The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir and Cultural Complex in Northriding, Johannesburg officially opened its doors on Monday, following the sacred Pran Pratishtha ceremony, led by Mahant Swami Maharaj, the global spiritual leader of BAPS.
This is the largest Hindu temple in Southern Hemisphere and its grand inauguration was marked by a 12-day special festival of Hope and Unity.
The temple stands as a beacon of unity, heritage, and interfaith dialogue.
To commemorate this historic occasion, BAPS has organised a 12-day ‘Festival of Hope and Unity’, featuring a series of spiritual and cultural events that highlight the deep-rooted ties between Indian and African traditions.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile attended the event and met BAPS spiritual head, Mahant Swami Maharaj. He praised the Mandir’s contribution to multiculturalism and interfaith harmony in South Africa and commended its role in strengthening the country’s cultural diversity and fostering understanding among communities.
Spanning 5.9 hectares with over 37,000 square meters of built-up space, the Mandir and cultural complex represent a significant investment by the Indian community in South Africa.
It serves as:
* A Jewel of Hope and Unity – A landmark that unites people of all backgrounds in peace and harmony.
* A Home for Arts, Culture, and Spirituality – Showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and the rich heritage of Hindu traditions.
* A Hub for Multicultural and Inter-religious Dialogue – Promoting understanding and collaboration across faiths.
A lasting legacy
Constructed with the dedication of hundreds of volunteers, the Mandir is a testament to selfless service and devotion. The temple premises also embrace environmental sustainability, with over 100 trees planted as part of BAPS’ commitment to ecological responsibility.
With its official inauguration, the BAPS Hindu Mandir and Cultural Complex has become a spiritual and cultural milestone for South Africa and an inspirational force for generations to come.
PM Modi congratulates CBSE students, says 'one exam can never define you'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated lakhs of students across India who appeared for the Class 10 and 12 Board examinations, as the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced the results.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviews security with top officials, chiefs of forces
A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined the new normal in the country’s tough anti-terror policy, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday reviewed the security situation with top officials and chiefs of forces.
CBSE Class 10 results declared; girls outperformed boys once again
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced the Class 10 Board exam results for 2025 on Tuesday. This year, an impressive 93.66 per cent of students passed the examination. Over 23 lakh students appeared for the exam, which was held at 7,837 centres across 26,675 affiliated schools.
Chinese missile maker's stock tanks over 6 pc after India destroys its air weapon
The shares of Zhuzhou Hongda Electronics Corp Ltd, the Chinese defence company that manufactures the PL-15 missile, dropped sharply by 6.42 per cent or 2.56 Yuan to 37.33 Yuan on Tuesday, after India's air defence system successfully intercepted and destroyed the missile during the conflict with Pakistan.
Three terrorists killed in J&K gunfight
Three terrorists were killed on Tuesday in a gunfight with the joint forces in Keller area of Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district. V. K. Birdi, IGP (Kashmir), told reporters that three terrorists have been killed.
CBSE announces Class 12 result; pass percentage 88.39 per cent
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Tuesday declared the results for the Class 12 examinations, in which girls once again outperformed boys.
India is eternally grateful to armed forces: PM Modi visits Adampur Airbase after 'Operation Sindoor'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday morning visited the Adampur Airbase in Punjab to meet Indian Air Force personnel and express the nation's gratitude for their courage and fearlessness in defending the country.
Devotees throngs Venuban Vihar; meditates and offer prayer to Lord Buddha
Along with the rest of the world, Buddha Purnima was observed here at Agartala with a traditional fervour to mark not only the day when Gautam Buddha was born, but also the day when he attained Nirvana under the Mahabodhi tree at Bodh Gaya.