1. A Guru’s Vision | The First of its Kind

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The Significance of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is a historical and global event that will be engraved in the annals of history.
The mandir was consecrated by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, who is revered not only by the Swaminarayan faith but also by people worldwide.
The mandir is a symbol of the flourishing satsang and the fulfillment of the prophecies made by Gunatitanand Swami.
It is envisioned that a grand mandir with three spires will be built in the future, attracting devotees and visitors from all over the world.
The mandir is considered a place of pilgrimage and climbing its stairs is considered a great deed according to Yogiji Maharaj.

The Creation of Neasden Temple - A Tribute to Pramukh Swami Maharaj

Neasden Temple is a place of worship dedicated to Parabrahma Purushottam Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan, one of the principal deities in Hinduism.
Bhagwan Swaminarayan himself created six majestic mandirs in India, and the tradition was continued by his spiritual successors.
His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the fifth guru in the spiritual lineage, created Neasden Temple in London, which opened in 1995.
Neasden Temple was the first traditional Hindu stone mandir to be built on western soil.
It has become an acclaimed landmark in London and a beacon of Hindu heritage worldwide.

Discussions and Plans for the Mandir in the UK

Pramukh Swami instructs the purchase of a hall for the mandir.
Mandir committee to arrange accommodation for Yogiji Maharaj as decided by the committee.
Emphasis on unity and considering everyone's opinions in the decision-making process.
Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami had promised to come to the UK if a property for the mandir could be acquired.
The devotees find an old church in Islington, north London for the mandir.
Confirmation of Yogiji Maharaj's visit to the UK.
Purpose of the mandir is to provide a place for devotees to offer devotion and service for their spiritual progress.
Blessings and encouragement from Yogiji Maharaj for the work to be accomplished.
Departure from Entebbe Airport and smooth journey to London.
Flight route over Germany and France before arriving in London.

Arrival in London and the significance of the day

Yogiji Maharaj, Pramukh Swami, and Mahant Swami arrive in London for the first time.
This marks a historic moment in BAPS history.
Bhagwan Swaminarayan had looked to the West from Chhapaiya and today the Western world is being blessed by the Satpurush.
The arrival of Pramukh Swami and the Satpurush signifies the start of their work in the Western world.
The city of London witnesses the presence of Pramukh Swami for the first time.
The arrival is a significant event for both the BAPS community and the city of London.

The Inauguration of the First BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in the UK

Yogiji Maharaj, a Hindu monk, arrived in London and was warmly welcomed.
Yogiji Maharaj chose to walk instead of using a wheelchair, symbolically sanctifying the land.
During his stay in London, Yogiji Maharaj blessed devotees and conducted spiritual assemblies in various towns and cities.
Yogiji Maharaj bathed Harikrishna Maharaj in the River Thames to bless the homes of devotees.
The main purpose of Yogiji Maharaj's visit was to inaugurate a mandir, which took place on June 14, 1970.
The BAPS Swaminarayan mandir in Islington, London, became the first Hindu mandir in the UK.
Sacred images of deities were consecrated in the mandir, symbolizing the fulfillment of auspicious wishes.

Grand Vision of Building a Mandir in London

[Shriji] Maharaj has arrived in London and promises to fulfill everyone's wishes and bless them with happiness.
The consecration ceremony was celebrated with great devotion and it was prophesied that a grand spired mandir will be built in London.
The government will grant land for the construction of the mandir.
The vision of Yogiji Maharaj was that satsang would greatly flourish in London.
Initially, it seemed impossible to construct such a large mandir in London with a small number of devotees and limited resources.
However, the Guru's words never go unfulfilled and such grand visions always come true.
The faith of the Swaminarayan fellowship will spread to all countries and bring everlasting peace.
Initially, the wishes of building mandirs in places like London, Germany, and America seemed too far-fetched.

Reflections on the Passing of Yogiji Maharaj and his Impact on the Satsang Fellowship

Yogiji Maharaj's prophecies have all been fulfilled, showcasing his divine nature.
Devotees in London were shocked and grief-stricken upon hearing of Yogiji Maharaj's passing.
Keshavjivandas Swami, known as 'Mahant Swami', offered guidance and solace to the London Satsang fellowship.
Swami Bapa's departure from this earthly realm was unexpected and left everyone in disbelief.
Despite physical distance, devotees feel a strong connection to Swami Bapa and his presence.
Memories of Swami Bapa's gestures, smile, words, and unique mannerisms bring joy and comfort to his followers.
The passing of Swami Bapa has left a deep sadness and shock among devotees.

The Continuation of Swami Bapa's Work through Pramukh Swami Maharaj

Swami Bapa mentioned that God and the Satpurush never leave and are forever present within satsang.
Swami Bapa's departure has left a feeling of sadness and a seemingly irreplaceable gap.
However, everyone has experienced the presence of Swami Bapa through Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
People have accepted the refuge of Pramukh Swami based on the words of Shastriji Maharaj and Yogiji Maharaj.
Everyone is resolved to fulfill Swami Bapa's wishes and has understood the spiritual importance of one another.
The values that Swami Bapa held are apparent in everyone, and he will continue to work through the satsangis.

Swami Bapa's Humble Pilgrimage and Acts of Love

In 1972, Pramukh Swami Maharaj led a pilgrimage in the Sorath region of central Gujarat, accompanied by swamis, devotees, and youths.
Swami Bapa did not seek special facilities and made do with whatever was available.
During the pilgrimage, Swami Bapa shared childhood stories, including swimming in a lake in Chansad.
Swami Bapa bathed under a tap in a local farm, creating a divine atmosphere and immense bliss for those present.
Swami Bapa dried his own face with a cloth and then lovingly dried the faces of others who were slightly soaked.
The farm where the bathing took place was considered sanctified as it was where Ramanand Swami and Nilkanth Varni first met.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj's Vision to Build a Mandir in London and the Challenges Faced

Pramukh Swami Maharaj envisions the construction of a shikharbaddha mandir made of marble in London.
He declares this vision during a pilgrimage in Sorath, surprising everyone as visiting London was unheard of.
Despite the lack of prior indications and resources, Swami Bapa sleeps amongst the swamis and youth, showing his dedication and commitment to the vision.
The thought of building a mandir in London seems unimaginable at the time, but Swami Bapa's natural inclination and foresight drive him.
Yogiji Maharaj had previously expressed the same vision for a marble shikharbaddha mandir in London two years prior.
Swami Bapa's calculation and planning skills come into play as he determines the resources, time, and tasks required to complete the project.

The Growth and Importance of the Islington Mandir in the UK

Thousands of Indians left Uganda and arrived in the UK with little warning, many with only a few pairs of clothes.
The Islington Mandir became a refuge and comfort for the newly arrived devotees, helping them to unite and continue their satsang activities.
The mandir became the center of satsang in the UK and satsang activities began to flourish.
In 1974, Pramukh Swami Maharaj visited the UK and was welcomed with a grand reception at Alexandra Palace.
He stayed at 4 Ways in north London and conducted spiritual activities for the devotees.
The newly sanctified sacred images from the mandir in Tororo, Uganda, were installed in the Islington Mandir in a consecration ceremony.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj bathed Harikrishna Maharaj in the English Channel and blessed the waters himself.

The search for a larger mandir and the missed opportunity at Wembley Triangle.

The small mandir in Islington could only accommodate a limited number of people.
Efforts were made to find a solution for a larger mandir.
In 1977, a promising site at Wembley Triangle was discovered, with ample space for a grand mandir.
Despite the broken glass on the floor, Swami Bapa inspected the site and liked it.
A bid was made for the land, but the funds fell short and the opportunity was missed.
The prime location next to Wembley Park caused regret among devotees.
When questioned about the missed opportunity, Swami Bapa said to let it go.
During an evening assembly, Swami emphasized that everything happens according to God's will.

Swami's Belief in God and the Expansion of the Mandir

Swami believed that God is the all-doer and would take care of everything.
Despite facing challenges, Swami remained light and without tension.
The Lee Studios plan for the mandir did not work out, so they are searching for a new location.
They want to expand their activities but the current mandir is too small.
They are persevering and actively searching for a suitable site.
In 1980, they bought a warehouse for the mandir, which was initially a scary location.
Swami had a vision for a grand shikharbaddha mandir, which was uncommon at the time.
In the UK, there were only a few small temples, and the idea of a stone mandir was incomprehensible.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj had the vision and courage to build a shikharbaddha mandir.

The Vision and Courage Behind Building a Stone Temple in London

The idea of building a stone temple in the western world seemed impossible at first.
The concept of satsang needed to grow and resources needed to be gathered before even imagining the construction of a mandir.
Building a shikharbaddha mandir in a city like London was unimaginable.
Understanding the capacity and vision of Pramukh Swami Maharaj was difficult for others.
The vision and enthusiasm of Pramukh Swami Maharaj surpassed the understanding of others.
The construction of a stone temple in London, using marble, was beyond anyone's wildest dreams.
The significance of building a Vedic mandir outside of India after many years was remarkable.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj's motivation was not to create a historical record or show off, but to fulfill the desires of his guru.

The Vision and Purpose Behind the Construction of a Traditional Temple in London

Despite modest circumstances, Pramukh Swami Maharaj had a vision to build a traditional temple in London.
He had the ability to calculate and foresee how events would unfold based on his experience.
His driving force was his devotion to his gurus, Shastriji Maharaj and Yogi Bapa.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj fulfilled the divine wishes of his gurus and had no personal wishes of his own.
The vision of building a temple in London gradually seeped into the minds of the swamis and devotees.
The ground-breaking ceremony for the temple took place on a small plot of land in Neasden, London.
A blessing in the form of rose petals was showered over Central London from a helicopter to mark the special day.

The Creation of the Mandir in Neasden

The main warehouse was demolished to create a temporary prayer hall for assemblies and worship to continue.
Devotees volunteered day and night, serving selflessly to demolish, construct, and renovate the premises.
The hall, known as the 'Junu Mandir' (Old Temple), was officially inaugurated by Pramukh Swami Maharaj on 31 March 1982.
Sacred images of God were consecrated in the mandir, which was constructed in Neasden after moving from Islington.
The hall could accommodate one to three thousand devotees and became a hub for satsang and various activities.
The assemblies in the mandir were considered divine, and satsang steadily increased.
Swamishri had a vision to build a traditional stone mandir in London.

Vision for Building a Shikharbaddha Mandir in London

Chhotabhai Patel expresses the importance of building a new shikharbaddha mandir in London.
Doctor Swami emphasizes that building the mandir should become everyone's wish and encourages daily reflection on how to contribute.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj believes that with conviction, faith, confidence, and unity, the mandir can be built successfully.
Bapa's sole focus was to build a beautiful and magnificent shikharbaddha mandir in London.
Swamishri's wish aligned with Yogiji Maharaj's divine wish, which was to build a shikharbaddha mandir in London.

Challenges and Determination in Building the Mandir in London

Swamishri agrees to send swamis to build a mandir in London.
CM Kaka questions the role of a parshad (non-ordained sadhu) in the project.
Swamishri assures CM Kaka that the parshad will play a significant role.
Initial plan for the mandir includes a small courtyard and an assembly hall.
Lack of space for circumambulations leads to a suggestion to remove the Sukh Shayya.
Swamishri humorously argues for the importance of the Sukh Shayya.
Brent Council expresses concerns about building a marble mandir in a small space.
Swamishri encourages the search for a larger space instead of compromising.
Swami Bapa begins discussions about the land search during visits to London.

Establishment of BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in London

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London is a historical and global event.
The mandir was consecrated by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, revered worldwide.
It is a symbol of flourishing satsang and fulfillment of prophecies.
A grand mandir with three spires is envisioned in the future.
Climbing the mandir's stairs is considered a great deed.
Neasden Temple in London is dedicated to Parabrahma Purushottam Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan.
It is the first traditional Hindu stone mandir built on western soil.
The creation of Neasden Temple is a story of sacrifice, devotion, and divine inspiration.
Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami promised to come to the UK if a property for the mandir could be acquired.
The purpose of the mandir is to provide a place for devotees' spiritual progress.
Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami arrived in London, marking a historic moment.
Yogiji Maharaj conducted spiritual assemblies and blessed devotees during his stay.
The BAPS Swaminarayan mandir in Islington became the first Hindu mandir in the UK.
The consecration ceremony was celebrated with great devotion.
The vision was that satsang would greatly flourish in London.

Yogiji Maharaj's Prophecies and the Legacy of Swami Bapa

Yogiji Maharaj's prophecies have been fulfilled, demonstrating his divine nature.
Devotees in London were deeply saddened by Yogiji Maharaj's passing.
Keshavjivandas Swami, also known as Mahant Swami, provided guidance and solace to the London Satsang fellowship.
Swami Bapa's departure was unexpected and left everyone in disbelief.
Despite physical distance, devotees feel a strong connection to Swami Bapa and his presence.
Memories of Swami Bapa bring joy and comfort to his followers.
The passing of Swami Bapa has left a deep sadness and shock among devotees.
Swami Bapa mentioned that God and the Satpurush never leave and are forever present within satsang.
Swami Bapa's departure has left a feeling of sadness and a seemingly irreplaceable gap.
Everyone has experienced the presence of Swami Bapa through Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
People have accepted the refuge of Pramukh Swami based on the words of Shastriji Maharaj and Yogiji Maharaj.
Everyone is resolved to fulfill Swami Bapa's wishes and has understood the spiritual importance of one another.
The values that Swami Bapa held are apparent in everyone, and he will continue to work through the satsangis.

The Vision to Build a Shikharbaddha Mandir in London

Swami remained calm and without tension despite facing challenges.
Lee Studios plan for the mandir did not work out, so they are searching for a new location.
The current mandir is too small and they want to expand their activities.
They persevered and actively searched for a suitable site.
In 1980, they bought a warehouse for the mandir, which was initially a scary location.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj had a vision for a grand shikharbaddha mandir, which was uncommon at the time.
The idea of building a stone temple in the western world seemed impossible at first.
Building a shikharbaddha mandir in a city like London was unimaginable.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj's motivation was to fulfill the desires of his guru, not to show off.
Building a mandir in London required immense resources and effort.
The construction of a stone temple in London, using marble, was beyond anyone's wildest dreams.
The significance of building a Vedic mandir outside of India after many years was remarkable.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj's vision and enthusiasm surpassed the understanding of others.
The temple is intended to be a hub for satsang and various activities.
Devotees volunteered day and night to demolish, construct, and renovate the premises.