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HH Mahant Swami Maharaj's Vicharan

2 May 2023, London, UK

Guruhari Darshan, 2 May 2023 (12:26)

Parabrahma Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami and Aksharmukta Gopalanand Swami

Shri Ghanshyam Maharaj

Shri Harikrishna Maharaj and Shri Radha-Krishna Bhagwan

Shri Harikrishna Maharaj and Shri Gunatitanand Swami Maharaj

Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj departing from Luton Airport

Devotees from Luton, Milton Keynes and nearby centres had gathered in the early hours of the morning to be the first to welcome Mahant Swami Maharaj to the UK

Devotees of all ages warmly greeted Mahant Swami Maharaj as he departed from the airport

Thakorji and Swamishri on their way to London Mandir

During the journey to London Mandir, Swamishri observes an origami swan and other shapes as he is informed of their symbolism during the <a href="https://www.baps.org/News/2023/Mahant-Swami-Maharaj-Joyously-Welcomed-at-BAPS-Shri-Swaminarayan-Mandir-London-23497.aspx" target="blank" style="text-decoration:underline; color:blue;">devotional welcome</a> awaiting him at London Mandir

During the journey to London Mandir, Swamishri observes an origami swan and other shapes as he is informed of their symbolism during the devotional welcome awaiting him at London Mandir

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, London – popularly called ‘London Mandir’ and ‘Neasden Temple’ </br>Mahant Swami Maharaj had described London Mandir as “Our Home” during the Mandir’s 25th anniversary in 2020; a large sign bearing his handwritten message was ready to welcome him

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, London – popularly called ‘London Mandir’ and ‘Neasden Temple’
Mahant Swami Maharaj had described London Mandir as “Our Home” during the Mandir’s 25th anniversary in 2020; a large sign bearing his handwritten message was ready to welcome him

Thousands of devotees and hundreds of volunteers had started arriving at London Mandir from as early as 3.30am in eager anticipation of Swamishri's arrival

As the van turned into Pramukh Swami Road, volunteers offered their dandvats to Thakorji and Swamishri

Swamishri entered the Mandir from the ceremonial gate

Swamis lined Swamishri's entry path as he arrived within the grounds of London Mandir

Swamishri warmly greeted the swamis with folded hands

Youths welcomed Swamishri to London Mandir with a devotional dance in front of the Pramukh Swami Maharaj maha-murti in the Mandir's courtyard

Swamishri entering London Mandir

A warm, jubilant and devotional welcome greeted Swamishri as he entered the Mandir

Children and devotees of all ages eagerly greeted Swamishri as he entered the Mandir

Children were equally excited and pleased to see Swamishri in London, some for the very first time

Swamishri warmly greeted swamis inside the Mandir on his way to the Nilkanth Varni Abhishek Mandap

Swamishri entering the Nilkanth Varni Abhishek Mandap

Swamishri’s path throughout the Mandir had been flanked by various origami (artistically folded paper) shapes symbolising various aspects of ‘The Divyabhav Project’ and ‘The Antardrashti Project’ that he had advised would be the best way to prepare for his visit
To learn more about this unique devotional welcome, please click here

Origami swans, symbolising purity and discretion, decorated the bannisters around Shri Nilkanth Varni Maharaj

Swamishri performing abhishek of Shri Nilkanth Varni

Swamishri entering the upper sanctum of the Mandir

The four types of origami shapes – clams, butterflies, swans, and lotuses – depicted devotees’ pledges of seeing virtues in others, an inner transformation from seeing divinity in others, humility and service, and remaining pure amidst impurities; more than 5,500 of these shapes had been patiently hand-folded by the devotees

Swamishri doing darshan of Thakorji

Swamishri engrossed in the darshan of Thakorji

Swamishri engrossed in the darshan of Shri Ghanshyam Maharaj

Swamishri engrossed in the darshan of Yogiji Maharaj

Swamishri engrossed in the darshan of Pramukh Swami Maharaj

Swamis engrossed in the darshan of Swamishri

Swamishri observed the origami shapes lining his path

As Swamishri was about to enter the assembly hall, the jubilation among devotees steadily heightened

Devotees young and old cheered, waved flags and folded hands as Swamishri came closer

Devotees, who had arrived in the hall from the early hours of the morning, eagerly awaited Swamishri's entry

Swamishri entered the assembly hall to a rapturous welcome

Swamishri entered through the central aisle, greeting children and devotees as he passed

In a voice note sent to the devotees soon after he had landed at Luton Airport, Swamishri had said, “I am just as eager to have your darshan as you are to be with me.”

Swamishri greeted everyone patiently and affectionately

Swamishri entered the assembly hall to a rapturous welcome from the devotees

Swamishri greeted the devotees with folded hands

Swamishri greeting everyone with folded hands

Devotees listened attentively during the welcome assembly

Swamishri listened attentively to the devotees’ endeavours of offering a personally formative welcome through ‘The Divyabhav Project’ and ‘The Antardrashti Project’

Swamishri listening attentively in the welcome assembly

Swamis honoured Swamishri with a garland of fresh flowers on behalf of the entire UK & Europe fellowship

Devotees warmly cheered the offerings

Devotees warmly applauded the offerings

Swamishri welcomed Thakorji to the UK – the first time Gunatitanand Swami Maharaj had travelled outside of India – with a personal offering on behalf of the UK & Europe devotees

Swamishri blessing the assembly

Swamishri performed the morning arti of Thakorji

Swamishri performing the morning arti

Devotees joined in the morning arti of Shri Harikrishna Maharaj and Shri Gunatitanand Swami Maharaj

Swamishri performs the morning arti

Swamishri blessed the assembly with a warm message humbly acknowledging everyone's devotional endeavours

Devotees doing darshan of Swamishri

Swamishri sanctified jalebis as prasad for all the gathered devotees

Swamishri greeting everyone with folded hands as he departs the hall

Swamishri met and interacted with the swamis in the evening

Swamishri performing the evening arti of Thakorji