Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sri Sri Radha Madanmohanji Temple, a new ISKCON temple, in the Khargar area of Navi Mumbai on Wednesday.
Expressing his deep gratitude, he shared his joy in being part of the temple's inauguration.
"Sri Sri Radha Madanmohanji Temple is being inaugurated on this great land of knowledge and devotion, with the efforts of ISKCON. I am fortunate that I am getting the blessings of playing a role in this divine inauguration," the PM said during the ceremony.
PM Modi took a moment to admire the temple's design, noting how it embodies spirituality and knowledge.
"I was just seeing that the outline of the Sri Sri Radha Madan Mohan Ji Mandir Parishad, the idea behind this temple, its form, reflects the entire tradition of spirituality and knowledge. Various forms of God can be seen in the temple. I am confident that this temple complex will become a holy centre for enriching the faith as well as the consciousness of India," he added.
He extended his congratulations to ISKCON members and the people of Maharashtra for their contribution to this noble cause.
A somber moment followed as the PM paid tribute to Gopal Krishna Goswami, the former chairman of ISKCON, who passed away on May 5, 2024.
"Today, on this occasion, I am also emotionally remembering the most revered Gopalkrishna Goswami Maharaj. His vision is attached to this project. His blessings are associated with his immense devotion towards Lord Shri Krishna. Today he may not be here in his physical body, but we are all feeling his spiritual presence," Modi remarked.
PM Modi also honored Srila Prabhupada Swami, the founder of ISKCON, for his lifelong efforts in spreading the knowledge of Ved, Vedant, and the Gita.
"During colonialism, Srila Prabhupada took forward the importance of 'Ved, Vedant and Gita'. He did the ritual of linking Vedant to the consciousness of people. In 70 years, when people usually think that they have fulfilled their duty, that's when he began the mission of ISKCON," the PM explained.
Further, the Prime Minister highlighted the government's continuous efforts for the welfare of the nation, citing initiatives such as the construction of toilets in every house, providing Ujjwala gas connections to poor women, and ensuring tap water facilities for every household.
"I am satisfied that our government is also continuously working in the interest of the countrymen with full dedication and a spirit of service," PM Modi said.
The PM also mentioned the "Krishna Circuit," a new initiative aimed at connecting pilgrimage sites across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha.
The event was attended by Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, and BJP MP Hema Malini, who were all present on stage alongside the Prime Minister.