Saturday 30 September 2023 | Bhadarva Vad 1, Samvat 2079

Sat 30 Sep 2023

On the 17 th of October 1970, a magnificent procession was held in London as part of Jeevanpran Swamibapa's International tour of Spirituality and Morality.


This procession for peace and unity commenced at Marble Arch where thousands of people had gathered for the divine darshan of Lord SwaminarayanBapa Swamibapa. The parade continued through the streets of central London where thousands of delighted onlookers stopped and gazed in awe as the magnificent chariots passed. Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa gave His divine darshan throughout the Shanti Yatra seated upon the ornately decorated chariot, with Shree Purushottampriyadasji Swamishree and Sadguru Shree Bhaktavatsaldasji Swami seated at His divine lotus feet.

Scottish bagpipe performs at the procession.

During this procession, a Scottish bagpipe band had been invited to perform. This inspired the establishment of Shree Muktajeevan Pipe Band, which consists entirely of devotees of Shree Swaminarayan Gadi.

The Shanti Yatra culminated in one of London's most famous landmarks – Trafalgar Square.

Jeevanpran Swamibapa dismounted His chariot onto a specially built stage at the foot of Nelson's Column. This was a truly remarkable event as no religious leader had held such a parade and congregation in central London before. Again, another unique and unequalled episode in the history of Shree Swaminarayan Gadi.

During His ashirwad Jeevanpran Swamibapa said, “This remarkable Shoba Yatra and sabha is not held in honour of any Sant. It is held for Lord Swaminarayan and Bapashree. Lord Swaminarayan Himself has come today with His divine Paramhansas to give His divine darshan.”

Thousands of non-Indian onlookers had also gathered in Trafalgar Square to witness this spectacle. Recognising this, Jeevanpran Swamibapa spoke in English so these people may too have the divine ashirwad of Lord SwaminarayanBapa Swamibapa. During this ashirwad, Jeevanpran Swamibapa highlighted the supreme tenets of Lord Swaminarayan and Jeevanpran Abji Bapashree and said, “God is love. Have love, understanding and tolerance for each other and you will experience the eternal ecstasy that resides within Lord Swaminarayan's murti. May Lord Swaminarayan bless you with His infinite love and benevolence.” The entire congregation applauded Jeevanpran Swamibapa and became touched by His heartfelt blessings and message of compassion and love for all.

 

Procession in Trafalgar Square.

Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa's Sants then performed several devotional dances on the vast stage. The entire sabha, Indians and non-Indians alike become mesmerised with these performances, which concluded this truly extraordinary event.