MAHANT SWAMI MAHARAJ INAUGURATES AKSHAR-PURUSHOTTAM SANSKRIT PATHSHALA IN LONDON

Raj Sadosh/Abohar.

BAPS chief Mahant Swami Maharaj inaugurated the Akshar-Purushottam Sanskrit Pathshala at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London, fulfilling a cherished wish inspired by his guru, Yogiji Maharaj, to encourage the study and use of Sanskrit among children and young people.

During the Satsang Diksha Sanman Mahotsav on 24 September, Mahant Swami Maharaj had expressed his wish in a specially written letter for a Sanskrit Pathshala (school) to be established at the Mandir during his visit to London. The inauguration marked the fulfilment of that resolve and an important milestone in the preservation and promotion of Sanskrit within the UK.

Mahamahopadhyay Bhadreshdas Swami reflected on the longstanding tradition of Sanskrit learning and scholarship within the Swaminarayan Sampradaya. From the composition of scriptures during the lifetime of Bhagwan Swaminarayan to the encouragement of Sanskrit studies by Shastriji Maharaj, Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami Maharaj, he highlighted the spiritual and scholarly legacy upon which the new Pathshala would build.

The inauguration programme included a special Sanskrit presentation by young scholars. Through an engaging dialogue, they reflected on the significant milestones of Mahant Swami Maharaj’s spiritual visit to Paris and London, before expressing their gratitude for the establishment of the Pathshala. Their presentation highlighted how the initiative embodied guru-bhakti (devotion to the guru), carrying forward Yogiji Maharaj’s vision for Sanskrit learning.

In his blessings, Mahant Swami Maharaj spoke in Sanskrit, expressing his appreciation for the language and encouraging its study. He explained how Sanskrit learning would help spread understanding of the greatness of Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj and strengthen the spiritual foundations of future generations.