Raj Sadosh/Abohar.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, accompanied by his wife Akshata Murty, visited BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London – popularly known as ‘Neasden Temple’.

They were warmly welcomed in a traditional Hindu manner.

Mr Sunak and his wife paid their respects to the murtis and admired the traditional Hindu art and architecture. The couple offered their personal prayers at the central shrine and then performed the abhishek of Shri Nilkanth Varni.

They met BAPS volunteers and discussed the Mandir’s charity and community work that the volunteers drive. The couple joined the evening assembly in prayer.

Mr Sunak paid tribute to the “contribution that the Temple and its community makes to Britain,” and to the “leadership and inspiration of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj,” the global leader of the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu fellowship.Mahant Swami Maharaj had sent a video message for Mr Sunak and his family in which he said, “I pray for the people of the United Kingdom: May you all be blessed with peace and prosperity, harmony and success.” This message was also shown during the assembly.

Mahant Swami Maharaj had sent a video message for Mr Sunak and his family in which he said, “I pray for the people of the United Kingdom: May you all be blessed with peace and prosperity, harmony and success.” This message was also shown during the assembly.

Yogvivek Swami, Head Swami of BAPS in the UK and Europe, thanked the PM for his video tribute to Pramukh Swami Maharaj during the centenary celebrations in India in 2022. He also recalled the Prime Minister’s visit to Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi during the G20 Summit last year, and said, “We, as British Hindus, are always thankful for the opportunities that this great nation has given us. We want to return the goodwill by celebrating the successes of the United Kingdom as well as contributing to its progress.”