- Saturday, April 20, 2024
Khan had a fruitful discussion with Mahant Swami Maharaj and thanked him for the contributions made by Neasden Temple and sought his blessings.
By: Shubham Ghosh
London mayor Sadiq Khan on Sunday (21) visited the city’s BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir where he was welcomed by Yogvivekdas Swami — head swami for BAPS in the UK and Europe — as well as trustees of the temple, which is popularly called Neasden Temple.
During his visit, he met His Holiness (HH) Mahant Swami Maharaj, current guru of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and a globally respected Hindu spiritual leader who is currently visiting the UK to inspire faith, service and global harmony, a press release from BAPS said.
Khan had a fruitful discussion with Mahant Swami Maharaj and thanked him for the contributions made by Neasden Temple and sought his blessings.
Addressing the assembly evening at the temple, the mayor said, “I am here to show my respects to His Holiness, but to also ask for his blessings on the capital city of our great country.
“His Holiness and I met earlier, and I was explaining the massive contribution you [Neasden Temple and its congregation] make to our City – whether it is in business, public service or charity. I explained to His Holiness that the ripples of good you do are felt by everybody – Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Jews, Christians, Buddhists, those members of an organised faith and those that aren’t.
“Please continue to be an example to the teachings of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj. Please continue to be a source of inspiration. We’ve had an awful two or three years because of the [Covid-19] pandemic and during those dark times, you and your community were the light. Me and my family, you and your family, our city, our country needs the teachings and the blessings of His Holiness.”
Before departing, the Mayor added, “I came here to ask for his [His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj’s] blessings. I hope the next time he comes isn’t so far away and he comes again, and again and again – sooner rather than later.”
Dr Mayank Shah, a trustee at the Mandir, said, “We extend our gratitude to the Mayor for his visit to our Temple, his generous words and his enriching exchange with His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj.”
