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BAPS Hindu Temple in Johannesburg, largest in Southern Hemisphere, unveiled in a grand ceremony

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Our Bureau

Johannesburg

The largest Hindu temple and cultural complex in the Southern Hemisphere was unveiled in Johannesburg on Sunday, marking a historic occasion. At the consecration ceremony, which marked the grand opening of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Hindu Mandir and Cultural Complex, dozens of worshippers assembled before dawn to take part.

The 92-year-old spiritual leader of BAPS, a worldwide Hindu organization renowned for its work advancing faith, service, and community development, presided over the ceremony. According to BAPS, the temple is the biggest Hindu cultural complex in the area and will be used as a platform for interfaith and intercultural discussion.

The sacred pran-pratishtha ceremony of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir and Cultural Complex in Northriding, Johannesburg, was performed by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj in the presence of invited dignitaries, over 150 swamis, and thousands of devotees and well-wishers.

Deputy President of South Africa Paul Mashatile attended this historic occasion and met His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj. The deputy president praised the mandir’s contribution to multiculturalism and interfaith harmony in South Africa.

The sizeable Hindu population in Johannesburg and the increasing number of Hindu expatriates relocating to the area had an impact on the decision to build the temple there. The temple promotes the values of cooperation, respect, and understanding between various communities in an effort to bring them together.

As the largest mandir and cultural complex in the Southern Hemisphere, this spiritual landmark stands as a beacon of unity, heritage, and interfaith dialogue. The inauguration is part of the current 12-day Festival of Hope and Unity, a grand celebration of art, culture, and heritage that beautifully weaves together the deep-rooted connections between Indian and African traditions.

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