Ex-Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard visits BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham temple

iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-

Former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu elected to the U.S. Congress, on Sunday, December 15, paid a visit to the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in Robbinsville, New Jersey.

Temple authorities said Gabbard’s visit coincided with the 103rd birth anniversary celebrations of the former president of Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

The late spiritual leader reportedly had a profound impact on millions through his teachings of selfless service, humility, and devotion. The event brought together women of all ages to commemorate his legacy.

During her visit, former Congresswoman Gabbard, renowned for her advocacy and dedication to issues affecting all Americans, embarked on a campus tour, where she explored the universal values expressed through Akshardham’s art, architecture, and cultural exhibits.

As a practicing Hindu for many years, Gabbard admired the spiritual atmosphere of Akshardham. She offered flowers and prayers to the sacred images enshrined in the temple.

During her address at the cultural program, Gabbard expressed her gratitude and inspiration. “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 also reflected on the temple’s spiritual essence during an interview. “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,” she said.

Puja Patel, a volunteer at BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, said, “Former Congresswoman Gabbard’s visit to Akshardham is a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of Pramukh Swami Maharaj and his emphasis on bringing people together through shared values of faith, service, and community. Akshardham is a place of inspiration, and it was delightful to have such an inspirational figure grace its hallowed grounds.”

(Photo courtesy: BAPS North America)

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