In
the 2002 edition of Guinness World Record, the BAPS Swaminarayan
Sanstha and Pramukh Swami Maharaj have been recognized in
three sections:
1) In the 'Influential
People' section:
Pramukh Swami Maharaj has been noted to be a widely regarded
influential person. From a list of 300 persons, a shortlist
of 50, 25 and finally 20 were made. Of the 20 influential
people featured, 4 are Royals, 7 are Presidents and Prime
Ministers, 3 religious leaders, 4 organizations, 1 event
and 1 civil-rights leader.
For Pramukh Swami Maharaj,
the Records note:
Most
Temples Consecreated By One Person
His Holiness Pramukh Swami
Maharaj (India), the spiritual master of the Swaminarayan
Hindu Mission, consecrated (blessed) a record 386 temples
in 11 countries between 17 April 1971 and 14 May 2001. (Pg.
43)
2) In the 'Food
and Drink' section:
Most
Different Dishes on Display
On 27 October 2000 Bochasanwasi
Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS - a social
spiritual organisation) displayed 1,247 different dishes
of vegetarian food as an Annakut (offering) to mark the
Hindu New Year. The record was set at the Shree Swaminarayan
Mandir, Neasden, London, U.K. (Pg.120)
3) In the 'Buildings
and Structures 1' section:
Largest
Traditional Hindu Temple Oustside India
The largest traditionally
built Hindu temple outside India is the Shree Swaminarayan
Mandir, Neasden, London, UK, which covers an area of 6,071
m² (65,344 ft²) and is built with 26,300 pieces
of stone. Opened on 20 August 1995, it was carved by 1,526
craftsmen in India and then reassembled in London a year
later. (Pg.195).
The 2002 edition of Guinness
World Records has a print run of 3.7 million copies distributed
in 40 countries and in 20 languages. Out of 45,000 officially
recognised records approved by the Guinness World Records
Limited 3000 are chosen and published in the book.