The newly built, Rs100 crore Swaminarayan temple in Bhuj is arguably Gujarat's most expensive religious structure. But it will go down in history not for its worth or architectural magnificence but as an epitome of communal harmony. A gold crown for the new idol of Ghanshyam Maharaj, studded with diamonds and worth Rs1 crore, is a present not from a devout Hindu but from a Kutchi Muslim haribhakt.
Nurmahammad Najmuddin Vohra, a Dubai-based businessman of Kutchi origin, gifted the exquisite crown to the temple authorities at the Pran Pratishtha Mahotsav, which was organised on Tuesday to inaugurate the temple. Vohra has set an example by breaking religious barriers and showing respect to another religion. Surya Prakash Swami, one of the coordinators of the event, said they have humbly accepted the gift from the Muslim devotee. Vohra deals in gems and jewellery.
A devotee present at the event said a fellow haribhakt had paid nearly Rs1.61 crore to be the first to open the golden gates of the temple where the idol of Ghanshaym Maharaj lies on a golden swing. Besides, the temple authorities are said to have collected more than Rs135 crore as part of Uchamni (donation). Besides, more than Rs125 crore have been spent on organising the event.
The Pran Pratishtha Mahotsav of Ghanshyam Maharaj has set Bhuj, the capital town in Kutch district, abuzz with hectic activity. Around 40,000 NRI families from the world over are believed to have converged on Bhuj to take part in the grand function.
