 "Mahant Swami Maharaj during the inauguration of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Johannesburg. BAPS Facebook page")
A grand ceremony unveiled a temple and cultural complex in South Africa’s Johannesburg Sunday (February 2). It is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.
Launching the first phase of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Multi-Cultural Centre and Temple, South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile stressed that BAPS’s principles resonate with South Africa’s national ethos of Ubuntu.
Lauding the local Hindu community, Mashatile said, “We should reflect on the role that the Hindu community plays in nation-building. This community has a rich cultural heritage and values and has played a pivotal role in shaping the social fabric of our diverse society.” Hindus make up less than two per cent of the country’s population. However, Hinduism remains the predominant religion within the Indian community.
Here is a look at the temple:
The temple, built on a 14.5-acre size plot of land, houses a cultural centre along with a 3,000 seater auditorium, a 2,000 seater banqueting hall, a research institute, classrooms, exhibition and recreational centres, a clinic, among other facilities.
The new temple at North Riding, north of Johannesburg, is built of stone. It is similar to the one in Nairobi, Kenya.
According to the BAPS Facebook page, the temple is “the largest Hindu cultural complex in the Southern Hemisphere.”
Ninety-year-old spiritual leader of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) denomination Mahant Swami Maharaj led the consecration rituals. He travelled from India, especially on this occasion. A huge crowd of worshippers arrived before dawn on Sunday to take part in the ceremony.
A nagar yatra procession was held in Johannesburg on Saturday (February 1) by dozens of monks. It featured devotional music by marching bands and dancers.
During the opening of the temple, Deputy President Paul Mashatile called the project “a beacon of faith, culture, and unity.
He further said the BAPS is well known for its commitment to humanitarian service, social upliftment, and cultural preservation, with the new temple serving not only as a place of worship, but as a sanctuary of peace, knowledge, and spiritual enrichment for people of all backgrounds.
Mashatile also invited BAPS to join hands with the government in addressing the challenges of the country such as poverty, unemployment, violence, substance abuse, and gender-based violence.
Apart from the religious aspects, the complex will play a significant role in promoting cross-cultural understanding, offering educational programmes and hosting events that bring together people from various backgrounds.
The centre is committed to fostering unity, compassion and community service, reflecting the core values of the Swaminarayan tradition.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson of BAPS, Hemang Desai, stated that the temple aspires to be a centre for “intercultural and inter-religious dialogue and exchange.” He said, “It’s a place for gathering and communication, networking, but mostly prayer.”
According to Desai, the site was chosen because of the large following already in Johannesburg and “a large influx of expat Hindus” moving to the region from other parts of the country.
Desai said, “Phase two, which will begin very shortly, will be a very ornate Hindu temple with ancient Hindu architecture spanning from thousands of years ago spanning on South African soil.”
The temple will also host a variety of courses in art, dance, language and faith in several languages spoken by the community in South Africa, as well as house BAPS charities.
In 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the temple site to observe the construction in North Riding, north of Johannesburg, ahead of the BRICS Business Forum Leaders’ Dialogue.
South Africa has a vibrant Hindu community that has led to the emergence of several temples in the region. Shree Sanatan Hindu Mandir, Durban Hindu Temple and Sri Vishwaroopa Sanatan Hindu Union Temple are some of the most prominent ones in the country.
Located in Durban, the Shree Sanathan Hindu Union (SSHU) Temple is one of the most prominent Hindu temples in South Africa. Meanwhile, the Shree Cidambaram Maruthi Temple in Johannesburg is a popular place of worship for the Indian community.
With inputs from agencies