Raj Sadosh/Abohar.

Mahant Swami Maharaj was joyously welcomed by thousands of devotees and well-wishers at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London.

Streams of people filled the Mandir steadily from 3.30am, eagerly awaiting their first darshan of him in London since 2017. Swamishri shortly after landing at Luton Airport, said: “I am just as eager to have your darshan as you are to be with me.”

Swamishri was greeted at Pramukh Swami Road with flags and a showering of flower petals by people who had lined the street.

Dipa Patel, who had travelled more than 200 miles from Preston, said, “When I first saw him enter the hall, I had goosebumps! I was filled with joy and peace. We’ve waited six years for him to be with us here in the UK again, and the next five weeks will bring so many opportunities for my family, my children and me to strengthen our connection with him and progress on our spiritual journey together.

More than 5,500 patiently hand-folded decorative pieces flanked Mahant Swami Maharaj’s path from the moment he had entered the Mandir.

Many people could not hold back their tears of joy, whilst others danced and some simply folded their hands in prayer and reverence as Mahant Swami Maharaj entered the main hall.

Dipa Patel, who had travelled more than 200 miles from Preston, said, “When I first saw him enter the hall, I had goosebumps! I was filled with joy and peace. We’ve waited six years for him to be with us here in the UK again, and the next five weeks will bring so many opportunities for my family, my children and me to strengthen our connection with him and progress on our spiritual journey together.