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Akshardham Mahotsav Events Guest Opinions

Celebrating Sanatan Dharma Longest Vedic Mahayagna

Saturday, September 30, 2023 Prayers for Peace Within and Around

“By constructing BAPS Swaminarayan “What is fascinating is just the attention to “[BAPS] has become part of our “It was an incredible experience. It was
Akshardham, you have constructed a detail, the beauty of it; in some ways, the community, and we are honored that you mesmerizing. And to see Akshardham
lighthouse. It shall give its light forever simplicity of it, but also the complexity of thought to choose our community and had was absolutely jaw-dropping. And it was
for generations in the form of knowledge. it.” the vision to turn this piece of land into amazing to see the American dream and the
This is a temple of humanity; a temple of - Mike Lawler something that is truly unbelievable and embodiment of it.”
faith; a temple of universal love; a temple United States Congress Representative, one of the wonders of the world.” - Mayor Sam Joshi
of universal brotherhood.” New York’s 17th Congressional District - Mayor David Fried Edison, NJ
- Pujya Swami Govinddev Giri Robbinsville, NJ
Establishing an eternal path of faith in God, sance. Swami Mukundanandaji highlighted Devotees participated in a grand Vedic of the cornerstone events of the opening Treasurer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi
a program called “Celebrating Sanatan the unity of 400 organizations, particularly Mahayagna. The three-month long Vedic of Akshardham. The Vedic Mahayagna Teerth Kshetra Trust
Dharma” welcomed 400 Hindu faiths and honoring BAPS’s devotion and guru bhak- Mahayagna was a first of its kind in the features ancient rituals designed to connect
organizations to collectively honor time- ti. Swami Govinddev Giri expressed awe West, celebrating the inauguration of a participants with the divine. This is among
less values of peace, harmony and unity set at Akshardham’s construction in America, Hindu mandir symbolizing selfless service, the oldest all-encompassing Hindu rituals
by ancient Hindu scriptures at the BAPS symbolizing Hinduism’s diversity and uni- peaceful coexistence, and timeless Hindu aimed to inspire pure and virtuous thoughts
Swaminarayan Akshardham. Leaders of ty. Finally, HH Mahant Swami Maharaj em- spirituality. The Mahayagna is performed to and actions. His Holiness Mahant Swami
Hindu organizations gathered to celebrate phasized the role of mandirs in sustaining invoke peace within one’s life and family, as Maharaj, following in the footsteps of his
Sanatana Dharma, emphasized its glob- Sanatan Dharma, praising Pramukh Swami well as peace around the world. It promotes guru HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, has
al significance and unity within diversity. Maharaj’s vision in building Swaminarayan universal values of peace and harmony to carried on the tradition of hosting grand
Jeffrey Armstrong praised the event and Akshardham and encouraging service to so- inspire future generations. It stands as one yagnas for global peace and harmony.
Akshardham as the start of a Vedic renais- ciety based on Dharma’s principles.

Diksha Din Celebrating Interfaith Harmony

Monday, October 2, 2023 Wednesday, October 4, 2023

“This will transcend generations, thousands “Akshardham is heaven on earth. This “It’s not the number of breaths you take “This is a good model for the United States
of years from now. When we are not here, is unimaginable work. Every time I in your life; it’s the number of times your and Americans to see. It’s not about being
this will still be here as a testament to the come here, I rediscover this place. The breath gets taken away. I feel this is the indoctrinated one way or another. It’s about
importance of inclusion and unity and atmosphere here is so serene.” eighth wonder of the world, and not just learning how to work together, be yourself,
embracing others.” - Sunil Hali because of the structure, but because of how connect to the universe, and understand the
- Mayor Lisa Morotta Publisher, The Indian Eye Worldwide it happened.” Divine... ”
Rocky Hill, CT Media Entertainment Group - Guy Chiarello - Dr. David Frawley
Chief Operating Officer, Fiserv American Author

At the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham like humility and compassion. Mahant Twenty delegates from prominent religious Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints shared
in Robbinsville, New Jersey, a historic Swami Maharaj blessed them, emphasizing traditions gathered for an event named his temple experience, “As I looked at
diksha din ceremony took place where their chosen path of service to God and Interfaith Harmony Day. The event brought the spires, I started to recognize that I was
30 American-born youths were initiated society. Diksha Din is not just an event; it together representatives from Islam, looking heavenward. I was doing exactly
as Hindu Swamis by HH Mahant Swami is a testament to the indomitable spirit of Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, and what a temple should do. It should turn
Maharaj. This event, marked their these 30 young souls who have pursued Buddhism. The gathering was a testament me to God. It should help me see that.” “I am convinced this is the mothership “The message of Akshardham is clear. It “This will stay with you for generations... In “Inspired by the disciples who selflessly
commitment to a life of faith, unity, and diverse fields of study and professions to the core principles of Akshardham, Interfaith Harmony Day celebrated mutual of Vedic vidya (knowledge). This is the is for everyone. It is not confined to one life if you ever feel like you have darkness give, I met a girl from Miami who had done
devotion. These youths, from diverse at reputable universities and companies. where unity emerges from diversity, and respect, compassion, and understanding, beginning of the next phase of the Vedic religion; it is for humanity. I think that around you, just come to the temple, you’ll seva for a year. The satisfaction on her face
educational and professional backgrounds, Among them are individuals who are the the common threads that bind humanity embodying Akshardham’s message of renaissance, of the Vedic Sanatana Dharma people who want to search for something, see the lights come on to you, you’ll see the is absolutely amazing”
had contributed to the construction of sole children of their parents, indicating the together are celebrated with reverence and harmony and unity. Interfaith Harmony Day culture, worldwide.” the truth of life - they should come to this light you have been missing.” - Suniel Shetty
Akshardham and were now dedicating their profound sacrifice they and their families appreciation. Bishop Darin Moore praised celebrated mutual respect, compassion, and - Jeffrey Armstrong place. Many answers which you don’t get in - Arthur Kapoor Actor
lives to selfless service, embodying values have embraced for the greater good. Akshardham as holy ground, lauding its understanding, embodying Akshardham’s Vedic Academy of Sciences & Arts your life, you will find them here.” HealthEC, President & CEO
architecture and the people who built it. message of harmony and unity. - Arif Aajakia
Elder David Buckner of The Church of Human Rights Activist

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