he largest Hindu temple and cultural complex in the southern hemisphere was officially inaugurated in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Sunday, with thousands of worshippers gathering for a grand ceremony.
Despite Hindus making up less than two percent of South Africa’s population, the faith remains predominant among the country’s Indian community, many of whom attended the consecration rituals at dawn.
The ceremony was led by Mahant Swami Maharaj, the 92-year-old spiritual leader of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), who travelled from India to mark the occasion.
South Africa Unveils Largest Hindu Temple in Southern Hemisphere
BAPS envisions the temple as a centre for interfaith and intercultural dialogue, bringing together different communities.
“It’s a place for gathering and communication, networking, but mostly prayer,” said BAPS spokesperson Hemang Desai, adding that Johannesburg was chosen due to the growing Hindu population in the region.
Ahead of the temple’s opening, Johannesburg hosted a Nagar Yatra procession on Saturday, where monks, marching bands, and dancers filled the streets with devotional music.
The temple will also offer courses in art, dance, and language, preserving cultural traditions while promoting education and charity through BAPS community initiatives.
