US Vice President JD Vance (2R) and his wife Usha Vance (2L) and their children Ewan (C), Vivek (R) and Mirabel took photos in front of Akshardham Temple in New Delhi on April 21, 2025. Image source: AFP
US Vice President JD Vance, his Indian-born wife Usha and their three children began a trip to India on Monday (April 21, 2025) to visit the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple near the Yamuna River bank.
Vances made a four-day visit here, during which they also planned to travel to Jaipur and Agra, and spent about an hour in the temple complex.
The children – Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel, all three wearing Indian costumes – are cynosure for many eyes.
“Thank you so much for your hospitality and kindness and welcome to this beautiful place with my family. India is so honored that you have built a beautiful temple of precision and care. Our children, especially love it. God bless you.”
Once finished, the family poses for the camera crew outside the temple’s magnificent facade.
“They were welcomed by tradition and after that they got the ‘darshan’. Carved wooden elephants, models and children’s books at Delhi Akshadham Temple are for the family,” a pastor at the temple told pti.
Temple volunteer Meera Sondagar added that the vice president was particularly attracted by the carved Gajendra Peeth, a carved elephant decorated with an elephant that symbolizes strength and wisdom.
“He was shown the entire Akshadham complex and deeply moved by the experience. He said he felt a kind of peace here.”
The temple also posted a post about the visit on X.
“U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Second Lady Usha Vance and their children visited Swaminarayan Akshardham in Delhi, their first stop in India’s ’experienced its majestic art, architecture and eternal beliefs, family and harmony values.” It added: “The Vance family explored the majestic art and architecture of Mandir, experiencing India’s heritage and cultural depth, and they appreciate the message of harmony, family values and eternal wisdom.”
The temple dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan opened in 2005, which is a must-see for most tourists in the capital. Swaminarayan is considered the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, establishing the belief in Swaminarayan and restoring the Hindu ideals in 18th century India. According to Baps Swaminarayan’s website, he has established a spiritual lifestyle and a code of conduct that follows.
Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty visited the temple on a tour in India last year.
The Vance family came to Delhi earlier that day for a warm reception and was received by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
publishing – April 22, 2025 02:29 AM IST
