Towards the end of Summer, the Indian Express reported on the death of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, head of Swaminarayan sect as well as of Bochasanvasi Akshar Purushottam Sansthan (BAPS). He died at 95 in Sarangpur after suffering from a lung infection.
BAPS has a significant presence in the United States and has erected one of the largest Hindu temples outside of India in Robbinsville, NJ, outside of Trenton where a prayer assembly was held in his memory August 21.
http://www.baps.org/Global-Network/North-America/Robbinsville.aspx
2.1 million devotees attend his cremation rites on August 17 in Sarangpur
Heads of state and prominent political figures from around the world offered their condolences and praised his achievements as a spiritual and humanitarian including the Prime Minisers of India, England, Canada as well as presidential candidate Hilary Clinton who issued this statement:
“Bill and I offer our sincerest condolences to the devotees of his Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj and the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha worldwide.
“Pramukh Swami didn’t just teach virtues – he lived them every day. That’s what made him a Guru to millions of devotees around the world. From the Akshardham Mandir in New Jersey to the countless temples that he blessed in the United States, Pramukh Swami built a global faith and community founded on Vedic values.
“Bill was fortunate enough to visit with his Holiness, both here in the United States and at the Akshardham Mandir in Gujarat. In meeting many of his followers, I’ve been touched by his wisdom as well.
“Pramukh Swami’s deep sense of devotion led him to spend his life revitalizing communities in need. His worship of karma inspired him to promote peace and justice in India, America, and all around the world. His example helped his followers find more harmony – both with others, and within themselves. And we hope that humanity will build upon his legacy for generations to come.”
