London: In 1970, His Holiness Yogiji Maharaj and a group of 12 swamis arrived in the UK. It was the first time that swamis of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya were visiting this country. During their one-and-half-month stay, Yogiji Maharaj inaugurated a mandir in Islington, north London - the first ever Swaminarayan mandir in the western hemisphere – and also visited many parts of the UK to fulfil the wishes of devotees.
A grand celebration to commemorate this historic occasion was webcast to many thousands across the world on Sunday, 14 June 2020. It was exactly 50 years to the day since the opening of the mandir in Islington, which took place on Sunday, 14 June 1970.
This momentous journey was presented through a documentary-style production of rare video footage, photographs, letters and audio records as well as eyewitness accounts from senior devotees, swamis, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj and His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj.
A ceremonial arti was performed to the original murtis inaugurated at Islington Mandir at precisely 12.22pm – marking the exact time of the first arti at that mandir 50 years ago. An annakut (a devotional offering of food) was also offered to the deities in the various shrines.
The afternoon programme charted the development of satsang activities in the UK. Yogiji Maharaj arrived in London from Uganda on 23 May 1970. His visit to the UK generated interest and curiosity from the local press and public. News of his visit was covered by the BBC and the Sunday Times. Clippings and excerpts of this coverage were shared during the programme.
Yogiji Maharaj’s determined enthusiasm to share his message of spirituality, virtuous living and selfless service led to an unrelenting travel schedule across England. He visited Banbury, Leicester, Loughborough, Luton, Kent as well as several areas of London meeting and inspiring devotes, well-wishers and guests.
Mahant Swami Maharaj also sent video blessings specially for the occasion. He drew upon Yogiji Maharaj’s unfathomable vision and encouraged everyone to continue his ethos of service with unity and togetherness – values close to Yogiji Maharaj’s heart. The grand celebrations were brought to a close with the evening arti and a concluding prayer offered to Yogiji Maharaj to pay tribute to his selfless service and compassion, and heartfelt pledges to imbibe his wishes and teachings in one’s life.
Families had marked these celebrations throughout the day with a host of festivities at their homes, including preparing freshly made sweet dishes as a devotional offering in their ghar mandirs.
The unforgettable programme rekindled golden memories of those present in 1970, and those who were not present became part of the unique and historic occasion. Shilpa Patel, one of the thousands who watched the webcast, said, “It’s very rare to watch a historic documentary and feel as if you were really there. What a truly wonderful programme. My whole family were captivated and learned so much about the history of satsang and the legacy that Yogiji Maharaj created for Hindus and the many migrant Indians from East Africa.”
