In a show of continued support, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently donated $50,000 to a new mandir, or temple, of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha — a socio-spiritual organization within the Hindu faith commonly referred to as BAPS.
This new BAPS mandir, located in Kearns, Utah, opened this September in a building that originally served as a Latter-day Saint meetinghouse.
The church’s most recent contribution “reflects our deep respect and desire to strengthen the bond between us,” read a letter written by Elder Matthew S. Holland, a General Authority Seventy and executive director of the church’s communication department.
Elder Holland’s letter was read by Michael Frandsen of the same department during a sacred gathering that took place at the BAPS mandir on Saturday, Nov. 22.
“We hope this contribution supports your mission to serve as a center of worship and cultural connection for Hindus and all people,” the letter continued.
Prior to the opening of the new BAPS mandir, followers of the faith organization in Utah would gather in homes and rented halls. Since September, the new temple has provided BAPS followers a more permanent home for worship and community activities. And now the church’s recent contribution will continue to help propel the BAPS mission forward.
“This gift is a symbol of the shared vision between BAPS and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” said BAPS volunteer Kirtan Patel. This shared vision includes a mutual commitment to strengthening family, uplifting community, and encouraging moral and ethical living, he said.
“We view this support as an encouragement to our mission of service (seva). It shows that we are unified in our desire to make Salt Lake City and the world a better, more virtuous place.”
Leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ and BAPS have connected in other ways this year.
Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, for instance, recently met with Pujya Brahmaviharidas Swami, the head of the BAPS Hindu mandir in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, during his recent visit to the Middle East.
Members of the church’s previous First Presidency also met with Brahmaviharidas Swami, during the BAPS leader’s visit to Utah this June. And according to a church press release, Elder Holland recently attended a Diwali celebration hosted by Gov. Spencer Cox, where the two gathered with members of the local Hindu community.
“Our two faiths share a commitment to strengthening spirituality, nurturing families and uplifting the weary through humanitarian work,” Elder Holland said then.
In his recent letter, Elder Holland expressed hope that the two religious organizations would continue “working together in harmony to inspire goodness and uplift communities.”
“May this mandir bless countless lives for generations to come,” he said, “and may our collaboration continue to flourish in mutual appreciation and love.”
People of all faiths are invited to visit the BAPS mandir in Salt Lake County and participate in service opportunities.
See photos of BAPS and Latter-day Saint leaders’ meetings this year
