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Modi, Sunak extend wishes for Akshardham Temple inauguration in NJ

The two PMs praised the Indian architecture and culture embodied by the temple and sent their best wishes to everyone at BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha

BAPS akshardham at Robbinsville New Jersey / BAPS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Rishi Sunak expressed their best wishes ahead of the inauguration of the Akshardham Temple in Robbinsville, New Jersey, which is considered to be the largest Hindu temple outside India in the contemporary age.

“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.The Prime Minister said the opening ceremonies of Akshardham Mahamandir demonstrate Indian architectural grandeur as well as its wonderful old culture and ethos. It will also help in establishing a connection between the members of the Indian diaspora, particularly the youth, to connect with and take pride in Maa Bharati.

“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 Prime Minister 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 India’s values, culture, and contributions to the world,” he added.

Prime Minister Modi went on to say that there has been a long-standing relationship between India and the United States, one that has been cultivated and expanded into a strong, complex partnership that has allowed for substantial interactions between the two countries' populations. He added that spirituality is an essential component of our sociocultural legacy and ideals and that India's longstanding and distinguished spiritual tradition has timeless and universal importance.

"Our philosophy and traditions emphasise that the ultimate goal of an individual's life revolves around 'Seva' or selfless service,” he wrote. According to him, temples are not just places of devotion but also platforms for expression of art, superior architecture, literature, and knowledge, and have long been the centre of service and socio-cultural activity.

The stone Mahamandir, which will be the focus of the Akshardham site, is described as a marvel of craftsmanship and devotion, combining intricate artistry with spiritual meaning. It is the result of 12 years of hard work by over 12,500 volunteers from around North America. 

The 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.

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