The development include a cultural complex of 32 000 square meters and a traditional Hindu mandir covering 2 500 square meters Swami Brahmaviharidas, the head of BAPS Abu Dhabi Hindu Mandir, and an advisor to the Johannesburg project, with Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, with a 3D rendering of the temple complex planned for Northriding. Picture: Supplied
The largest Hindu temple and cultural complex in the Southern Hemisphere is scheduled to be built in Northriding, Johannesburg. A "dedication ceremony" to mark phase 1 of the development is expected to be held early next month.
The project has been made possible by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha - a spiritual, volunteer-driven organisation.
According to BAPS spokesperson, Hemang Desai, the organisation is dedicated to improving society through individual growth by fostering Hindu values such as faith, service, and global harmony.
He said following the opening of the Middle East’s first ornately carved Hindu mandir in Abu Dhabi - unveiled by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the support of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan - BAPS now turned its focus to South Africa.
"The BAPS Hindu Mandir and Cultural Complex in Johannesburg will be more than a spiritual space. It will be a hub for cultural enrichment, humanitarian service, and interreligious dialogue," said Desai.
He said the complex would stand as a testament to the resilience and dedication of the Indian South African community, which had overcome the adversities of indentured labour and apartheid.
"It will reflect their enduring contributions to South Africa and their confidence in its future as a home for generations to come. The facility will also enhance the reach of BAPS charities’ humanitarian programs in South Africa and provide a platform to foster harmony and understanding among diverse communities."
Desai said the complex would feature an exceptional scale and design, spanning over 37 000 square meters. It will include a cultural complex of 32 000 square meters and a traditional Hindu mandir covering 2 500 square meters.
"Constructed with sustainable practices, the project integrates thousands of tons of steel and concrete, while prioritising water efficiency, solar readiness, and environmental conservation through the planting of over 500 trees."
The initiative, added Desai, had the support of Modi, who unveiled the project during his last visit to South Africa.
"The dedication ceremony will be the public opening of phase 1 of the project, which is the cultural complex. Among the guests will be South African cabinet leaders, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, a global spiritual leader of BAPS, and leaders from various faiths, business sectors, and social organisations.
To coincide with the dedication ceremony, a Festival of Hope and Unity will be held from January 28 to February 8 at the cultural complex at 4 Dexter Road, Northriding.
"This inaugural festival is a celebration of hope and unity, which aims to bring members from all communities together to a venue the organisation hopes will be a centre of dialogue and inter-cultural exchange for generations to come."
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