Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended greetings ahead of the inauguration of an Akshardham Temple in Robbinsville city of New Jersey. The temple is said to be the largest Hindu temple outside India in the modern era. According to PTI, in a letter to BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, the Prime Minister said the occasion is of spiritual significance for the vast legion of devotees worldwide.
British PM Rishi Sunak also extended greetings on the occasion. He praised the beauty of the temple and "its universal message of peace, harmony".
"We were amazed and awed by the beauty of this temple and its universal message of peace, harmony, and becoming a better human being," Sunak said in his message ahead of the temple’s inauguration on October 8.
Meanwhile, in his message, PM Modi said, "It is an occasion of profound spiritual significance for the vast legion of devotees worldwide." He added that the temple will help in establishing a connection between the members of the Indian diaspora to connect with and take pride in Maa Bharati, as quoted by PTI.
Akshardham in New Jersey is the third such cultural complex globally. The first Akshardham was created in Gandhinagar, Gujarat in 1992, followed by Akshardham in New Delhi in 2005, as per PTI.
The Prime Minister sent his best wishes to everyone at BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and all those involved in this initiative. He said the inaugural celebrations of Akshardham Mahamandir showcase Indian architectural excellence and its glorious ancient culture and ethos, reported PTI.
"This is not only a place of worship, but a landmark that also portrays India’s values, culture, and contributions to the world," he said.
Mentioning about India-US ties, he said that both countries share an abiding relationship and have nurtured and broadened these ties into a robust, multifaceted relationship, fostering extensive interactions among their people.
"Our philosophy and traditions emphasise that the ultimate goal of an individual's life revolves around 'Seva' or selfless service," he wrote.
"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," Modi said.
Notably, the highly anticipated dedication celebrations of the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville in the presence of Mahant Swami Maharaj are underway from September 30, the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha said, as per PTI.
It said that 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," the statement read.