The High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire visits Neasden Temple

The High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire Peter Kara, accompanied by Ms Dolores Ochoa, visited BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London – popularly known as the ‘Neasden Temple’ last weekend, during the celebrations of the birth of Bhagvan Swaminarayan and Shri Rama.

The High Sheriff, an official representative of the Sovereign Head of State The Queen, was greeted in traditional Hindu manner with auspicious marks of welcome and goodwill. He then performed abhishek (ritual bathing) of Shri Nilkanth Varni before proceeding to the upper sanctum.

After meeting young and senior volunteers of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, the High Sheriff was taken on a tour of the Mandir complex.

The visit was organised by BAPS volunteers from Milton Keynes to introduce Peter Kara to the various social, community and outreach activities that are organised by the Mandir – many of which also take place in Milton Keynes.

Sharing his impressions of the visit, the High Sheriff said: “This Mandir is truly an amazing, interesting, serene building. I am almost submerged to witness tranquillity within. BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mission has developed a unique and highly effective way of mobilising and maximising the Hindu values and impact of its core expertise.”.

“To visit the Mandir, to participate in traditional ritual, to listen to passionate subject matter, is to experience a taste of the possible, a vision of what can be achieved through simplicity of objectives”.

“The foundations and teachings of this organisation passed through a spiritual hierarchy is highly effective”. “A Common approach, which can be universally applied”.

Accompanying guest Ms Dolores added, “I feel truly blessed, every where I turn to, I experience beauty and marvel. Something for everyone to capture during this extraordinary, magical experience day at the Mandir”.