India's spiritual culture guided by spirit of service: PM Modi as he inaugurates ISKCON temple in Navi Mumbai

He said followers of ISKCON, a global bhakti movement founded on the Bhagavad Gita teachings, across the world are connected to each other by their devotion to Lord Krishna.

Mumbai: India is an extraordinary and wonderful land, not just a piece of land bound by geographical boundaries, but a living land with a vibrant culture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday.

“The essence of this culture is spirituality, and to understand India, one must first embrace spirituality,” Modi said inaugurating the Sri Sri Radha Madanmohanji Temple, an ISKCON project at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai.

Remarking that the foundation of India's spiritual culture is service, Modi emphasized that in spirituality, serving God and serving people become one.

Expressing his emotional remembrance of the revered Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj on the occasion, Modi remarked that Maharaj's vision and blessings, rooted in his deep devotion to Lord Krishna, are integral to this project.

He added that although Maharaj was not physically present, his spiritual presence was felt by all. The Prime Minister highlighted the special place Maharaj's affection and memories hold in his life. He recalled being invited by Maharaj for the unveiling of the world's largest Gita and receiving his guidance during Srila Prabhupada Ji's 125th birth anniversary. The Prime Minister expressed his satisfaction in witnessing the realization of another of Maharaj's dreams.

“ISKCON followers worldwide are united by their devotion to Lord Krishna”, said Modi and highlighted that another connecting thread is the teachings of Srila Prabhupada Swami, which guides the devotees 24/7.

The Prime Minister noted that Srila Prabhupada Swami promoted the importance of the Vedas, Vedanta, and the Gita during India's struggle for independence, linking Bhakti Vedanta to the consciousness of the common people.

He further added that at the age of 70, when most people consider their duties fulfilled, Srila Prabhupada Swami started the ISKCON mission and traveled the world, spreading Lord Krishna's message to every corner. Remarking that today, millions of people globally benefit from his dedication, the Prime Minister emphasized that Srila Prabhupada Swami's active efforts continue to inspire us.

“India is an extraordinary and wonderful land, not just a piece of land bound by geographical boundaries, but a living land with a vibrant culture”, exclaimed the Prime Minister. He emphasized that the essence of this culture is spirituality, and to understand India, one must first embrace spirituality. The Prime Minister noted that those who view the world only from a material perspective see India as a collection of different languages and provinces. However, he added that when one connects their soul with this cultural consciousness, they truly see India.

He highlighted that in the far east, saints like Chaitanya Mahaprabhu appeared in Bengal, while in the west, saints like Namdev, Tukaram, and Dnyaneshwar emerged in Maharashtra. Shri Modi remarked that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu spread the Mahavakya mantra to the masses, and the saints of Maharashtra shared spiritual nectar through the 'Ramkrishna Hari' mantra. He added that Sant Dnyaneshwar made the profound knowledge of Lord Krishna accessible through the Dnyaneshwari Gita. Similarly, Srila Prabhupada popularized the Gita through ISKCON, publishing commentaries and connecting people with its essence. The Prime Minister remarked that these saints, born in different places and times, each advanced the stream of Krishna devotion in their unique ways. He added that despite the differences in their birth periods, languages, and methods, their understanding, thoughts, and consciousness were one and all of them infused new life into society with the light of devotion, giving it new direction and energy.