Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) temple, named Sri Sri Radha Madanmohanji Temple, in the Kharghar area of Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, on Wednesday.
Expressing gratitude for being part of the event, PM Modi said:
“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 Prime Minister praised the temple’s design, which reflects India’s deep traditions of 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. I congratulate all the saints and members of ISKCON and the people of Maharashtra for this noble work,” he added.
Tribute to Gopal Krishna Goswami
PM Modi paid tribute to former ISKCON chairman Gopal Krishna Goswami, who passed away on May 5, 2024.
“Today, on this occasion, I am also emotionally remembering the most revered Gopal Krishna 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,” he said.
Praise for Srila Prabhupada and ISKCON’s Mission
The Prime Minister highlighted the legacy of ISKCON’s founder, Srila Prabhupada Swami, who spread the teachings of “Ved, Vedant, and Gita” globally during the colonial era.
“Srila Prabhupada, in his 70s, began the mission of ISKCON when most people consider their duties fulfilled. His followers are tied by the thread of devotion to Krishna,” the PM remarked.
Government Initiatives and Krishna Circuit
Modi also discussed his government’s ongoing efforts to uplift the country, mentioning schemes like Ujjwala gas connections, tap water facilities, free medical treatments, and sanitation initiatives. He further highlighted the ‘Krishna Circuit’, which connects various 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, among others.