New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, London – popularly known as ‘Neasden Temple’ – on Tuesday 9 January 2024. The BAPS mandir in London was the first traditional Hindu temple to be constructed outside of India and is the largest of its kind in Europe.
Mr Singh, who arrived in the UK for a two-day visit, was joined by His Excellency Vikram Doraiswami, the High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom, and a delegation from India’s Ministry of Defence.
The visit commenced with a formal welcome extended by Yogvivekdas Swami, Head Swami of BAPS UK and Europe, and trustees of the Mandir, followed by a tour of the complex, allowing them to explore the mandir’s intricate architecture and spiritual ambience.
#WATCH यूके: रक्षा मंत्री राजनाथ सिंह ने लंदन में बीएपीएस स्वामीनारायण मंदिर पहुंचकर पूजा-अर्चना की। pic.twitter.com/i00eR1muHk
— ANI_HindiNews (@AHindinews) January 9, 2024
The dignitaries participated in the abhishek of Shri Nilkanth Varni Maharaj, the teenage form of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, before interacting with volunteers who contribute to the Mandir’s operations and community initiatives. The exchange offered a glimpse into the Mandir’s extensive community service efforts and the dedication of its volunteers towards selflessly serving humanity, including its contributions to British society.
A meeting was also held with resident swamis and trustees, allowing for deeper discussions on spirituality and culture, as well as the Mandir’s role as a cultural ambassador and its commitment to upholding timeless Indian values.
Sharing his impressions of his visit and his sentiments of the Mandir’s role in preserving India’s culture and contributions to the world, Mr Singh said, “I have experienced tremendous peace at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London and have offered personal prayers that I am able to live totally without ego. By the influence of ‘Sanatan Dharma’, one’s ego evaporates – this happens only by the blessings of God. This is the experience I had here.”
Mr Jitu Patel, Chair of BAPS UK and Europe, added, “We would like to thank Shri Rajnath Singh for taking the time from his busy schedule to visit the Mandir. Our strong ties and positive engagement with the High Commission of India serve as a platform to contribute to shared British and Indian values.”
About BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is an international community-based Hindu fellowship affiliated to the United Nations, caring for individuals, families and societies through its more than one million members, 80,000 volunteers and 5,025 centres.
Under the spiritual leadership of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS strives to build a righteous, peaceful and harmonious community that is spiritually elevated and free of addictions and violence.
In the UK, BAPS is respected as one of the largest and most active Hindu communities in the country. It is particularly known for its multifarious community outreach activities and the internationally acclaimed BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, London – popularly known as ‘Neasden Temple’.
