Arvind Kejriwal pays homage to Pramukh Swami

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday visited Sarangpur to pay homage to Pramukh Swami, the spiritual head of the Swaminarayan sect, who passed away last week in Botad district.

"I believe there are some souls who take birth once in ages for the greater good of humanity. Pramukh Swami was one of them. He dedicated his entire life for the service of humanity and promotion of Hindu culture," Kejriwal told mediapersons.

Swamiji's "selfless dedication for the service of humanity" through numerous temples and hospitals he built across the world "will stay with humanity for times to come", the Delhi Chief Minister said.

"His passing away has shocked not just Gujarat or India, but the entire world. He may have left his body, but his soul, his consciousness and his message will stay with the humanity for times to come," Kejriwal said.

The AAP national convener said it is "hard" for him to believe the news of Pramukh Swami's demise, and had to "confirm this several times" with others.

Kejriwal said that while he never met Pramukh Swami, he learnt about him and his works through several persons and was "strongly drawn" to pay his last respect.

The head of Bochasanvasi Akshar Purushottam Sansthan (BAPS) Swaminarayan Sanstha, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, died last Saturday.

His mortal remains, which have been kept at a temple in Sarangpur, near here, to enable devotees and citizens pay their last respect, will be cremated tomorrow in the temple premises.

BJP chief Amit Shah will attend the cremation ceremony.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday had visited the place to pay his tributes to the departed soul.