Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Rishi
Sunak have extended greetings ahead of the inauguration of an Akshardham Temple
in Robbinsville city of New Jersey, said to be the largest Hindu temple outside
Bharat in the modern era.
“It is an occasion of profound spiritual significance for the vast
legion of devotees worldwide,” PM Modi wrote in a letter to BAPS Swaminarayan
Akshardham in Robbinsville.
Sending his best wishes to everyone at BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha
and all those involved in this initiative, PM Modi said the inaugural
celebrations of Akshardham Mahamandir showcase Indian architectural excellence
and its glorious ancient culture and ethos.
It will help in establishing a connection between the members of
the Indian diaspora, particularly the youth, to connect with and take pride in
Maa Bharati, he said.
“We were amazed and awed by the beauty of this temple and its
universal message of peace, harmony, and becoming a better human being,” the
British PM said in his message ahead of the temple’s inauguration on October 8.
“This is not only a place of worship, but a landmark that also
portrays Bharat’s values, culture, and contributions to the world,” he said.
PM Modi further said Bharat and United States share an abiding
relationship and both nations have nurtured and broadened these ties into a
robust, multifaceted relationship, fostering extensive interactions among their
people.
Observing that Bharat’s enduring and illustrious spiritual heritage
holds timeless and universal relevance, he said spirituality constitutes an
integral element of our sociocultural heritage and principles.
“Our philosophy and traditions emphasise that the ultimate goal of
an individual’s life revolves around seva or selfless service,” he wrote.
Noting that temples have been the hub of service and socio-cultural
activities for centuries, he said they are not only centers of devotion but
also serve as platforms for giving expression to art, architectural excellence,
literature, and knowledge. Such profound cultural principles have been guiding
humanity for generations.
“Bhagwan Swaminarayan presented eternal ideals of our culture and
wove it into powerful lessons that could be accessed by every section of society.
He emphasised the importance of purity of thought and conduct through
spirituality and social reform,” said PM Modi.
From September 30, the highly anticipated dedication celebrations
of the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville in the presence of Mahant
Swami Maharaj are underway, said the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.
This marks a significant milestone after 12 years of dedication by
over 12,500 volunteers across North America. The stone Mahamandir, set to
become the centrepiece of the Akshardham campus, is a marvel of craftsmanship
and devotion, blending intricate artistry with spiritual significance, it said.
Globally, BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardhams are landmarks of Hindu art,
architecture, and culture. They serve as spiritual and community hubs, open to
people of all faiths and backgrounds.
Akshardham in New Jersey marks the third such cultural complex
globally. The first Akshardham was created in Gandhinagar, the capital of
Gujarat, India, in 1992, followed by Akshardham in New Delhi in 2005.
