On Sunday 20 August 1995, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj (1921–2016) – one of the world’s most revered spiritual leaders and an inspiration to millions worldwide – opened the doors of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London to the world. The inauguration represented a milestone for the British Hindu community, establishing a spiritual home and a hub of moral and cultural guidance in the United Kingdom.
On Monday 18 August 2025, the Mandir celebrated its 30th anniversary (according to the Hindu lunar calendar), marking three decades of spiritual inspiration, community service, and devotional activities.
Devotees from across the UK gathered to participate in a day filled with sacred rituals, cultural devotion, and opportunities for families to celebrate together.
The anniversary was a special occasion to reflect on the Mandir’s journey and the enduring vision of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, whose legacy continues to inspire countless devotees.
The festivities began with arti, darshan, and the patotsav ceremony, involving the maha-abhishek of all the murtis while chanting Vedic verses and praying for peace across London, the UK, and the world. This was followed by discourses, arti, and the annakut offering.
A Vishwa Shanti Mahapuja (sacred ceremony performed to invoke global peace, harmony, and well-being) was held the day before, on Sunday 17 August, as a part of the festivities. Families from across London gathered, dressed in traditional attire, and offered prayers collectively, seeking blessings for themselves, their communities, and the whole world. The ceremony highlighted the Mandir’s role as a centre for promoting peace, harmony, and spiritual growth, emphasising the importance of personal and collective devotion.
One of the most moving moments of the day was the maha-arti – a memorable celebration performed in front of the maha-murti of the Mandir’s visionary founder and a fitting tribute to his lifetime of spiritual guidance and service. Devotees participated with reverent enthusiasm, infusing the courtyard with a joyous atmosphere.
The celebrations also included a four-day parayan (scriptural discourse), delivered by Atmatruptdas Swami, a senior learned swami visiting from Sarangpur, India. He explored the spiritual benefits of associating with God, Guru, and the virtuous, and living a life of righteousness. Known for his insightful teachings and ability to make scripture accessible, Atmatruptdas Swami guided devotees in reflecting on their spiritual journeys. The parayan complemented the anniversary celebrations by providing a deeper understanding of Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s teachings and inspiring attendees to incorporate these values and practices into their daily lives.
Reflecting on the celebrations, Shreya Mehta, visiting with her young children, shared, “Every time we come to the Mandir, it feels like a home filled with peace and learning. My children especially enjoyed taking part in the ceremonies and the celebrations. Today, seeing them participate in the mahapuja was heartwarming. It’s wonderful for them to grow up with these values and traditions.”