"Hindu religion has solutions for all the problems of the world... I am not saying this because I am born Hindu," Shah said at Gujarat University convention centre, while unveiling former President A P J Abdul Kalam's book 'Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji'.
"When I faced difficulty for two years, I visited each and every religious centre in India. In that period, I sought blessings from all the 'jyotirlings' and 'shaktipeeths' of India, except Somnath temple (in Gujarat)," Shah said referring to the two years that he was barred from entering Gujarat due to legal proceedings in the Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter case.
"That was the time when I was not able to do my activities... Perhaps God made me seek his blessings in my youth," the BJP chief said.
He added that the religious leader of Swaminarayan sect, Pramukh Swami, has given a new lease of life to Hindu tradition with the powers of saints like Shankaracharya had done with the tradition of 'akhadas'.
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Speaking on the event, Governor of Karnataka Vajubhai Vala said that religion was more important than the state.
"'Dharma danda' is much more important than 'Raj danda' and it can make people happy," said Vala.
On the book written by Kalam, Vala said he feels that one saint is giving his opinions for the other saint.
Praising Kalam, Gujarat Governor O P Kohli said his personality is unique, as the scientist has saintly qualities.
The event was attended by Gujarat Ministers Saurabh Patel and Bhupendrasinh Chudasma and other senior BJP leaders.