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Global Online Vishwa Shanti Mahapuja | London Mandir 25th Anniversary, UK & Europe

22 Aug 2020

The grand Vishwa Shanti Mahapuja was conducted from the upper sanctum of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London

The murtis were beautifully adorned for the occasion

The mahapuja commenced from each shrine with prayers, including before Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami, Parabrahma Purushottam Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Aksharmukta Gopalanand Swami

The mahapuja was performed at each shrine, including before Shri Ghanshyam Maharaj

The mahapuja was also performed at the shrine before Shri Harikrishna Maharaj, Shri Krishna Bhagwan and Shri Radhikaji

The mahapuja was also performed at the shrine before Shri Rama Bhagwan and Shri Sitaji

The mahapuja was also performed at the shrine before Shri Shiva Bhagwan and Shri Parvatiji

The mahapuja was performed at the shrine before Shri Hanumanji

The mahapuja was also performed at the shrine before Shri Ganeshji

The mahapuja was also performed at the shrines before Brahmaswarup Bhagatji Maharaj and Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj

The mahapuja was also performed at the shrines before Brahmaswarup Yogiji Maharaj and Brahmaswarup Pramukh Swami Maharaj

The mahapuja was also performed before the murti of Pragat Brahmaswarup Mahant Swami Maharaj

The mahapuja was also performed in the abhishek mandap before Shri Nilkanth Varni Maharaj

The Vedic mantras were sung harmoniously by swamis to the accompaniment of musical instruments

Swamis took the main vow ('sankalp') of the mahapuja by holding water in their right hand

Sadguru Pujya Bhaktipriyadas (Kothari) Swami led the 'sankalp' prayers from Pune, India

Swamis performed pujan of the kalash...

... to invoke the holy rivers and places of pilgrimage into the water for the mahapuja ceremony

Swamis bathed the sacred images with panchamrut, a holy mixture of milk, yoghurt, ghee, honey and sugar crystals

Swamis offered thal to the murtis

The thal of sweet delicacies is symbolic of the loving devotion being offered

The assortment of delicacies were devoutly prepared and artistically arranged

Swamis also offered fresh fruit after the thal

Swamis chanted the 108 holy names of Bhagwan Swaminarayan as a ''jāp yagna', a devotional offering made in reverence and adoration

With each of the holy names chanted, a few rice grains were sprinkled upon the murtis

The 108 names reflect the divine form, qualities, work and teachings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan

The Shrimad Bhagwad Gita (10.25) proclaims the 'jāp yagna' as the highest of all forms of offering

Swamis offered arti to the murtis in the various shrines

The arti is a form of prayer offered in greeting and thanksgiving to Bhagwan as a proclamation of his glorious presence and providence

The ceremony of light seeks the blessings of Bhagwan's love, energy and wisdom

Swamis offered fresh flower petals as a symbol of adoration and reverence

The murtis were also showered with fresh flower petals in the shrines

Yogvivekdas Swami, head sadhu of London Mandir, sprinkled rice grains in all directions, symbolising the universal blessings of the murtis

Swamis concluded the mahapuja with prayers for completeness and forgiveness

Yogvivekdas Swami thanked Swamishri, senior swamis and the thousands of devotees around the world for joining online

Sadguru Pujya Ishwarcharandas Swami addressed the thousands of devotees around the world via the webcast