Pramukh Swami will remain a guide to humanity: L K Advani

New Delhi, Aug 14 Senior BJP leader L K Advani today condoled the death of spiritual guru Pramukh Swami and said that the creator of Akshardham temples will remain a guide to humanity.

Describing him as a teacher and scholar, Advani said his message of compassion and service will remain an inspiration and he will be remembered for his wisdom and vision for humanity.

Swami was the head of Bochasanvasi Akshar Purushottam Sansthan (BAPS) Swaminarayan Sanstha. "I deeply mourn the sad demise of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharajji. He was a spiritual guru and head of the Swaminarayan Sect," Advani said in a statement.

Advani said that Pramukh Swami created and consecrated many temples and a giant cultural complex known as Swaminarayan Akshardham in his lifetime and was a "guide for humanity".

Advani said that though Akshardham was first created in Gujarat, soon similar temples were set up around the world. "Swamiji was a teacher, a scholar, a sage, a companion of the needy. He was a pleasant, soft spoken individual and had a magnanimous personality.

"His message of compassion and service will remain an inspiration. We will always remember him for his wisdom and vision for humanity. I pay my heartfelt homage to the departed soul," Advani said.

Advani also remembered accompanying Pramukh Swamiji to UK where the first such overseas temple was constructed in Neasden near London. Later on, similar complexes have been set up in the US and other parts of the world, he said.

Pramukh Swami, who was ailing for some time due to old age-related problems, breathed his last in Sarangpur in Gujarat's Botad district yesterday. He was 95.

PTI