Raj Sadosh/Abohar.

Former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu elected to the U.S. Congress in 2013, visited Akshardham in Robbinsville.

Her visit coincided with the 103rd birth anniversary celebrations of the late Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the founder of the Akshardham.

She embarked on a campus tour where she explored the universal values expressed through Akshardham’s art, architecture, and cultural exhibits.

Gabbard admired the spiritual atmosphere of Akshardham. She offered flowers and prayers to the sacred images enshrined in the temple.

Gabbard said, "I’m grateful to be here with all of you, and my heart is warmed by this incredible welcome and celebration. To be able to hear about the many thousands of hands and hearts that went into building this iconic temple, and to walk through and see the meaning behind every single one of those sculptures—both the magnificent and the small etchings of some of the most famous stories about Krishna and Arjuna from the Bhagavad Gita—was truly inspiring. This place is special because of all of you, your hearts, and your prayers that bring us all together."

She, in an interview, said, "Words are not sufficient to describe the incredible product of the work of so many hands that came together in a spirit of love, kindness, and unity. That welcoming spirit is something I feel here, as I know millions of others do when they visit Akshardham. This is a timeless offering that will bring peace and joy to all who come."