A new center for Sanskrit studies and dialogue has been established in London. Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj has inaugurated Akshar-Purushottam Sanskrit Pathshala at BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir. This temple is also known as Niasden Temple. As many as 350 youths and students joined Sanskrit studies even before the formal inauguration of the school. The establishment of this school fulfills the wish of Mahant Swami Maharaj, expressed in a letter he wrote on 24 September during the Satsang Diksha Samman Mohotsav. In this letter he expressed his desire to start a Sanskrit school in the temple during his stay in London.

In the opening ceremony, young scholars gave a presentation in Sanskrit. Through an interesting dialogue he mentioned Mahant Swami Maharaj’s visit to Paris and London and expressed his gratitude for the new school. The ceremony included worship of Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj, worship of the inaugural inscription and lighting of Mangal Deep by Mahant Swami Maharaj.

Akshar-Purushottam Sanskrit Pathshala was started in 1961 in Mumbai.

Addressing the inaugural programme, Mahamahopadhyay Bhadreshdas Swami referred to the tradition of Sanskrit studies, which derives its inspiration from Swaminarayan. Bhadreshdas Swami said that Swaminarayan encouraged the saints to study Sanskrit and Shastras and sent many saints to Kashi for higher education. In 1961, Yogiji Maharaj established the Akshar-Purushottam Sanskrit Pathshala in Mumbai. In 1973, Pramukh Swami Maharaj started the Yajnapurush Sanskrit Pathshala in Sarangpur. Today Mahant Swami Maharaj is continuing this tradition and inspiring children and youth to learn Sanskrit.

In fact, Bhadreshdas Swami wrote a five-volume Sanskrit commentary on the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita and the Brahmasutras. At the 17th World Sanskrit Conference held in Vancouver in 2018, the Akshara-Purushottam philosophy was recognized as a distinct philosophical tradition within the Vedanta tradition.

An opportunity for London children and youth to learn Sanskrit

On this occasion, Mahant Swami Maharaj praised this language while speaking in Sanskrit and encouraged its study. He said that knowledge of Sanskrit would help future generations to understand the greatness of Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj and strengthen their spiritual foundation. He said the new school combines language, education and spiritual tradition, giving London’s children and youth the opportunity to learn Sanskrit and connect with its enduring wisdom.

About BAPS Swaminarayan Institute

BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is an international Hindu organization dedicated to spiritual, cultural and social service. His academic and research work includes the study of Sanskrit, Vedanta and Indian philosophy.

Before the month of 2026, 15,666 children between the ages of 3 and 13 had memorized all 315 Sanskrit verses of Satsang Diksha. On 2 February 2026, 12,723 children recited this scripture simultaneously, setting the Guinness World Record for the largest simultaneous recitation of Hindu scriptures.