On Sunday, 2nd February, the largest Hindu temple was inaugurated in Johannesburg, South Africa, in a ceremony that attracted thousands of Hindu worshippers. As per the reports, 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 nation’s population. The grand temple and cultural complex, unveiled at the hands of South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile, is believed to be the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.
Mashatile, while launching the first phase of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Multi-Cultural Centre and Temple, stated that the principles of BAPS resonated with South Africa’s national ethos of Ubuntu.
“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,” he said, adding that Hinduism remains one of the predominant religions followed by the Indian community in South Africa.
“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,” he added.
📸 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
BAPS spokesperson talked to the media about the event and said that the purpose of the establishment is to enhance intercultural and inter-religious dialogue. The BAPS wants the establishment to serve as the center of spirituality, education, and social engagement for the region in the future.
“It is going to be an all-inclusive hub that opens scopes for communication and networking but gives enough elbow room for prayers. This vision shines through in seeing the temple from more than merely a religious standpoint, but with the intent that it would evoke understanding and mutual cooperation between several cultures and religious beliefs,” said BAPS Spokesperson Hemang Desai.
On Sunday, the grand ceremony was executed in the presence of Mahant Swami Maharaj, 92, the head guru of BAPS, who traveled all the way from India exclusively for inauguration. He performed the religious puja at the temple premises during the consecration ceremony.
The said temple has been 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 along with a 3,000 seater auditorium, a 2,000 seater banqueting hall, a research institute, classrooms, exhibition, and recreational centers, and a clinic, among other crucial facilities.
Before the consecration rituals by the 92-year-old Mahant, a short nagar yatra procession was held in Johannesburg on Saturday, 1st February by around 12 Hindu monks featuring devotional music by marching bands and dancers.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile highlighted the 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 such as poverty, unemployment, violence, substance abuse, and gender-based violence.
According to BAPS spokesperson Hemant Desai, the site was chosen because of the large Hindu religion following already in Johannesburg. “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,” he was quoted as saying.
Notably, PM Modi, in the year 2023, visited the under-construction temple site at Johannesburg ahead of the BRICS meeting and lauded the efforts to enhance the influence of the Hindu religion in South Africa, which houses around 2% of the Hindu population. The construction of the temple began in the year 2011 and concluded this year. Around 12,500 volunteers from across the world have played a key role in the temple construction.
Built by volunteers from across the world, the temple stands as an enduring symbol of love for Hinduism, preserving traditions and enhancing intercultural and interreligious relations in the country of South Africa.
