing Ajendraprsadji Maharaj[43] until a final verdict is reached.

[45] SVG Charity,[46] a subsidiary of the Vadtal diocese gadi, is involved in disaster relief, food, medicine, and blood donations across its chapters in the United States, Europe, Canada, and India.

[47] The Vadtal Dham Swaminarayan Hindu Temple in Monmouth Junction, New Jersey distributed free PPE kits during the COVID-19 lockdown to provide access to masks and sanitizer within its local community.

[48] Vadtal Dham Shree Swaminarayan Hindu Temple Houston, in conjunction with other regional Hindu organizations and Sewa International, helped distribute 16,500 pounds of food during the COVID-19 crisis along with PPE kits with drive-through events to help communities in need.