Om Birla, the Speaker of the Lower of House of the Indian Parliament who was on a milestone visit to the UK recently, offered prayers at the world-renowned BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London, popularly known as Neasden Temple over the weekend. The Lok Sabha Speaker was on an official visit to England, Scotland and Guernsey at the invitation of Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the House of Commons.
Birla said: “This temple is not only a centre of spirituality but also a global platform for Indian religion, culture, service and human values. The work of BAPS shows the power and influence of India in the whole world. I congratulate Swaminarayan BAPS organisation for their service work."
Birla was received on behalf of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, by swamis of the Mandir in a traditional Hindu welcome. During his visit, he reflected upon the spiritual sanctity of the Mandir with darshan of the murtis and abhishek. He was also briefed on the significant work of BAPS in India and the inspiring developments in the UK and across Europe, particularly the upcoming BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Paris, France.
In February 2022, a senior delegation of Indian parliamentarians led by Birla visited the site of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. Later that year, the Lok Sabha Speaker met His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj at Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi.
Sanjay Kara, a Trustee for BAPS in the UK, shared: “We are deeply grateful to Mr Birla for taking the time to visit the Mandir as part of his schedule whilst in the United Kingdom. It was a delight to exchange meaningful ideas and insights and further strengthen the ties between India and the United Kingdom.”
The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is an international community-based Hindu fellowship affiliated to the United Nations, dedicated to the spiritual, cultural and social uplift of our world. With more than 80,000 volunteers and 5,025 centres worldwide, BAPS is followed by and serves millions globally.
Under the religious leadership of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS strives to build a righteous, peaceful and harmonious community that is spiritually elevated, inclusive, and free of addictions and violence. All of the work of BAPS worldwide is grounded in the Vedic teachings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781-1830) and inspired by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj (1921-2016), who embodied and taught the universal wisdom: “In the joy of others lies our own”.
*Info: Neasden Temple
