HH Mahant Swami’s trip brings peace, hope

NEW YORK, NY — On September 21, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, left the United States after spending three months bringing peace, hope, inspiration and spirituality to thousands of individuals.

Devotees, well-wishers, and dignitaries from across North America came together in honor of Mahant Swami’s first trip to North America as the spiritual successor of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.

During the three-month visit, devotees celebrated key milestones, including the 10-year anniversaries of traditional Hindu mandirs in Atlanta, Toronto and San Jose, as well as the inauguration of the Ghanshyam Maharaj Abhishek Mandapam and installation of the first pillars of Swaminarayan Akshardham (Robbinsville, NJ).

Mahant Swami visited Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; Toronto, Canada; San Jose, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Houston, TX; Dallas, TX; Robbinsville, NJ and Edison, NJ.

Across the country, the environment was filled with excitement, anticipation, and joy as the Hindu community welcomed His Holiness to the respective BAPS mandirs for the first time as the spiritual leader of BAPS.

Mahant Swami’s visit also provided an opportunity for devotees to honor the life and legacy of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. During his tour, Mahant Swami scattered the holy ashes of Pramukh Swami in Niagara Falls (Canada), and the Hudson River (NY) as a tribute to his Guru’s social and spiritual service in North America.

On September 5, 2017, Mahant Swami also met with former President Barack Obama. During the meeting with former President Obama, Mahant Swami highlighted BAPS’ work to encourage the Indian-American community to more fully participate in civic life and how organizations like BAPS and the Obama Foundation can work to inspire young leaders to take up the call of public service through programs such as scholarships for students aspiring for careers in public service.

Mahant Swami left a strong impression not only on devotees, but also dignitaries across the continent. Casey Cagle, Lieutenant Governor, Georgia, said, "Mahant Swami Maharaj is an individual with a very very large heart, a person who cares deeply about our world, deeply about our country and also deeply about individuals.”