[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 181 (Thursday, November 2, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1049]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              BAPS TEMPLE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JEFFERSON VAN DREW

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 2, 2023

  Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, today, I share an inspiring tale of 
dedication and unity surrounding the construction of a magnificent 
Hindu temple in central New Jersey, embodying the values of seva and 
bhakti. This temple, now celebrated as the largest Hindu temple outside 
India in the modern era, stands as a tribute to these enduring values. 
Crafted from marble and limestone, it required about 4.7 million hours 
of meticulous hand-carving by artisans and volunteers. These stones, 
originating from Italy and Bulgaria, traveled 8,000 miles to find their 
place in New Jersey. The Robbinsville temple is one of many built by 
the BAPS, a worldwide religious and civic organization within the 
Swaminarayan sect. This project exemplifies volunteerism, personal 
growth, and universal values that transcend religious boundaries. It 
symbolizes unity, service, and devotion, reflecting the core principles 
shared by people worldwide. May it serve as a reminder of the common 
values that bind humanity together, inspiring us to embrace unity, 
service, and devotion in our own lives.

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