Canadian Minister Honourable Navdeep Bains Visits Swaminarayan Akshardham

Honourable Canandian Minister of Innovation, Science & Economic Development Navdeep Bains at Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi

Honourable Navdeep Bains, Canandian Minister of Innovation, Science & Economic Development, visited Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi to experience India’s ageless beauty, borderless culture and timeless values.  Accompanying the ministers was a 10-member delegation.

On behalf of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj – Spiritual Head of Swaminarayan Akshardham and BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha – senior sadhus traditionally welcomed Honourable Navdeep Bains and delegation with a garland of flowers, tilaka (vermillion powder) and the tying of the sacred kalva (sacred thread).

After admiring the Mayur Dwar (Peacock Gate), Minister Bains visited the Swaminarayan Akshardham Mandir where they witnessed the world’s ‘Largest Comprehensive Hindu Temple’.  They offered their respects and admired the Mandir’s art and architecture.

Minister Bains visited the Gajendra Pithika (Elephant Plinth) that includes 148 life-sized carved stone elephants depicting message of social harmony, peace and spirituality.

The Canadian delegation offered prayers for world peace and harmony by offering ‘abhishek’, the ceremonial pouring of sanctified water from 151 holy rivers, lakes and ponds across India on the sacred image of Sri Neelkanth Varni.

Thereafter, the delegation experienced the educational exhibition Sanskruti Vihar – a cultural voyage that sails through 10,000 years of India’s glorious heritage, highlighting India’s contributions to humanity through the ages.

Sharing his sentiments at Akshardham, Canadian Minister of Innovation, Science & Economic Development Honourable Navdeep Bains wrote, “Peace and love is a powerful message. Thank you for an amazing and inspirational visit!”