New Delhi, Aug 1 (IANS) While you wander the vast streets of Delhi, the majestic silhouette of Swaminarayan Akshardham attracts your attention – a quiet colossal amidst the city’s chaos. Deboard a train at the bustling Dadar station in Mumbai, and the graceful BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir greets you as you enter the city’s dynamic commotion.
Whether you are roaming around the iconic streets of London, weathering the winters of Toronto, indulging in the opulence of Abu Dhabi, or soaking in the multicultural diversity of New Jersey, one symbol of spiritual and cultural heritage stands tall—a BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir.
As Raymond Williams aptly phrased it, the Swaminarayan Sampradaya is ‘A New Face of Hinduism.’ These mandirs are not mere architectural wonders, they have become beacons of faith, celebration, and community, embracing both everyday believers and world leaders into their serene atmosphere.
Visiting the stunning Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi on April 21, 2025, US Vice President J. D. Vance inaugurated his maiden official visit to India with a symbolic and soulful stop. The Vice President, his wife, and his children immersed themselves in the rich heritage of Indian art, architecture and spirituality.
Observing the intricate carvings and timeless beauty of the temple, he remarked with admiration, “It is a great credit to India that you built a beautiful temple with precision and care. Our kids, in particular, loved it.” The visit marked not just a diplomatic gesture but a heartfelt appreciation of India’s cultural splendour.
Swaminarayan Akshardham continues to be an inspiration to global dignitaries seeking cultural and spiritual representation. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visited the iconic Swaminarayan Akshardham temple on March 18, 2025, during his first official tour of India, marking a significant cultural engagement in his itinerary.
Accompanied by a visiting delegation of 110 members, including senior government officials, ministers, and community leaders, Prime Minister Luxon was deeply touched by the architectural grandeur and spiritual splendour of the temple.
Reflecting on his visit, he shared, “It’s incredibly special to be here at Akshardham. To see this magnificent temple and the amazing work that has been done is truly inspiring.” He further added, “Thank you for a wonderful place of peace and learning,” capturing the essence of his experience and the profound impression left by Hindu culture.
For the Indian and Hindu diaspora across the world, BAPS Swaminarayan Mandirs function as the core centres of upholding and articulating their faith. Acknowledging the immense contributions of the Indian community, global leaders frequently visit these mandirs as a gesture of respect and appreciation.
Celebrating spirituality and community recently, the BAPS Swaminarayan satsang congregation in Sydney warmly welcomed Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on March 15, 2025. The gathering was also graced by the presence of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.
Addressing the crowd, Prime Minister Albanese was effusive in his praise for the ongoing mandir construction, terming it as “a work in majestic progress.” Reflecting on the moment, he remarked, “One of the great joys of being Prime Minister of this great country is the opportunity to come to an event like this and witness the incredible devotion of communities who have given so much to our country.”
The BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto has flourished as a dynamic centre for community and cultural activities. In April 2025, the mandir was privileged to host two of Canada’s most prominent leaders. On April 5, marking the auspicious festival of Ram Navami, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited the temple, acknowledging the spiritual and cultural ideals it represents.
Just days later, on April 18, Pierre Poilievre, the Official Opposition Leader, also visited the mandir, where he made prayers to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and engaged warmly with the members of the Hindu community, emphasising the mandir’s key role in fostering inclusivity and dialogue.
During his spiritual visit to South Africa early this year, Mahant Swami Maharaj inaugurated the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir and Cultural Complex in Johannesburg. In a welcome address to Mahant Swami Maharaj and the Hindu Mandir, the Deputy President of South Africa, Paul Mashatile, said, “The temple will serve not only as a place of worship, but as a sanctuary of peace, knowledge, and spiritual enrichment for people of all backgrounds. The principles of dharma, seva (service), and unity that BAPS upholds indeed resonate deeply with our national ethos.”
Global icon of civilizational bridge, BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, has become a beacon of harmony. Honouring Indian culture and civilisation’s principles, this mandir was opened a year ago in 2024 by Mahant Swami Maharaj and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The mandir stands as a testament to the global reach, love, and acceptability of Hinduism. The BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi, is rapidly becoming a must-visit mandir in the UAE itinerary. When he came on April 21, 2025, the former President Ram Nath Kovind, rightly referred to the mandir as a “summary of all mandirs,” a profound tribute to its spiritual and architectural grandeur as well as its cultural legacy.
Established by Bhagwan Swaminarayan in the nineteenth century, the Swaminarayan tradition has evolved into both the heart and the new face of global Hinduism, fostering unity and harmony worldwide.
–IANS
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