February 21st 2025.
On Friday, Pratik Mathur, India's Consul General in Shanghai, went on a visit to the Jing'an Temple, a well-known and highly regarded temple in China. He took the time to offer his prayers to the 15-tonne silver Buddha statue within the temple's walls.
Upon his arrival, Mathur was warmly welcomed by the Abbot Master Ya Yun, who is from the Shingon sect. This sect has a long history that can be traced back to the great Buddhist masters of India. The Consulate shared the details of Mathur's visit through a social media post, highlighting the significance of the temple's connection to India.
The Jing'an Temple is situated in the heart of Shanghai and has a strong bond with India, which is evident in its architecture. The Zhengfa Jiuzhu Brahma Block, a prominent structure within the temple, takes inspiration from India's National Emblem, the Ashoka Stambha. Additionally, the Jing'an Pagoda is modeled after the architecture of Bodh Gaya, a sacred site for Buddhists in India. The release also mentioned that the temple has been around since 247 A.D. and holds great importance as a symbol of Buddhist traditions.
Mathur, a member of the Indian Foreign Service since 2007, took on the role of Consul General of India in Shanghai just last month. Prior to this, he had served as the Deputy Secretary in the office of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and as a minister at India's Mission to the United Nations in New York.
Overall, Mathur's visit to the Jing'an Temple was a significant event that showcased the strong cultural ties between India and China. It also served as a reminder of the shared history and heritage of the two countries.
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