Client focus Client focus Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha Augustus Della-Porta Associate T: 020 7551 7750 [email protected] Augustus has significant experience of establishing new charities and social enterprises, and providing ongoing commercial and charity law advice to faith-based organisations. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London “In the joy of others lies our own.” celebration of culture and life and is actively involved His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj in a wide range of community outreach activities. It is therefore more than simply religious devotion but a way of life. This simple message captures the unique blend of In London, BAPS UK began soon after World War spirituality and social service found in the philosophy Two, with meetings in humble offices in Baker Street. of the Hindu organisation Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Only half a century later, BAPS UK has grown into Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, commonly a network of 13 temples and a further 24 centres known as BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha or simply around the country. Its headquarters are based at BAPS. Founded in India more than 200 years ago the famous BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in with only a handful of devotees, BAPS is now a major Neasden, north-west London – popularly known as organisation within the Swaminarayan branch of the ‘Neasden Temple’ – which is the first traditionally Hinduism, and one of the largest Hindu organisations built stone Hindu temple in Europe (named by outside of India, operating through over 3,850 centres Time Out magazine as one of the ‘Seven Wonders around the world with consultative status with the of London’). UN’s Economic and Social Council. The temple was constructed according to India’s BAPS is based upon the pillars of practical spirituality ancient architectural doctrine, the Vastu Shastra, which and its followers are encouraged to live according requires buildings to be made from stone and wood to the four principles of righteousness, knowledge, without steel reinforcements or supports. However, detachment from material pleasures, and devotion to as the temple was to be based in London, it also God. BAPS advocates a life of spiritual progression, needed to meet the strict requirements of UK building humanitarian service, individual development and a regulations as well as being able to withstand the 8 Faith-Based Organisations Update | Winter 2013 Client focus Annakut Offering – BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London 2013 vagaries of British weather. As an added complication, quality of life of the individual, families, communities, the craftsmanship required for the building and its and the wider world. internal ornamentation existed only in India. BAPS Charities UK continues the social outreach More than 5,000 tonnes of European stone was service started so many years ago in India. It seeks to transported to India to be carefully and intricately improve all aspects of their surrounding communities, carved at more than 14 different locations and then whether through providing healthcare, encouraging shipped to England. Back in London, each piece a sustainable environment or assisting with disaster was assembled like a giant jigsaw puzzle by 1,200 relief. volunteers. A testament to community involvement, the project was completed in 1995 after only two-and- Education is of paramount importance in the BAPS a-half years. The adjoining cultural centre, the Haveli, community. The Swaminarayan School run by Akshar is also a work of astounding beauty, handcrafted using Educational Trust sits across from the Neasden traditional techniques by 169 craftsmen. Temple. It was founded in 1991 by the leader of BAPS, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, as Within the Hindu religion the temple is more than the first Hindu school in Europe. Today, the school simply a place of worship; it is the heart of the teaches nearly 500 boys and girls and is widely spiritual, cultural and humanitarian activities of the recognised as one of the top schools in the country. community and a place for the celebration, study and The school provides a high-quality, well-rounded transmission of knowledge of Hindu values – whether educational experience, with pupils encouraged to through worship, language classes or even instruction participate in a range of extra-curricular activities. on traditional dance. BWB is honoured to work with such an outstanding For the followers of BAPS UK, serving and organisation. We are proud to help BAPS UK to volunteering in the local community is a way to continue its good work and development, by providing practise spiritual devotion. This spirit of service can be a variety of legal assistance, from organisational traced back to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, who worked restructuring and general charity advice to within the community to remove suffering and effect employment and immigration advice. positive social change. This is achieved through the work of BAPS Charities UK, an independent affiliated If your interest is piqued, we highly recommend a visit humanitarian organisation. BAPS Charities UK to the exquisite Neasden Temple. And be sure to save operates on the belief that every individual regardless room for lunch, as across the road from the Temple is of religion deserves the right to a peaceful, dignified Shayona, one of the best vegetarian restaurants and healthy way of life and believes in improving the in London! Faith-Based Organisations Update | Winter 2013 9.