Part of the Preston street that is home to BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir has been renamed in honour of the temple’s inspirer.

89m of Ribble Bank Street is now called Pramukh Swami Place after His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

The decision to name the section of Ribble Bank Street to Pramukh Swami Place was formally approved by Lancashire County Council on Monday 4 October. The Council acknowledged the Mandir’s position and contribution to the local community in Preston, as well as its contribution to the borough.

The name change coincides with the 100th birthday celebrations of the temple’s inspirer, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj. It also recognises the temple’s partnership with the community, which has recently been illustrated supporting the vulnerable during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Read more: Friends of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Preston thank you to key workers

The first BAPS Shri Swaminarayan temple in Preston was established in 1984, in a disused synagogue. With the rise in the number of worshippers the need for a larger facility arose and the current temple was inaugurated at Ribble Bank Street in 2015.

The temple provides various educational, community and spiritual activities for children, youths, families and the elderly. It is also a focal place of worship for hundreds of Hindus in the Preston and surrounding areas.

Kailash Limbachia, a volunteer at the Mandir, said, “This Mandir is a gift from Pramukh Swami Maharaj bequeathed not only to the people of this community, but for people across the UK and the world.

“We are truly humbled that part of Ribble Bank Street has been renamed to pay tribute to his selfless life. He blessed and inspired countless lives during his many visits to the temple, and we pray that the lasting legacy of the temple and the renaming of the road will continue to inspire generations to come.”

Tarun Patel, another volunteer of the temple, added, “All of us at Preston BAPS Shri Swaminarayan temple would like to offer our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Lancashire County Council and people of the borough in supporting this much-welcomed change.”

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines

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