‘BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute’ inaugurated at Neasden Temple, London, UK

29 May 2022

Mahamahopadhyay Bhadreshdas Swami and Yogvivekdas Swami initiated the ceremony for an auspicious start to the ‘BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute’

Bhadreshdas Swami performed pujan of the Satsang Diksha text, upon which the ceremony was to be based

Bhadreshdas Swami explained the history and significance of the homātmak pāth (offering based on the chanting of the Satsang Diksha verses)

Youths led the chanting of the Satsang Diksha verses in Sanskrit

The inner courtyard of the Mandir provided the perfect backdrop for the traditional ceremony

Hundreds of devotees had gathered to participate in the homa

The day was especially auspicious as it fell on the birth anniversary of His Holiness Yogiji Maharaj

Swamis chanted verses from the Satsang Diksha while performing homa (offering sesame seeds into the sacred fire)

Ghee (clarified butter) was also offered into the sacred fire, using a traditional wooden yagna ladle

Devotees joined in by offering homa while verses from the Satsang Diksha were chanted

Devotees followed the chanting of the verses from the Satsang Diksha

Devotees performed the homa while verses from the Satsang Diksha were chanted

The recital-based homa lasted almost three hours

Swamis and devotees concluded the ceremony with an additional offering based on a recital of the Sahajanand Namavali

Devotees concluded the ceremony with an additional offering based on a recital of the Sahajanand Namavali

Bhadreshdas Swami concluded the day's proceedings with prayers for the new ‘BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute’

Yogvivekdas Swami thanked everyone for attending the auspicious inauguration ceremony