Following the historic inauguration of the BAPS Mandir in Paris, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj will continue to London for a month-long visit to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, from 16 September to 13 October 2026. The programme will include spiritual assemblies, puja darshan and special events, including his 93rd birth anniversary celebration at OVO Arena Wembley on 4 October.
Many devotees have shared with Asian Voice their personal memories of Mahant Swami Maharaj, their association with BAPS and their reflections on its contribution to the community.
Hotelier and trustee of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha in the UK, Vinu Bhattessa OBE said, “My association with BAPS began in 1992, when I was appointed a trustee by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, at a time before even the London Mandir had been built. Since then, I have had the privilege of being involved in the building of nearly 20 mandirs, not just as buildings, but as homes for our community.
“My connection to Mahant Swami Maharaj, however, goes back much further, to my childhood, through my grandparents' deep devotion. In 1970, when Yogiji Maharaj visited Nairobi alongside Pramukh Swami and Mahant Swami, all the sadhus stayed at our family home, and I had the pleasure of serving them during their time with us. In 1979, Mahant Swami visited us in Nairobi once again. It was during this same period that I had the extraordinary blessing of spending three full days in the company of Yogiji Maharaj, an experience I hold among the most precious of my life. Years later, at my own wedding, 56 years ago now, Mahant Swami, then a young sadhu, attended alongside Yogi Swami on his first visit to London, and my wife and I felt truly blessed to have several sants join us on that day. In the years that followed, he became a regular presence in our lives, performing many padharamni at our family home in Kenya. Since then, I have had the extraordinary fortune of receiving his blessings on numerous occasions, most recently in Paris, at the Mandir opening. The Paris project holds a particularly special place in my heart. I first visited the site almost 30 years ago, searching for land and seeking the permissions needed to begin. It was far from easy, for years, I would travel to Paris almost every month, meeting mayors, local leaders and community members, slowly building the trust and relationships needed to move the project forward. To finally see it come to life, three decades in the making, and to have Mahant Swami witness the fruits of all that hard work in person, is a moment of immense pride and deep gratitude.
“Across all these projects, what BAPS has built goes far beyond bricks and mortar. It has created a real community for the Hindu dharma, a place for prayer, for our youth to gather, and for families to come together across generations. I remain thankful every day for the blessings, guidance and friendship this movement has given me.”
Trustee of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha UK & Europe, Dr Mayank R Shah said, “It is a great joy to welcome His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj to the UK. I have been a devotee of BAPS for most of my life and have had the privilege of serving as a volunteer across many activities. Through this, I have experienced personally how Mahant Swami Maharaj’s guidance shapes individuals, strengthens communities and inspires service to wider society. His message to “extend the circle of global harmony” guides BAPS communities around the world. By building relationships and welcoming everyone, regardless of their background, he encourages us to break down barriers, understand one another and live together harmoniously. That message feels especially important at a time of division and conflict.
“His life is dedicated to serving others. Under his guidance, BAPS mandirs and centres support communities during natural disasters, global conflicts and times of personal hardship, while working closely with local and national charities. During the Covid pandemic, volunteers delivered food and shopping, made regular telephone calls and supported those who were vulnerable or isolated. This care and compassion reflected the values he inspires in us all.
“His personal connection with devotees is equally meaningful. He shares in their joys, supports them through moments of crisis and gives them strength and reassurance. BAPS mandirs and centres provide places of solace, spiritual guidance and belonging, helping people of all ages face life’s challenges with faith and equanimity. For me, Mahant Swami Maharaj—and before him, Pramukh Swami Maharaj—has been a guiding force throughout my education, medical career, family life and public service. He has taught me that serving others is a privilege and must always be approached with honesty, integrity and humility. His presence in the UK is therefore not only a moment of celebration, but a deeply personal source of joy and inspiration.”
