British PM Boris Johnson visits Hindu Temple, calls it the greatest gift to the country (Pics)

Washoe County Board, Hindu Mantras, County Commissioners

The British Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London – popularly known as the ‘Neasden Temple’ – on Saturday 7 December 2019 on the occasion of the 98th birthday celebrations of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the man behind the Temple.

His girlfriend Carrie Symonds and the British Home Secretary, Priti Patel also accompanied the British PM on his fourth visit to the Temple. The PM has a strong connection with the Swaminarayan Temple as he had visited the Delhi based Akshardham Swaminarayan Temple in 2012. During his Akshardham Swaminarayan Temple visit of 2012, Johnson was the Mayor of London.

At the London Temple, PM Boris Johnson performed an abhishekam of Shri Nilkanth Varni, before proceeding to the inner sanctum where he offered flower petals at the central shrine of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, a press statement by the Temple stated.

Several Hindu leaders and Hindu community members greeted the PM on his Temple visit.

PM Boris Johnson thanked the Pramukh Swami Maharaj for “gifting the UK this magnificent temple.”

As the Temple celebrates its 25th anniversary next August, the Prime Minister said, “This temple is one of the greatest gifts to our country. But it is more than just a building. It is brought to life by the amazing community spirit that inhabits it. You are giving back to our society through the great charitable work that you do. Thank you for everything that you do for this country. London and the UK are lucky to have you.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson also praised the British Hindu community.

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