New York (IANS): Two beautifully carved marble temples depicting Indian heritage and civilization will be inaugurated in Atlanta in the United States and Toronto in Canada by a Hindu spiritual leader.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj, 85 and head of the Gujarat based Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), is visiting the US and Canada from June 10 to Sep 28 to mark the centenary celebrations of the organization.

The temples to be inaugurated have been constructed using traditions that date back to thousands of years.

They include a prayer hall, cultural arena and exhibits on the contributions of Indian civilization to the world in areas such as science, mathematics, medicine, art and language.

BAPS temples in the US and Canada are planning to host events during Pramukh Swami's presence.

According to his itinerary, Pramukh Swami will visit Chicago, Houston, Toronto, Edison New Jersey, Atlanta, Dallas, San Jose, Los Angeles and New York.

"The events will showcase the diverse cultural, social and spiritual activities of BAPS that have flourished under the leadership of Pramukh Swami," BAPS spokesperson Harish Patel said.

Pramukh Swami reaches out to people of all age groups and has counseled and comforted innumerable people personally or by writing letters to them, his aides said.

BAPS' stated objectives include rendering service to individuals, families and society through programs and projects in disaster relief, humanitarian aid, medical care, education, environment, livelihood development and cultural awareness.