British PM and Wife Visit Akshardham Temple

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murthy visited the Akshardham Temple in Delhi on Saturday, September 17, 2023. The visit was part of the Sunaks’ two-day trip to India.

The Akshardham Temple is a Hindu temple and spiritual-cultural complex in Delhi. It is the largest comprehensive Hindu temple in the world, and it is a popular tourist destination.

The temple was built by the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a Hindu religious organization. Construction began in 1992 and was completed in 2005.

The temple is made of white marble and sandstone, and it is decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures. The main hall of the temple is 250 feet long and 150 feet wide. It is home to a 108-foot-tall statue of Swaminarayan, the founder of BAPS.

The temple complex also includes a number of other attractions, including a museum, a garden, and a performing arts center.

During their visit, the Sunaks toured the temple and met with BAPS leaders. They also participated in a prayer service.

In a statement, Sunak said that he was “deeply impressed” by the Akshardham Temple. He said that it was a “beautiful and inspiring place” that “celebrates the rich culture and history of India.”

The Sunaks’ visit to the Akshardham Temple was seen as a sign of the growing ties between the United Kingdom and India.

History of Akshardham Temple

The Akshardham Temple was built by the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a Hindu religious organization founded in 1907. The temple was envisioned by Yogiji Maharaj, the third spiritual leader of BAPS, and it was consecrated by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the fourth spiritual leader of BAPS.

Construction of the temple began in 1992 and was completed in 2005. The temple is made of white marble and sandstone, and it is decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures. The main hall of the temple is 250 feet long and 150 feet wide. It is home to a 108-foot-tall statue of Swaminarayan, the founder of BAPS.

The temple complex also includes a number of other attractions, including a museum, a garden, and a performing arts center. The museum tells the story of Hinduism and the life of Swaminarayan. The garden features a variety of plants and flowers from India. The performing arts center hosts a variety of cultural events, including music, dance, and theater.

The Akshardham Temple is a popular tourist destination and a symbol of Hindu culture and spirituality.