The primary goal of establishing the Acharya tradition was to ensure the organized control, propagation, and management of the sect. There should be one person on the seat who is knowledgeable in religion, well-versed in principles, skilled in public affairs, controls conduct and thought, and can rightfully fulfill the role of a Guru. To achieve this objective, Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan established the Acharya tradition in the primary pilgrimage site of the sect, Vadatal, on the sacred day of Ekadashi of Vikram Samvat 1882 (1826). Shri Hari adopted his two brothers, Shri Rampratapbhai and Ichharambhai's sons, Shri Ayodhya Prasadji and Shri Raghuveerji, as adopted sons and made them the heads of the sect in Ahmedabad and Vadatal.

The duties of the Acharya include performing idol consecration in temples, giving Bhagwati Diksha to aspirants, providing correct guidance to householders, effectively managing and administering the sect’s development, and propagating Satsang. For this purpose, Shri Hari had a legal document called "Desh Vibhag" written by Sadguru Shukanand Swami in the presence of senior saints and Hari Bhaktas.

Additionally, Bhagwan Swaminarayan issued directives for the rules of religion and sectarian boundaries for the Acharyas. The Acharya assumes office only after strictly adhering to these directives. Below is the description of the Acharya tradition at Vadatal Shri Lakshminarayan Dev Gadi (South India):