It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. He was a saint and a scholar; a man who forewent his life for spirituality and a man who leaves a remarkable legacy for Hindus around the globe.
He was appointed as Pramukh in May 1950, at the tender age of twenty eight, and under his leadership, BAPS has become a globally renowned institution with over one million devotees. He constantly encouraged us to be better people; to love our neighbours and to be a force for good.
This is a tremendously sad loss for the Hindu community, but also an opportunity to praise him, to salute his legacy – including the brilliant Neasden Temple, Europe’s first traditional Hindu Temple - and to thank him for all the tremendous work he has done. He was the rarest of men; a saint walking among us.
-Lord Dolar Popat
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Pramukh Swami Majaraj was a remarkable man. I first met him nearly twenty years ago and was struck by his quiet dignity and serene presence. He guided the BAPS Swaminariayan Santha with great skill and wisdom, making sure that people understood what he expected of them and conducted themselves accordingly. He built more temples than his predecessors and made sure they were not just religious places but also vibrant centres of cultural activity. He persuaded people to contribute generously to worthwhile causes and inspired great commitment and dedication as we saw in the case of resettlement of people after an earthquake in Kutch and Bhuj.
He was broad minded and advocated religious tolerance. I was pleased and not at all surprised to be included among the half a dozen original trustees of the newly built Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden along with late Lord Gulam Noon, a muslim. I know no other organisation that has trustees drawn from all major religions and none. Pramukh swamiji trained a whole generation of young leaders who can now hope to step into his shoes. We shall miss him. I salute his memory with respect and reverence.
- Lord Prof Bhikhu Parekh
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I am incredibly sad to hear that our spiritual Guru Pramukh Swami Maharaj has passed from this world. I send my most heartfelt condolences to the Hindu community and especially the Swaminarayan Community both in the UK and India and across the world.
He was a special man, and those from all walks of life will feel this loss. I can remember the first time I met him at Heathrow Airport when he arrived to visit the old Temple at Neasden. All around the world we see his inspiration in the Temples that have been built. A quarter of a century ago I can recall my visit to Akshardham and I marvelled at the way in which the Temple had been built.
I can remember the day my infant son Luke sat on his lap in the old Temple in Leicester. His smile was infectious. His love for us was enormous. He was a giant and in our hearts he will live forever.
Jai Swaminarayan.
- Rt Hon Keith Vaz, MP
Chair of Home Affairs Committee
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His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj dedicate his life for the well-being of others, fostering love, peace, harmony, righteousness, faith in God, and community service. His compassion for humanity, and conscious efforts to alleviate problems have inspired millions around the world. His humility, wisdom and spirituality have touched many world religious and national leaders, and inspired millions to lead a life guided by Hindu principles. Pramukh Swami Maharaj was recognised and respected as one of Hinduism’s great spiritual teachers. He embodied compassion and we will always remember him for his wisdom & vision for humanity.
All of us who have felt the magnitude of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s personal blessings will deeply mourn the departure of our revered guru.
- Rt Hon Priti Patel MP
Secretary of State for International Development
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I was very sad to hear the sad news about His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
From humble origins, His Holiness rose to become the fifth spiritual successor in the guru parampara tradition of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the head of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). For over 70 years, he has travelled tirelessly to support those who needed it and to provide relief to those suffering from catastrophe. His conviction in his faith was an inspiration to all who met him, and his humanitarian and interfaith work profoundly touched not only Hindus, but people from all religions around the world.
Pramukh Swami ji will be remembered as someone who spread joy wherever he went. His inspiration will live on eternally and his deeds will never be forgotten.
With kind regards and best wishes,
-Lord Bilimoria CBE DL
Chairman
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We are deeply saddened that Great Spiritual Master, His Holiness param Pujya Pramukhswami Maharaja has left for his heavenly abode. Swamiji inspired generations & made difference to many lives. His compassion for the humanity will live on for ever. He was the embodiment of knowledge, love, discipline who inspired many youths. Seva Projects led by His Holiness around the world are greatly appreciated. The iconic temples built under his spiritual guidance are symbols of divinity. His spiritual legacy will live on for ever. On behalf of Leicester Council of Faiths, our prayers & thoughts are with all of you not only in Leicester , but throughout the world. May you all receive spiritual strength to continue His Holiness Pramukhswami Maharaj's Mission. He will be guiding you & showering His blessings upon you all.
-Manjula Sood MBE
Chair & all the members of Leicester Council of Faiths.
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“In the joy of others lies our own” is the famously coined motto of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. He made his life’s purpose a selfless one, ensuring the betterment of others. But on Saturday 13 August 2016, this beloved and revered Guru passed away at the age of 95.
Today, a community is still in mourning, weeping over the loss of their beloved, revered, and admired Guru. BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Sarangpur is the site where thousands of devotees, sadhus, dignitaries and world leaders are flocking to pay their final respects ahead of Wednesday’s funeral rites ceremony.
He is the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s lineage of God-realised Gurus. But despite his status as the Guru, Pramukh Swami was determined to serve through spiritual and social works.
Whilst many of you may recognise him as a spiritual leader, I had a very personal working relationship with him. In November 1991, BAPS commissioned the site of the dilapidated Neasden High School. He told me his innermost wish was to start up a Hindu school by the following September.
Awestruck, I could see only the problems of 10 months, no teachers, no students, no funds, poor buildings, and my wife being pregnant!
Bapa held my hand, tackled problems with me and gave me the support I needed to fulfil Yogiji Maharaj’s vision. From weekly calls, letters and meetings, Bapa stayed in my heart and the school. From interviews to major financial decisions he supported me, and challenged me when I erred. But in doing so, he made me a better volunteer, and allowed the school to flourish into one the best in the UK today.
As a devotee, I miss my Guru but I take solace knowing he lives on in Param Pujya Mahant Swami, whom Pramukh Swami revealed as his successor.
- Piyush Amin
Chair of Governors of The Swaminarayan School
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I would like to pay my condolences to British Hindus, especially the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, on the passing away of H.H. Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
H.H. Pramukh Swami Maharaj inspired millions with his powerful motto: "in the good of others lies our own". This legacy of selfless service will continue to benefit humanity for a long time to come.
I remember fondly my visit to Neasden Mandir in March 2013, as Home Secretary, to speak at an inspiring conference for International Women’s Day organised by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.
I also had the opportunity to see the fantastic work that BAPS does across the world to improve the lives of others, and people giving up their time generously to do it.
H.H. Pramukh Swami Maharaj exemplified the values of British Hindus whose contribution helps make the United Kingdom one of the world's most successful multi-cultural, multi-faith democracies.
- Prime Minister Theresa May
