About Us
The lineage, the gurus, and the global Loyadham family behind our UK mandir
A Living Tradition of Dharma, Gnan, Bhakti & Vairagya
Lord Shree Swaminarayan was born in Chhapaiya, northern India, in 1781. As a boy He was known as Ghanshyam, and as a young renunciant who walked the length of India He was known as Nilkanth Varni — a barefoot pilgrimage of some 12,000 kilometres that took Him from the Himalayas to the forests of the south.
Initiated by Sadguru Shri Ramanand Swami and given the name Sahajanand Swami, He was entrusted with leadership of the fellowship and, through the Swaminarayan mantra, the Vachanamrut and the Shikshapatri, re-established the practice of dharma, knowledge, devotion and detachment for householders and renunciants alike. During His time on earth He initiated thousands of sadhus, built temples across Gujarat, and championed social reform and service to the poor.
That living tradition continues today through an unbroken line of Sadgurus — the very parampara that Loyadham, and our mandir here in the UK, are proud to carry forward.
"Wherever a soul is born in this land, the presence of God and His true saints is never far — recognise them, and you become a true devotee."Shreeji Maharaj, Vachanamrut
The Lineage We Follow
From Lord Swaminarayan through eight Sadgurus, this is the spiritual succession that leads to our present Guruji.
Lord Shree Swaminarayan
Founder of the Sampraday; compiler of the Shikshapatri and source of the Vachanamrut discourses.
Sadguru Shri Muktanand Swami
The first and foremost disciple, composer of the Aarti sung daily across the Sampraday, and revered as "Mother of Satsang."
Sadguru Shri Adharanand Swami
Poet and scholar, author of the Haricharitramrut Sagar and originator of the tilak-chandlo mark worn across the Sampraday.
Sadguru Shri Haripriyadasji Swami
Known for his unwavering devotion and determination in the service of Shreeji Maharaj.
Sadguru Shri Vaikunthcharandasji Swami
Consecrator of temples, dedicated to the service of saints and devotees alike.
Sadguru Shri Narayanswarupdasji Swami
A foremost orator who toured village to village spreading satsang and Brahmvidya.
Sadguru Shri Nandkishordasji Swami (Dadaguruji)
Fondly remembered for his motherly compassion and lifelong service of God, devotees, the poor, cows and the ill — Guruji's own Sadguru.
H.D.H. Sadguru Shastri Shree Ghanshyamprakashdasji Swami
Our present Guruji — founder of Loyadham Gurukul Kandari and the wider Loyadham network of mandirs, gurukuls and centres across India, the USA, Canada and the UK.
The Sadgurus Who Guide Loyadham Today
P.P. Sadguru Shree Nandkishordasji Swami
Dadaguruji · 1925 – 1983Manifest in the village of Limadhara, he was known from childhood for his devotion and, throughout his life, for humble service — of God, devotees, the poor, cows and the ill. It was Dadaguruji who ordained the sadhu now known as our Guruji.
H.D.H. Sadguru Shastri Ghanshyamprakashdasji Swami
Pujya GurujiBorn in Vedavadar, Gujarat in 1958, Pujya Guruji is the sixth successor in the spiritual lineage of Sadguru Shri Muktanand Swami. Over 25 years he has founded ten institutions worldwide, including Loyadham UK in 2011, and continues frequent international vicharan sharing Lord Swaminarayan's teachings.
Our Connection to Loyadham India
Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Loyadham UK is one branch of the wider Loyadham organisation, headquartered at the pious village of Loya, Gujarat, where Pujya Guruji continues to oversee the construction of one of the grandest temples of the Sampraday.