UNITED KINGDOM, April 7, 2020 (The Tablet): The social and spiritual connection that members of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha in the UK, headquartered at its Neasden Temple in London, enjoyed at mandirs (Hindu temples) and centers across the country, is not possible in the same manner as it was previously. The temples provide a sense of belonging for many worshippers — a place where they can interact with others — a source of unparalleled spiritual strength and connection with God. However, as part of the collective responsibility to reduce the spread of the global pandemic, BAPS mandirs and centers across the UK closed on 13 March.
BAPS remains committed to fulfilling the spiritual needs of people in the local community, recognizing that such challenging times call for innovative ways of meeting those needs. Weekly religious assemblies for children, teens and adults are now being webcast live every weekend to ensure all generations continue to benefit from spiritual wisdom. Darshan, spiritual viewing, of the murtis at the Neasden Temple is available every morning from the Mandir’s website, while the arti ceremony (ritual waving of lighted wicks before the Deities) is also available to view each evening through a live web stream. A daily message of strength as well as important guidance and information on how to stay safe and stable from Swami Yogvivekdas, the head swami of the Neasden Temple, during these daily web casts provides a source of comfort to all.
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