South Africa: The largest Hindu Temple in the Southern Hemisphere was inaugurated in Johannesburg, South Africa, with a grand ceremony. The opening of the temple was attended by thousands of the worshippers on Sunday, Feb 02, 2025.
The temple is built by the BAPS which stands for Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, that aims to foster intercultural and inter-religious dialogue. The holy place will also offer courses in art, dance and faith and serves as a hub for community activities.
As per the sources, the inauguration of the Hindu Temple is a landmark event for the Indian population in South Africa, who diligently follow the Hindu religion and make up a considerable share of the population of the nation.
The grand temple and cultural complex was unveiled with the hands of Deputy President of South Africa – Paul Mashatile which is believed to be the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.
Government of South Africa shared an official post regarding the unveiling of the newly built temple and shared the glimpses from the ceremony. The post captioned, “Deputy President Paul Mashatile addresses the Official Opening of the 1st phase of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Hindu Mandir (Temple) and Cultural Complex, located in Northriding, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province.”
📸 Deputy President Paul Mashatile addresses the Official Opening of the first phase of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Hindu Mandir (Temple) and Cultural Complex, in Northriding, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province.#GovZAUpdates pic.twitter.com/UXJaUDXpaW
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) January 30, 2025
While launching the first phase of the BAPS Multi-Cultural Centre and Temple, Deputy President Mashatile stated that the principles of BAPS resonated with the national ethos of Ubuntu of South Africa.
As Hindus remains one of the predominant religions followed by the Indian community in South Africa, Mashatile added that they should reflect on the role of Hindu community as they play majorly in nation-building. This community has a rich cultural heritage and values that plays a pivotal role in shaping the social fabric of the diverse society.
SA Deputy President further added that BAPS is known well for its commitment to humanitarian service, social upliftment and cultural preservation, considering the new temple serving not only as a place of worship but as a sanctuary of peace, as well as knowledge and spiritual enrichment for people of all backgrounds.
Spokesperson for BAPS – Hemang Desai also talked to the media about the event and said that the purpose of the establishment is to enhance intercultural and inter-religious dialogue. Moreover, BAPS wants the establish and serve as the center of spirituality, education and social engagement for the region in the future.
As per Desai, it is going to be an all-inclusive hub that opens rises scope for communication and networking but gives enough elbow room for prayers. The vision shines through in seeing the temple from more than merely a religious standpoint, but with an intention that it would evoke understanding and mutual cooperation between several cultures and religious beliefs.
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Notably, the grand ceremony on Sunday was executed in the presence of Mahant Swami Maharaj aged 92 and the head guru of BAPS. He travelled all the way from India exclusively for inauguration. He also performed the religious puja at the temple premises during the consecration ceremony.
The newly temple is built on a 14.5 acre plot of land using stones. It is similar to the one in Nairobi, Kenya. The temple also houses a cultural center, consisting of a 3000 seater auditorium, a 2000 seater banqueting hall, a research institute, classrooms, exhibition and recreational centres and a clinic, among other crucial facilities.
Reportedly, before the consecration rituals by the 92-year-old Mahant, a short nagar yatra procession was held in Johannesburg on Saturday, Feb 01, 2025 by around 12 Hindu monks featuring devotional music by marching bands and dancers.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile highlighted the inaugural event and stated that the establishment was a beacon of faith, culture and unity. He also invited the BAPS authorities to join hands with the government in addressing and overcoming the challenges of the country. The major problems of the nation involves poverty, unemployment, violence, substance abuse and gender-based violence.
BAPS spokesperson Hemant Desai mentioned that the site was chosen because of the large Hindu religion following already in Johannesburg. He said, “The 2nd phase, will begin very shortly and will ornate Hindu temple with ancient Hindu architecture designs from thousands of years ago spanning on South African soil.”
Furthermore, Prime Minister of India – Narendra Modi also visited the under-construction temple site at Johannesburg in year 2023, ahead of the BRICS meeting and lauded the efforts to enhance the influence of the Hindu religion in South Africa, including the houses around 2% of the Hindu population.
Construction of the temple began in the year 2011 and has completed the work this year. Around 12,500 volunteers from across the world have played a key role in the temple construction. The temple built by the volunteers from across the world, stands as an enduring symbol of love for Hinduism, preserving traditions and enhancing intercultural and inter-religious relations in the country South Africa.