Watch: British PM Sunak, wife Akshata Murthy offer prayers at Indian temple

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty visited the Akshardham temple in New Delhi on Sunday and offered prayers.

Ahead of the visit of G20 leaders to Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi, Sunak, who was dressed in trousers and a shirt, and his wife, wearing a kurta (long tunic) with palazzo, reached the temple early morning and were accorded a traditional welcome.

Sunak was then greeted by swamis, as well as senior leaders from the Akshardham temple.

During his visit, the British Prime Minister was given an overview of Swaminarayan Akshardham, a 100-acre spiritual and cultural complex that portrays the traditions and ancient architecture of India and promotes the timeless Hindu spiritual messages of faith, devotion and harmony, a statement issued by BAPS said.

Inside the main temple complex, Sunak and his wife paid their respects to the sacred images and admired the art and architecture.

"My wife and I were delighted to visit Swaminarayan Akshardham for darshan (viewing) and puja (rituals) this morning. We were amazed and awed by the beauty of this temple and its universal message of peace, harmony, and becoming a better human being. This is not only a place of worship, but a landmark that also portrays India's values, culture and contributions to the world," Sunak was quoted as saying.

"We see today in Britain these very same values and culture through the positive contributions the British Indian community makes to our country," he said.

"I was honoured to have received the blessings of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj conveyed to me this morning, and I understand that His Holiness is inaugurating another beautiful Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in Robbinsville, USA very soon. I would like to send my very best wishes to His Holiness and all the devotees of BAPS ahead of the opening," Sunak said.

Brahmavihari Swami, the senior swami of the sanstha, said it was an honour to welcome the British Prime Minister to Swaminarayan Akshardham and share Mahant Swami Maharaj’s message of peace, unity and public service.

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