His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj arrived at Gibbons Recreation Ground opposite BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London shortly before 5.00pm on Thursday 15 June 2017 for a six-day visit to London. He was received with a rapturous reception from devotees who had gathered to welcome him to the UK for the first time since presiding as the guru, after the passing of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj in August 2016.
After greeting everyone with folded hands and a warm smile, His Holiness proceeded to the Mandir. Led by a marching band and children dressed as royal guards, and thousands of devotees flanking the route to the Mandir with waving flags, it was a fitting welcome to the UK.
At the Mandir, Mahant Swami Maharaj performed abhishek of Shri Nilkanth Varni and continued for darshan of the murtis.
A short assembly was held in the main prayer hall during which Atmaswarup Swami shared details of His Holiness’s journey from Sarangpur to London. Mahant Swami Maharaj was then honoured with various flower garlands by children, youths, elders and sadhus, before he briefly addressed the assembly.
A special welcome assembly for Mahant Swami Maharaj was held at the Mandir on Saturday 17 June 2017.
Youths performed a vibrant dance as part of the festivities, and sadhus spoke of Mahant Swami’s universal compassion and selfless love. Addressing the gathering, Mahant Swami Maharaj encouraged everyone to foster the values of respect and compassion amongst one another.
