HUNDREDS of people from Ashton and across Greater Manchester were among thousands who gathered in London for a Hindu celebration which saw a unique Guinness World Record presented.
The event on Sunday (October 4) marked the 93rd birth anniversary of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj.
Around 11,000 people were packed inside Wembley Arena and tens of thousands more watched a live webcast around the world.
The occasion saw the presentation of a Guinness World Records certificate, recognising the Longest Biography by a Single Author.
The record-breaking biography is a monumental 13-volume work spanning 8,848 pages and 2,146,447 words, documenting the life and legacy of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the late spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.
It was written by Sanskrit scholar Sadhu Adarshjivandas, PhD, who researched and wrote the biography over 38 months between July 2017 and August 2020.
Titled Brahmaswarup Pramukh Swami Maharaj: Vistrut Jivan ane Karya, the biography chronicles Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s 94-year life, from his birth in 1921 to his death in 2016.
It covers his spiritual leadership, humility and commitment to selfless service, as well as his work with communities around the world.
Carl Saville, Senior Adjudicator, presented the certificate during the celebrations.
He said: “Today’s presentation for the Longest Biography by a Single Author, has been a true pleasure, privilege and honour to deliver on behalf of Guinness World Records.
“Guinness World Record’s main objective as a brand, is to document the incredible from around the world, to share unique and special achievements which ultimately, no one else on earth has managed to achieve to date, so what a powerful relevance to this specific title which has been documented, over a whole lifetime.”
Reflecting on the achievement, Sadhu Adarshjivandas said: “The subject of this biography is infinitely more important than the author. His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj lived a life defined by deep spirituality, profound humility and an unwavering commitment to global harmony, compassion and empathy. It was an honour and a privilege to chronicle his divine life and enduring legacy.”
More than 310,000 copies of the biography’s volumes have been sold.
The Guinness World Record recognition adds to a year of record-breaking achievements for BAPS.
In February, 12,723 children gathered in Vadodara, India, to take part in a simultaneous recital of Sanskrit verses from Satsang Diksha.
The event established the Guinness World Records title for the Largest Simultaneous Hindu Text Recital, with more than 15,000 children having memorised all 315 verses of the scripture as part of the wider initiative.
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is a Hindu temple on Lees Road in Ashton-under-Lyne, which regularly hosts events and celebrations.