Raj Sadosh/New Delhi/Abohar.
United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister Mr. Rishi Sunak, accompanied by his wife Akshata Murthy, visited BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham on Sunday.
The PM was warmly welcomed in a traditional Hindu manner symbolising goodwill and friendship. Mr. Sunak was greeted by swamis and senior leaders from Akshardham Mandir, who relayed a special message on behalf of Mahant Swami ji Maharaj, which read, “In the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, we pray for you and all the attendees: May the summit be a resounding success in collectively helping the whole world towards peace, righteous prosperity, and global harmony.”
(SUBHEAD)Mr Sunak and his wife paid their respects to the sacred images and admired the art and architecture. The couple also performed puja and offered prayers for world peace, progress and harmony.
Sharing his impressions, the PM said: “My wife and I were delighted to visit Swaminarayan Akshardham for darshan and puja this morning. We were amazed and awed by the beauty of this temple and its universal message of peace, harmony, and becoming a better human being. This is not only a place of worship, but a landmark that also portrays India’s values, culture and contributions to the world.”
“We see today in Britain these very same values and culture through the positive contributions the British Indian community makes to our country.”
“I was honoured to have received the blessings of Mahant Swami Maharaj, I understand that Swami ji is inaugurating another beautiful Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in Robbinsville, USA very soon.”
“I would like to send my very best wishes to Swami ji and all the devotees of BAPS ahead of the opening.”
Brahmavihari Swami, the senior swami of the BAPS, said: “It was an honour to welcome the Prime Minister to Swaminarayan Akshardham and share His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj’s message of peace, unity and public service. The UK’s relationship with India is built on a bond of friendship and fostered by cultural exchanges as well as a vibrant Indian diaspora in the UK. We were delighted to strengthen this relationship through this visit.”
Despite the inclement weather conditions, the Prime Minister dedicated almost one hour to partake in the act of darshan and prayer at the temple.
