After renouncing His home at the tender age of 11, Bhagwan Swaminarayan commenced a journey of spiritual awakening across the length and breadth of India - during which He came to be known as Nilkanth Varni. Barefooted, Nilkanth walked alone covering 12,000 kilometres over 7 years.

As a tribute to His divine sojourns, on Monday 6 September, for the first time in Europe, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj installed the murti of Bhagwan Shri Nilkanth Varni at Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Neasden. This day was etched in history as it was the first time Swamishri had installed a murti at the Mandir since its opening in 1995. Pujya Doctor Swami performed the initial rituals after which Swamishri completed the image installation just after 10:15am. Swamishri then performed the very first abhishek (ritual bathing) of the murti. Later in his blessings Swamishri was in a joyful mood and praised the devotees for their devotion and love. He also prayed for the fulfilment of the wishes of those who come to perform abhishek of Nilkanth Varni.

As a mark of devotion and gratitude to Nilkanth Varni's sacrifice and compassion for humanity, devotees will daily offer abhishek to the murti of Nilkanth Varni by bathing the sacred image with sanctified water from holy rivers the world over.