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‘The First of its Kind’ Finale: A Global Tribute to Pramukh Swami Maharaj, UK & Europe

3 Apr 2022

Museum of Memories

An eye-opening exhibition of historical artefacts and memorabilia that were presented throughout the series

Museum of Memories

Presented in the Mandir’s sports hall, the exhibits charted the history of Satsang in the UK from 1970 to the present day

Pen Used by Yogiji Maharaj, 1970

This pen was used by Yogiji Maharaj to write letters to the devotees of the UK

Islington Letter, 28 April 1970

This is the original letter confirming the purchase of St John’s Baptist Church in Islington, north London. It was this church that was renovated and transformed into the first Swaminarayan Mandir in the western hemisphere, which became fondly known as ‘Islington Mandir’. It was here that Yogiji Maharaj travelled to the UK with Pramukh Swami, Mahant Swami and other swamis to inaugurate in 1970

Spectacles Worn by Yogiji Maharaj, 1970

These are the spectacles worn by Yogiji Maharaj during his visit to the UK

Sacred Image of Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj, 1970

This is the sacred image (murti) of Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj that Yogiji Maharaj personally worshipped for the duration of his stay at the home of Arvindbhai (‘Guru’) in Dollis Hill, London

Garments and Rosary, 14 June 1970

The gatariyu and dhotiyu displayed here were worn by Yogiji Maharaj on the day of the consecration ceremony at the Islington Mandir in 1970. The rosary displayed here was turned by Yogiji Maharaj on this historic day

Islington Invitation, 14 June 1970

This is the original invitation card for the inauguration ceremony at Islington Mandir, in the presence of Yogiji Maharaj

Sanctified Slippers, 1980

These are the slippers worn by Pramukh Swami Maharaj on his visit to the Meadow Garth warehouse, which was repurposed to house the hari mandir that opened in 1982

Written Prophecy, 6 September 1987

This is the letter written by Pramukh Swami Maharaj in Gangotri, India, where he expresses his wish for a magnificent, traditional shikharbaddha mandir to be built in London

The Search Continues, June 1988

These are the documents that were created whilst the Mandir Committee continued its search for a suitable site to construct Europe’s first traditional Hindu mandir

Preliminary Specification, August 1990

This is the planning proposal for a hari mandir to be built on the site of Neasden High School

The Site is Secured, 1 September 1990

This is the original letter detailing the purchase of the land where Arlington Motor Garage stood. It was here that the London Mandir was to be constructed, and the prophecies of Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami Maharaj would come to fruition

Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s Teeth Moulds, 1996

These are the moulds of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s teeth taken in London by Dr Brian Smith. Pramukh Swami Maharaj was experiencing severe toothache due to an exposed nerve

The First Gift, 19 October 1990

These kalashes were filled with prasad (sanctificed sweets) and sent to London by swamis from Ahmedabad, India, on the auspicious occasion of the Hindu New Year. Kalashes are customarily placed atop the shikhars [spires] of a mandir, as a sign of completion. Here, in the case of London Mandir, the kalashes arrived even before the foundations of the new mandir had been dug

Initial Plans, 20 January 1990

These are the initial plans for a traditional shikharbaddha mandir to be constructed on the Arlington site

Shikhars from Wooden Model, April 1992

These are the shikhars from the first wooden model created of London Mandir

India Itinerary, 4 November 1991

This is the itinerary for the London Mandir project team’s initial research trip to India, where they were advised by Pramukh Swami Maharaj to observe the architecture of the enclosed top floor of the mandir in Bochasan, the Haveli complex belonging to Mahendrabhai Amin in Vaso, and the open central dome of the mandir in Gadhada

Signature of Approval, February 1992

These are the architectural plans for the cultural complex that was to be constructed adjacent to the stone mandir. Out of the four potential building designs presented by the architects, Pramukh Swami Maharaj approved the Haveli style by signing this drawing. He remarked: “This style, found in Gujarat, is part of our Swaminarayan tradition.”

Sanctified Signature, 20 April 1994

This is an architectural drawing of the London Mandir moat and gardens, signed by Pramukh Swami Maharaj

Until the Very End, 1 February 1994

This is the letter written by Pramukh Swami Maharaj to Rajeshwar Swami in Atladara, India. Pramukh Swami Maharaj personally detailed the arrangements that were to be made for CM Patel’s funeral there

Written in Stone, 30 April 1994

This is a stone signed by Pramukh Swami Maharaj on a visit to the construction site of London Mandir

Architectural Drawings, 1 May 1994

These are full-scale drawings of the intricate wooden and marble carvings seen all around London Mandir

Written with Confidence, 20 August 1994

Pramukh Swami Maharaj personally wrote this letter confirming that the inauguration ceremony of London Mandir will take place on 20 August 1995

A Phone Call Away

These are telephones utilised by Pramukh Swami Maharaj to call various devotees and swamis during his stay in London

A Phone Call Away

This is a telephone utilised by Pramukh Swami Maharaj to call various devotees and swamis during his stay in London

Care Patrikas, 1994-1995

This is a set of five brochures that were delivered to almost 90,000 homes to promote ideals of wholesome life and one of the fundraising projects for London Mandir

Seated in Front of God

This is the chair upon which Pramukh Swami Maharaj was seated in the workshop in Gandhinagar whilst instructing Bhaktinandan Swami for the carving of the sacred images that were to be consecrated in London Mandir

Picture Perfect, 1970-1995

This is one of the many cameras used to capture footage of Pramukh Swami Maharaj while he performed his various activities during the making of London Mandir, from site visits to the final construction

Finishing Touches, 1994-1995

These are the polishing papers used over 27 years ago to polish the marble of London Mandir

A Labour of Love, 23 August 1995

This is a heart-shaped piece of marble offered to Pramukh Swami Maharaj by volunteers after the inauguration of London Mandir in 1995 and just before he departed

Invitation Card, August 1995

This is the original invitation card sent to devotees in the UK for the grand Mandir Mahotsav celebrations

Logbook, 1993-1995

This is the original logbook used to record details of volunteers who had come to perform seva on the construction site for London Mandir

Mandir Mahotsav Menu, 18 August to 24 August 1995

This is the menu served to devotees attending the Mandir Mahotsav celebrations

Celebration Banners, 18 August to 24 August 1995

These are the original banners draped around the walls of London Mandir during the Mandir Mahotsav celebrations

Sacred Image of Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj, 18 August 1995

This is the original sacred image of Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj used in the Vastu ceremony of London Mandir. This was a traditional Hindu ceremony that blesses the new building and all those who worked on it

Nagar Yatra in Piccadilly Circus, 18 August 1995

This is the sofa chair upon which Pramukh Swami Maharaj was seated as he blessed the Nagar Yatra in Piccadilly Circus.

Nagar Yatra Leaflet, 18 August 1995

This is the leaflet that was distributed along the route with information about the Nagar Yatra in Piccadilly Circus

Sacred Image of Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj, 1985 to 13 August 2016

This is the sacred image of Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj that Pramukh Swami Maharaj placed beside him whilst blessing the Nagar Yatra in Picadilly Circus. Since 1985, Pramukh Swami Maharaj travelled with this particular sacred image, keeping it with him everywhere

Mandir Mahotsav Upvastra, 19 August 1995

This upvastra (upper garment) was given to all participants in the Vishwa Shanti Mahayagna that was performed on 19 August 1995, as part of the Mandir Mahotsav celebrations for the inauguration of London Mandir

Drill, 19 August 1995

This drill was used at the very top of London Mandir for the kalash installation the day before the opening

Harshadbhai Rana’s Chhadi, 20 August 1995

This is the golden chhadi (ceremonial baton) used by Pramukh Swami Maharaj to perform the netravaran vidhi (eye-opening ceremony) during the consecration of the sacred images in London Mandir. This chhadi was initially kept aside and a different chhadi had been used for the original ceremony. However, in order to fulfil the wishes of his devotee, Pramukh Swami Maharaj performed the ceremony again with this chhadi

Consecration Ceremony Adornments, 20 August 1995

These are very first vaghas with which the sacred images of London Mandir were adorned on the day of the consecration ceremony

Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s Handwritten Blessings, 20 August 1995

These are the blessings written by Pramukh Swami Maharaj for Pujya Satyavrat Swami on a gatariyu (cloth garment) on the evening of the inauguration ceremony of London Mandir

Mandir Mahotsav Memento, 24 August 1995

This memento was personally gifted by Pramukh Swami Maharaj to every volunteer and contractor who had selflessly served in the construction of London Mandir

Heartfelt Gratitude, 25 August 1995

This letter was written by Pramukh Swami Maharaj himself to the London Mandir project team after the completion of the Mandir, thanking them for their selfless service

Seating the Divine, 2000

This was the blue chair upon which Pramukh Swami Maharaj sat during his visit to Nottingham for the family shibir

Seating the Divine, 2000

This was the chair upon which Pramukh Swami Maharaj sat during his visit to the UK in 2000, including the iconic Guru-Bhakti Din celebrations

Record-Breaking Humility, 8 July 2000

These are the original certificates from Guinness World Records that were awarded to London Mandir and Pramukh Swami Maharaj

The People’s Guru, 2000-2017

This is the table that was used by Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj in London when conducting mulakats (personal meetings) with devotees

Eyes of the Beholder, 2006

These are the contact lenses worn by Pramukh Swami Maharaj during his visit to London in 2006

Seating the Divine, 2004 to 2017

This was the chair upon which Pramukh Swami Maharaj sat in 2004 and Mahant Swami Maharaj sat in 2017 while on the main stage of the assembly hall

Blessing the Celebrations, 2015

These are some of the items – ceremonial candle, garland, flag, baton, invitation card, pillowcases – used by Pramukh Swami Maharaj in Sarangpur to bless the 20th anniversary celebrations of London Mandir

Forever By His Side, 2000 to 13 August 2016

This is the original clock, with the sacred images of London Mandir, that was kept in Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s room, by his side, until his final day. In between meetings and activities, Pramukh Swami Maharaj would invariably do darshan of the sacred images of London Mandir

Seating the Divine, 2007 to 2017

This was the chair upon which Pramukh Swami Maharaj sat in 2007 and Mahant Swami Maharaj sat in 2017 in their room

Our Home, 23 August 2020

This is the handwritten message of Mahant Swami Maharaj blessing the finale programme of the 25th anniversary celebrations of London Mandir

Eternal Bond, 23 August 2020

This is the original origami swan made by Mahant Swami Maharaj in Nenpur, India, for the finale programme of the 25th anniversary celebrations of London Mandir

Pramukh Swami Road, 20 November 2020

The eastern section of Meadow Garth in north-west London, the home of London Mandir, has been renamed ‘Pramukh Swami Road’ in honour of the Mandir's creator. A replica of the road sign was sanctified by Mahant Swami Maharaj in Nenpur, India

The exhibition brought the historic journey to the present through ‘The First of its Kind’

Signature of Approval, 3 November 2021

This is the original poster through which Mahant Swami Maharaj inaugurated ‘The First of its Kind’ documentary series with his signature

Sanctified Episode Guide, 11 December 2021

This is the original Episode Guide that was unveiled by Mahant Swami Maharaj after his puja on the day of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s 100th birth anniversary celebrations in Chansad

A Humble Tribute

The entire ‘Museum of Memories’ was in honour of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s divine connection with London Mandir

Museum of Memories

An eye-opening exhibition of historical artefacts and memorabilia that were presented throughout the series

Museum of Memories

Presented in the Mandir’s sports hall, the exhibits charted the history of Satsang in the UK from 1970 to the present day

Pen Used by Yogiji Maharaj, 1970

This pen was used by Yogiji Maharaj to write letters to the devotees of the UK

Islington Letter, 28 April 1970

Spectacles Worn by Yogiji Maharaj, 1970

These are the spectacles worn by Yogiji Maharaj during his visit to the UK

Sacred Image of Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj, 1970

This is the sacred image (murti) of Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj that Yogiji Maharaj personally worshipped for the duration of his stay at the home of Arvindbhai (‘Guru’) in Dollis Hill, London

Garments and Rosary, 14 June 1970

Islington Invitation, 14 June 1970

This is the original invitation card for the inauguration ceremony at Islington Mandir, in the presence of Yogiji Maharaj

Sanctified Slippers, 1980

These are the slippers worn by Pramukh Swami Maharaj on his visit to the Meadow Garth warehouse, which was repurposed to house the hari mandir that opened in 1982

Written Prophecy, 6 September 1987

This is the letter written by Pramukh Swami Maharaj in Gangotri, India, where he expresses his wish for a magnificent, traditional shikharbaddha mandir to be built in London

The Search Continues, June 1988

These are the documents that were created whilst the Mandir Committee continued its search for a suitable site to construct Europe’s first traditional Hindu mandir

Preliminary Specification, August 1990

This is the planning proposal for a hari mandir to be built on the site of Neasden High School

The Site is Secured, 1 September 1990

Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s Teeth Moulds, 1996

These are the moulds of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s teeth taken in London by Dr Brian Smith. Pramukh Swami Maharaj was experiencing severe toothache due to an exposed nerve

The First Gift, 19 October 1990

Initial Plans, 20 January 1990

These are the initial plans for a traditional shikharbaddha mandir to be constructed on the Arlington site

Shikhars from Wooden Model, April 1992

These are the shikhars from the first wooden model created of London Mandir

India Itinerary, 4 November 1991

Signature of Approval, February 1992

Sanctified Signature, 20 April 1994

This is an architectural drawing of the London Mandir moat and gardens, signed by Pramukh Swami Maharaj

Until the Very End, 1 February 1994

Written in Stone, 30 April 1994

This is a stone signed by Pramukh Swami Maharaj on a visit to the construction site of London Mandir

Architectural Drawings, 1 May 1994

These are full-scale drawings of the intricate wooden and marble carvings seen all around London Mandir

Written with Confidence, 20 August 1994

Pramukh Swami Maharaj personally wrote this letter confirming that the inauguration ceremony of London Mandir will take place on 20 August 1995

A Phone Call Away

These are telephones utilised by Pramukh Swami Maharaj to call various devotees and swamis during his stay in London

A Phone Call Away

This is a telephone utilised by Pramukh Swami Maharaj to call various devotees and swamis during his stay in London

Care Patrikas, 1994-1995

This is a set of five brochures that were delivered to almost 90,000 homes to promote ideals of wholesome life and one of the fundraising projects for London Mandir

Seated in Front of God

Picture Perfect, 1970-1995

Finishing Touches, 1994-1995

These are the polishing papers used over 27 years ago to polish the marble of London Mandir

A Labour of Love, 23 August 1995

This is a heart-shaped piece of marble offered to Pramukh Swami Maharaj by volunteers after the inauguration of London Mandir in 1995 and just before he departed

Invitation Card, August 1995

This is the original invitation card sent to devotees in the UK for the grand Mandir Mahotsav celebrations

Logbook, 1993-1995

This is the original logbook used to record details of volunteers who had come to perform seva on the construction site for London Mandir

Mandir Mahotsav Menu, 18 August to 24 August 1995

This is the menu served to devotees attending the Mandir Mahotsav celebrations

Celebration Banners, 18 August to 24 August 1995

These are the original banners draped around the walls of London Mandir during the Mandir Mahotsav celebrations

Sacred Image of Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj, 18 August 1995

Nagar Yatra in Piccadilly Circus, 18 August 1995

This is the sofa chair upon which Pramukh Swami Maharaj was seated as he blessed the Nagar Yatra in Piccadilly Circus.

Nagar Yatra Leaflet, 18 August 1995

This is the leaflet that was distributed along the route with information about the Nagar Yatra in Piccadilly Circus

Sacred Image of Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj, 1985 to 13 August 2016

Mandir Mahotsav Upvastra, 19 August 1995

Drill, 19 August 1995

This drill was used at the very top of London Mandir for the kalash installation the day before the opening

Harshadbhai Rana’s Chhadi, 20 August 1995

Consecration Ceremony Adornments, 20 August 1995

These are very first vaghas with which the sacred images of London Mandir were adorned on the day of the consecration ceremony

Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s Handwritten Blessings, 20 August 1995

These are the blessings written by Pramukh Swami Maharaj for Pujya Satyavrat Swami on a gatariyu (cloth garment) on the evening of the inauguration ceremony of London Mandir

Mandir Mahotsav Memento, 24 August 1995

This memento was personally gifted by Pramukh Swami Maharaj to every volunteer and contractor who had selflessly served in the construction of London Mandir

Heartfelt Gratitude, 25 August 1995

This letter was written by Pramukh Swami Maharaj himself to the London Mandir project team after the completion of the Mandir, thanking them for their selfless service

Seating the Divine, 2000

This was the blue chair upon which Pramukh Swami Maharaj sat during his visit to Nottingham for the family shibir

Seating the Divine, 2000

This was the chair upon which Pramukh Swami Maharaj sat during his visit to the UK in 2000, including the iconic Guru-Bhakti Din celebrations

Record-Breaking Humility, 8 July 2000

These are the original certificates from Guinness World Records that were awarded to London Mandir and Pramukh Swami Maharaj

The People’s Guru, 2000-2017

This is the table that was used by Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj in London when conducting mulakats (personal meetings) with devotees

Eyes of the Beholder, 2006

These are the contact lenses worn by Pramukh Swami Maharaj during his visit to London in 2006

Seating the Divine, 2004 to 2017

This was the chair upon which Pramukh Swami Maharaj sat in 2004 and Mahant Swami Maharaj sat in 2017 while on the main stage of the assembly hall

Blessing the Celebrations, 2015

Forever By His Side, 2000 to 13 August 2016

Seating the Divine, 2007 to 2017

This was the chair upon which Pramukh Swami Maharaj sat in 2007 and Mahant Swami Maharaj sat in 2017 in their room

Our Home, 23 August 2020

This is the handwritten message of Mahant Swami Maharaj blessing the finale programme of the 25th anniversary celebrations of London Mandir

Eternal Bond, 23 August 2020

This is the original origami swan made by Mahant Swami Maharaj in Nenpur, India, for the finale programme of the 25th anniversary celebrations of London Mandir

Pramukh Swami Road, 20 November 2020

The exhibition brought the historic journey to the present through ‘The First of its Kind’

Signature of Approval, 3 November 2021

This is the original poster through which Mahant Swami Maharaj inaugurated ‘The First of its Kind’ documentary series with his signature

Sanctified Episode Guide, 11 December 2021

This is the original Episode Guide that was unveiled by Mahant Swami Maharaj after his puja on the day of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s 100th birth anniversary celebrations in Chansad

A Humble Tribute

The entire ‘Museum of Memories’ was in honour of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s divine connection with London Mandir