In 1970, Brahmaswarup Yogiji Maharaj and a group of 12 sadhus arrived in the UK from India. It was the first time that BAPS sadhus were visiting the country. During their stay, Yogiji Maharaj inaugurated a mandir in Islington, North London – the first ever BAPS Swaminarayan mandir in the Western hemisphere – and also visited many parts of the UK to fulfil the wishes of devotees.
Between 1974 and 2007, Pramukh Swami Maharaj visited the UK 19 times. During these visits, he sanctified thousands of homes and visited centres around the country.
As part of the 20th anniversary celebrations of London Mandir, a special booklet has been prepared highlighting some of the places sanctified by Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
The booklet was inaugurated in the presence of Sadguru Pujya Mahant Swami (Keshavjivan Swami) and Sadguru Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami during the Krishna Janmashtami Celebrations on Saturday 5 September 2015 at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London.
The guide has been designed with photographs and corresponding narrative text to help families complete an educational and enlightening yatra of these historical places and learn more about the efforts of Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami Maharaj in the UK.