The Speaker of India’s Lok Sabha, Hon’ble Shri Om Prakash Birla, visited BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London – popularly known as ‘Neasden Temple’ – on Saturday 11 January 2025 as part of his official visit to the United Kingdom at the invitation of Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons in the UK.
Mr Birla was warmly welcomed on behalf of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), by swamis of the Mandir in a traditional Hindu manner.
During his visit, Mr Birla experienced the sanctity of the Mandir with darshan of the murtis and offering abhishek. He was also briefed on the significant work of BAPS in India and the inspiring developments in the UK and across Europe, particularly the upcoming BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Paris, France.
In February 2022, a senior delegation of Indian parliamentarians, led by Mr Birla, visited the
site of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. Later that year, Mr Birla
met His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj at Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi.
Addressing the evening assembly, Mr Birla remarked, “Coming to this Swaminarayan Mandir [Neasden Temple] inspires one towards spirituality and religion. This Temple not only helps to build spirituality and religion but also humankind. BAPS works for the progress and spiritual upliftment for communities around the world.”
Paying tribute to the creator of Neasden Temple, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, Mr Birla added, “Pramukh Swami Maharaj elevated Indian tradition and culture across the world. He worked for the betterment of humanity across borders. I pay my respects to Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life message, ‘In the joy of others lies our own.’”
Sanjay Kara, a trustee for BAPS in the UK, shared, “We are deeply grateful to Mr Birla for taking the time to visit the Mandir as part of his schedule whilst in the UK. It was a delight to exchange meaningful ideas and insights and further strengthen the important ties between India and the United Kingdom.”