Shri K. Annamalai, one of India’s distinguished political leaders and social workers, was warmly welcomed at the BAPS Hindu Mandir on India’s Independence Day.
Shri Annamalai was garlanded and accorded a traditional welcome by Swami Brahmaviharidas.
Shri Annamalai was captivated by the enormity of the award-winning audio-visual immersive show, ‘The Fairy Tale’, which spreads the message of harmony and tolerance. As he walked through the tranquil mandir grounds, Shri Annamalai was moved by the mandir’s profound architectural and spiritual features.
Inside the main mandir, Shri Annamalai reflected deeply on the vast spiritual heritage of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, especially admiring the intricate artistry of the Pillar of Pillars. He offered heartfelt prayers at each of the seven interior shrines.
Shri Annamalai emphasized that the mandir is not only a sacred place of devotion, but also a living example of India’s enduring values of tolerance, non-violence, and harmony in diversity.
Emotionally moved by his visit, he added, “I strongly advise all who walk through the mandir to fully embrace the experience and the togetherness it promotes. I could feel a deep sense of connection. Not only did I see our brothers and sisters from Bharat worshiping the seven beautiful deities within, but it felt as if I was walking into the north, east, south, west, and central parts of Bharat. When anything is done with purity and the blessings of the divine, miracles happen.”
He lauded the selfless efforts of the sadhus and volunteers, “This realization has come about through the dedication of the swamis and volunteers. It is their faith in their gurus, and sheer persistence that made this miracle possible. Seeing it in person, I am truly mesmerized and proud to be a Hindu today.”
Praising the mandir’s architectural elegance, Shri Annamalai remarked, “This is one of the most beautiful pieces of carving I have seen in recent times. I feared we had lost the art of such intricate carvings, but this mandir revives that legacy. It is living proof of what Bharat was capable of centuries ago. To see it alive today is profoundly inspiring.”
Reflecting on the global collaboration behind the mandir, he said, “This is truly a story for the ages, and for history. When we look back 200 years from now, this will stand as one of the greatest collaborations of the 21st century – between a BAPS guru who opened his heart and reached out, and the rulers of another faith who responded with generosity, resulting in this masterpiece.”
Shri Annamalai concluded his visit with earnest prayers for the enduring prosperity and progress of India. He expressed profound gratitude to His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, creator of the mandir, and to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, for his steadfast support in bringing the mandir to life – an emblem of shared values, bridging hearts and cultures across the globe.