As a young sadhu, Sadhu Narayanswarupdas studied Sanskrit and the Hindu scriptures at [[Bhadaran]] and [[Khambhat]], earning the title “Shastri” upon mastering both scripture and philosophy.<ref name="Raymond2001">Raymond Brady Williams (2001). ''An Introduction to Swaminarayan Hinduism''. [[Cambridge University Press]]. {{ISBN|978-0-521-65422-7}}.</ref>{{rp|61}} In addition to his studies, Shastri Narayanswarupdas routinely engaged in a multitude of activities, including cleaning the temple compounds, cooking for sadhus and devotees, and many other duties.<ref name=Shantipriyadas/>{{rp|17}} Shastri Narayanswarupdas also played a significant role throughout the construction of the Atladra mandir in the early 1940s. During the construction, he sustained chemical burns and blisters on his body after mixing the lime to be used in construction, yet he persisted unflinchingly in performing his service despite the injuries.<ref>Sadhu Paramananddas, translated by Sadhu Tilakratnadas (1995?). Searching Questions and Fulfilling Answers: Pramukh Swami Maharaj in Interview. pp. ix-xi. See also {{cite web |url=http://baps.org/pramukhswami/life/2.htm |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2011-12-01 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503011114/http://www.baps.org/pramukhswami/life/2.htm |archivedate=3 May 2012 |df=dmy-all }}.</ref> Serving concurrently as Shastriji Maharaj's personal secretary, Shastri Narayanswarupdas also gained a comprehensive understanding of BAPS’ broader affairs and activities.<ref name="Raymond2001"/> In 1946, when Shastri Narayanswarupdas was 25, Shastriji Maharaj appointed him the head, or "kothari", of the large BAPS temple in Salangpur.<ref name="Raymond2001"/> As head of the temple, Shastri Narayanswarupdas oversaw a major expansion of the temple facilities despite considerable financial constraints. His leadership and unassuming personality in the midst of significant hardships earned him the respect of his fellow sadhus and devotees, and presaged the significant responsibility that his guru would soon entrust to him.<ref name="shelat8">{{cite book|last=Shelat|first=Kirit|title=Yug Purush Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj: A Life Dedicated to Others|year=2005|publisher=Shri Bhagwati Trust Publications|location=Ahmedabad|page=8}}</ref>
