Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday highlighted the invaluable role played by saints and sages throughout history in guiding humanity toward realizing its purpose. His remarks came during a video address at the 200th-anniversary celebrations of the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Vadtal, Gujarat.
“Every person’s life has a purpose that defines it. When we discover our life’s purpose, it changes everything. Saints and sages have, in every age, helped humanity realize its purpose. This has been a tremendous contribution of saints and sages to our society,” PM Modi stated, celebrating the spiritual legacy maintained by the temple over the last two centuries.
He praised the enduring presence of Indian culture, exemplified by the Vadtal Dham. “We have kept alive the spiritual consciousness of the Vadtal Dham established by Lord Swaminarayan 200 years ago. We can still experience the teachings and energy of Lord Swaminarayan here. I am pleased that the Government of India has issued a commemorative ₹200 silver coin and a special stamp for this occasion,” he added.
A Reflection of India’s Resilience
PM Modi also noted that India’s history is marked by the arrival of great sages during challenging times. “It has been a unique feature of India that whenever difficult times have come; a great sage or saint has appeared in that era. The advent of Lord Swaminarayan occurred at such a time when the country, weakened after centuries of foreign rule, had lost self-confidence. Lord Swaminarayan infused us with new spiritual energy and reawakened our self-respect,” he remarked.
The Prime Minister urged the continuation of Lord Swaminarayan’s teachings, emphasizing that Vadtal Dham stands as a beacon for humanity and the creation of a better world.
Community Contributions and Environmental Stewardship
PM Modi highlighted the dedication of the Swaminarayan community in responding to his appeals for social and environmental causes. “From ‘Swachhta se lekar paryavaran tak’ (cleanliness to environmental conservation), I am delighted that whenever I have made any appeal, all the saints and devotees have always responded with dedication. Recently, under the ‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam’ initiative, the Swaminarayan community planted over 1,00,000 trees,” he acknowledged.
Legacy of Shree Swaminarayan Mandir
Established on the command of Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan, the temple was built by Sadguru Shree Brahmanand Swami and Sadguru Shree Aksharanand Swami. Constructed in the shape of a lotus symbolizing harmony among all religions, the temple features intricate stone carvings and vivid depictions of past deities and avatars. The nine domes that adorn the structure elevate its magnificence, and its walls bear colorful scenes from the Ramayana.
The Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Vadtal has not only shaped the social and spiritual fabric of the region but also served as the spiritual heart of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, which has since spread globally.
