Justin Trudeau celebrates Hindu temple anniversary in Toronto (PHOTOS)

Trudeau visiting the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto in July 2017 (BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir)

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau donned a traditional kurta outfit and took part in prayers at a Hindu temple in Toronto on Saturday.

Trudeau was at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir to celebrate its 10th anniversary with spiritual leader His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj.

The temple was built in 2007, and is the largest of its kind in Canada, consisting of 24,000 pieces of hand-carved Italian carrara marble, Turkish limestone and Indian pink stone.

The BAPS Mandir is more than an architectural masterpiece – It’s truly a place for community. Happy 10th anniversary! #bapstoronto10 pic.twitter.com/kh5S1T3oIE

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) July 23, 2017

He was also joined by Minister Navdeep Baines, Toronto Mayor John Tory, and His Excellency Mr. Vikas Swarup, the High Commissioner of India.

Trudeau visiting the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto in July 2017 (BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir)

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu temple in Toronto gets a visit from Justin Trudeau in July 2017 (BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir)

According to a release from the temple, Trudeau first shared a message of unity and community with thousands of people gathered to hear him speak.

He was then personally welcomed and garlanded by Mahant Swami Maharaj and together they unveiled and dedicated a 10th anniversary commemorative plaque.

Trudeau visiting the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto in July 2017 (BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir)

His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau unveil a plaque commemorating the 10th anniversary celebrations of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Toronto, Canada (BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir)

Trudeau then visited the sacred shrines of the Mandir and offered his respects and prayers, before having a private meeting with Mahant Swami Maharaj.

Trudeau with His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto in July 2017 (BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir)

According to the release, the two discussed the importance of service and the Trudeau’s message of inclusiveness and diversity.

Trudeau with His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto in July 2017 (BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir)

Trudeau then visited the grand assembly, was welcomed with a festive dance and met many of the thousands of Hindus gathered there to hear him speak.

Trudeau visiting the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto in July 2017 (BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir)

Trudeau with His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto in July 2017 (BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir)

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau celebrates the 10th Anniversary of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto today. pic.twitter.com/RAVO7F5yBV

— CanadianPM (@CanadianPM) July 23, 2017

Trudeau visiting the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto in July 2017 (BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir)

Trudeau with His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto in July 2017 (BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir)

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