Raj Sadosh/Abohar.

Twenty delegates from prominent religious traditions participated in the Interfaith Harmony Day program that was organised ahead of the grand inauguration of the Akshardham Mahamandir Robbinsville New Jersey.

The event brought together representatives from Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism.

Pujya Brahmavihari Swami said, “We believe that the essence of religion is harmony, and this forms the core belief of Hindu dharma, Sanatan Dharma ... We may be birds of different feathers and different flights, but we all belong to the same nest on this Earth, which is our spiritual home.”

Bishop Darin Moore, Chair of the Governing Board of the National Council of Churches said, “We are truly on holy ground today. This monument that has been erected, the wonderful way in which the architects have given so much detail is awe-inspiring. But what makes this powerful most of all is the people who are part of this great movement.”

Elder David Buckner of Area Seventy, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints said, “As I entered this beautiful location and I looked at the spires, we were told of what they represent, the ornate architecture. But most importantly, the effort in the artistic design that draws the eyes to see light. I started to recognize that I was looking heavenward. I was doing exactly what a temple should do. It should turn me to God. It should help me see that.”

PP Mahant Swami ji Maharaj said, “We share the same sky, the same earth. We breathe the same air, drink the same water, and we are all God's children. This is the message of Akshardham.”