Raj Sadosh/Abohar

H.E. David Hurley, the Governor-General of Australia and his wife, Mrs. Linda Hurley, visited the newly inaugurated BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir and Community Centre in Taylor, Canberra.

The distinguished guests were traditionally welcomed with a garland of flowers and chandlo.

Both were greeted with a display of ‘Welcome’ cards prepared by the Canberra Bal-Balika mandal, expressing their gratitude and excitement.

The Governor General and Mrs. Hurley performed the abhishek of Nilkanth while offering prayers for peace and harmony within the community.

Mr. David Hurley said, “I think the beauty of mandirs like this are very much a physical manifestation of belief. Here you can read it and feel what is dear to people’s hearts. I will certainly put it on my tour list for visitors and friends who will visit Canberra in the future. I’ll say we have the Parliament, but there’s another one up here! Well, you need to come and see the mandir. It’s striking in its architecture, but more than that, it conveys an important message.”

Mrs. Hurley, an enthusiast of the arts and music, rendered a song which she composed herself, which beautifully captured the mandir's essence and what it inspires. She said, “I’m really quite emotional, what a wonderful group of people you are and what a beautiful temple you have created and thank you for helping me understand more about your faith.”

A musical show was performed by young girls and boys as well as a display of artworks conveying verses from the Satsang Diksha Granth, highlighting the mandirs role in nurturing values and skills.