His Excellency, David Hurley, the Governor-General of Australia and his wife, Her Excellency Mrs. Linda Hurley, visited the newly inaugurated BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir and Community Centre in Taylor, Canberra.
The Governor-General and Mrs. Hurley were traditionally welcomed with a garland of flowers and chandlo.
Upon entering the mandir, both Excellencies were greeted with a display of ‘Welcome’ cards prepared by the Canberra Bal-Balika mandal, expressing their gratitude and excitement.
Inside the mandir, the youth volunteers explained the significance of the shrine considered as the heart of the mandir where the sacred images of God reside. In the abhishek mandap, the Governor General and Mrs. Hurley along with other members of the Governor General’s office performed the abhishek of Nilkanth while offering prayers for peace and harmony within the community.
His Excellency addressed the members gathered in the Mandir and shared, “I think the beauty of mandirs like this are very much a physical manifestation of belief. Here you can read it and feel what is dear to people’s hearts.” He further added, “I will certainly put it on my tour list for visitors and friends who will visit Canberra in the future. I’ll say we have the Parliament, but there’s another one up here! Well you need to come and see the mandir. It’s striking in its architecture, but more than that, it conveys an important message.”
Her Excellency Mrs. Hurley, an enthusiast of the arts and music, rendered a song which she composed herself, which beautifully captured the mandir's essence and what it inspires. Mrs. Hurley shared, “I’m really quite emotional, what a wonderful group of people you are and what a beautiful temple you have created and thank you for helping me understand more about your faith.”
The youth volunteers further provided a tour of the classrooms dedicated for the children and youth activities. The volunteers shared their personal experiences with Gujarati lessons at the Mandir and even taught a few Gujarati words to His Excellency and Mrs. Hurley.
During their visit, His Excellency and Mrs. Hurley engaged in a musical showcase performed by young girls and boys as well as a display of artworks conveying verses from the Satsang Diksha Granth, highlighting the mandirs role in nurturing values and skills.