BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, (Neasden Temple) celebrated Guru Purnima in the presence of Sadguru Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami on Saturday (22).
A special assembly of devotional songs, videos and discourses to celebrate Guru Purnima was held in the temple.
Young members of the community began the evening programme by singing bhajans extolling the virtues of a guru.
Swamis then discoursed on the unique qualities of a guru and the spiritual nourishment that a guru provides.
Ishwarcharan Swami further elaborated on the ways in which aspirants can relate to the guru and be inspired to emulate his pure devotion to God and selfless service to society.
In a pre-recorded video, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj narrated the spiritual greatness of his gurus Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami Maharaj, before swamis and devotees concluded the celebrations by offering guru pujan to the sacred images of the gurus.
The full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu lunar month of Ashadh is traditionally celebrated as Guru Purnima. Also known as Vyas Purnima, the day is observed by Hindus in remembrance of sage Veda Vyas who classified the Vedas and composed the eighteen Purans.
Vyas Purnima is an occasion for Hindus around the world to offer their gratitude to the guru for his indispensable spiritual role in their lives.
A protestor is detained by the police during a demonstration against the proposed site of the new Chinese Embassy, outside Royal Mint Court, in London. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso. 
