Congressman Jeff Van Drew has expressed admiration for the recently inaugurated Akshardham temple in New Jersey, hailing it as the largest modern-day temple outside India. He commended the temple for embodying the principles of seva (selfless service) and bhakti (devotion).
In his address on the floor of the US House of Representatives, Drew praised the temple project as a testament to volunteerism, personal growth, and universal values that transcend religious barriers.
He emphasized how the temple symbolizes unity, service, and devotion, reflecting fundamental principles shared by people around the world.
Speaking passionately, Drew shared an inspiring story of dedication and unity surrounding the construction of the magnificent Hindu temple in central New Jersey.
He highlighted the involvement of 12,500 volunteers in completing the sprawling temple, which is constructed from marble and limestone. The meticulous hand-carving of the temple, involving 4.7 million hours of effort by artisans and volunteers, resulted in a masterpiece.
Drew noted that the temple's materials, sourced from Italy and Bulgaria, traveled 8,000 miles to find their place in New Jersey.
He credited the construction to the efforts of the BAPS, a global religious and civic organization within the Swaminarayan sect, and described the temple as a symbol of common values that unite humanity.
He expressed hope that it would inspire people to embrace unity, service, and devotion in their own lives.
