Historic inauguration of Africa's first Sri Chinmaya Annapoorna Devi Temple in Durban
KwaZulu-Natal premier Thamsanqa Ntuli at the official opening of the Sri Chinmaya Annapoorna Devi Temple in Chatsworth
Image: Supplied
AS the Chinmaya Mission worldwide celebrates 75 years, the consecration of Africa’s first-ever Sri Chinmaya Annapoorna Devi Temple in Chatsworth, Durban, marked a historic spiritual milestone.
The temple was officially opened on Monday.
KwaZulu-Natal premier Thamsanqa Ntuli at the official opening, graced the temple's inauguration and described it as a moment of religious significance for the Hindu community, and a milestone that reflects the rich spiritual and cultural diversity of KwaZulu-Natal.
"As we gather in this sacred space to celebrate the opening of this temple dedicated to Devi Annapoorna, the Goddess of Abundance, we are reminded of the powerful role that spirituality plays in guiding us toward a life of compassion, unity, and service to others. The creation of this temple is a testament to the strength of faith, the unity of purpose, and the shared values of love and devotion that bind us together as one community," said Ntuli.
"Through the teachings of the Chinmaya Mission, we are called to become instruments of that grace, to touch the hearts of all, and to inspire lives filled with love, service, and kindness. In a world that often faces division and hardship, the principles of devotion and selflessness embodied here are more necessary than ever. Let us embrace these teachings and spread them in our daily lives, in our communities, and to those who need our support most May this sacred space be a ray of hope, light, love, and service for generations to come," he said.
The timing of the temple’s opening on World AIDS Day, a day symbolising remembrance of those lost and solidarity to those living with HIV/AIDS and to continue the fight against this epidemic.
"As the Goddess Annapoorna is worshipped for her abundance, we are reminded of the abundance of life that we must protect for every individual, especially those affected by HIV/AIDS," he said.
Further highlighting the importance of the temple, Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi, during his recent visit to South Africa for the G20 summit met Swami Abhedananda of the Chinmaya Mission South Africa (CMSA), who apprised Modi about the 75th celebrations of the Chinmaya Movement and CMSA's tribute to Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda through the world's first dedicated Annapoorna Devi Temple outside the Indian subcontinent.
Modi expressed his appreciation for the good work of the Chinmaya Mission South Africa and its ongoing spiritual and social initiatives.
Modi received an ornate Ashtalakshmi Kalasha filled with 'Shree Anna' (containing millets from India and South Africa) and offered it back to Swami Abhedanandaji to be placed in the temple, as a mark of his gracious support and goodwill towards the newly inaugurated Annapoorna Devi Temple and the 'Nourish to Flourish' mass feeding project.
Launched in Chatsworth last year, the "Nourish to Flourish" initiative aims to combat hunger by providing daily meals to underprivileged families and schoolchildren, striving to uplift those who struggle to access basic nutrition.
The project exemplifies the Chinmaya Mission's commitment to social welfare, integrating its spiritual objectives with a resolute focus on community service.