Page 16 - The Indian EYE 102023

North The Indian Eye

AMERICANNewsline

16 OCTOBER 20, 2023

BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham opens

with a grand ceremony in New Jersey

Hundreds of thousands of individuals from across the globe witnessed this historic celebration, which

marked unveiling of the largest Hindu mandir in the United States

OUR BUREAU
Robbinsville, NJ
t was a moment of jubilation, a
moment that transcended bor-
Iders, cultures, and continents.
BAPS, a global spiritual and human-
itarian organization, celebrated the
grand opening of the Swaminarayan
Akshardham in Robbinsville, New
Jersey, in a spectacular event that
left hearts brimming with joy and
gratitude. Hundreds of thousands
of individuals from across the globe
witnessed this historic celebration,
which marked not only the unveiling
of a magnificent Hindu mandir but
also a gift to the world - the largest
Hindu mandir in the United States.
BAPS Swaminarayan Akshard-
ham, a marvel of Hindu art, archi-
tecture, and culture, stands as a
testament to the rich heritage and
traditions of the Indian communi-
ty. It serves as a bridge between the
Asian Indian diaspora and the di-
verse American audience, inviting all
to explore the spiritual and cultural waiting for year is finally here.” manship behind the thousands of devotion.”
treasures it holds within its sacred In a world where birthday pres- carved elephants, peacocks and oth- Also, in attendance was Randhir
walls. ents are typically received, the spiri- er sculptures. But what I find most Jaiswal, Consul General of India in
The grand dedication ceremony tual guru of BAPS, His Holiness Ma- extraordinary is the community that New York who addressed the assem-
was breathtaking to behold, filled hant Swami Maharaj, chose to give a built it.” Admiring the dedication of bly and delivered a message of con-
with joy, fun, and dedication. As fire- remarkable gift to the world on his the volunteers and their selfless ser- gratulations from Prime Minister of
works illuminated the night sky, they 90th birthday. This gift, the Swami- vice, Congressman Hoyer continued, India Narendra Modi.
symbolized the spirit of celebration narayan Akshardham, is a symbol “They did it because they believe in “Love the end and love the
that lit up the hearts of all those in at- of unity, spirituality, and cultural the values this structure represents: means by which we reached here,
tendance. The BAPS Swaminarayan appreciation, reflecting the shared equality, liberation, truth, harmo- said, Chaitali Inamdar a volunteer
Akshardham represents a fusion of values that bind people from diverse ny, and most importantly, service to from Pennington, referring to the
tradition and modernity, where the backgrounds. In his blessings, Ma- others. The values enshrined here 12,500 volunteers that built the larg-
echoes of ancient wisdom resonate hant Swami Maharaj stated, “It was are not just Hindu values, they are est Hindu Mandir in the modern era.
harmoniously with the vibrant ener- Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s divine human values.” BAPS Swaminarayan Akshard-
gy of the present. wish to construct an Akshardham in Governor John Carney of Del- ham invites everyone, regardless
Seeing the fireworks go up, Har- North America, where people can aware shared his admiration for of their background, to experience
ish Patel, a BAPS volunteer from come and visit, irrespective of race, the message of the evening. “I was the feelings of fun, joy, happiness,
Washington, DC said, “This moment creed or religion.” struck by what was said by the Swa- and dedication that were celebrat-
is going to be etched in stone in my In his address to the audience, mi just before that the temple is a ed during the grand opening. It is a
heart forever.” U.S. Congressman Steny Hoyer of bridge, a bridge from the past to the space where cultures converge, tradi-
Palak Shah, a New Jersey resi- Maryland mentioned, “This mandir future, a bridge from India to Amer- tions flourish, and hearts unite.
dent said, “I have a flood of emotions is magnificent. We marvel at its im- ica, a bridge from one community to
right now. The moment we were mense size. We admire the crafts- the next. It is an incredible place of Continued on next page... >>

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