BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi, UAE

The whole nation looks forward to this Feb 14 in UAE,

not just because of Valentine's Week but for the much awaited inauguration of the Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi.

The BAPS Temple in UAE will be the first Hindu Temple in UAE catering to the many Hindus and Indian Expats who are working or settled in the country.

Prime Minister Modi is all set to inaugurate Abu Dhabi First Hindu Temple on the 14th of February 2024 during his 2 day visit to UAE dubbed as Ahlan Modi program.

The public can access the Abu Dhabi mandir on March 1st.

The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi is a modern architectural masterpiece as well as a monument to Hinduism's eternal spirit. This majestic monument, the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East, serves as a spiritual and cultural light for the Hindu population as well as a symbol of peaceful cooperation among diverse faiths in the UAE.

History of the temple:

Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the sixth spiritual leader of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, first envisioned the idea for a Hindu mandir in Abu Dhabi back in 1997. His vision was to build a house of worship that would not only meet the spiritual demands of the Hindu population, but also act as a symbol of Indian culture and legacy in the area. This idea became a reality because of the hard efforts of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, which took on the massive task of building the temple.

In 2015, the UAE government allocated 27 acres of land for the construction of the mandir, demonstrating the country's dedication to religious tolerance and diversity. The foundation stone was placed in 2018, and after six years of exquisite craftsmanship, Mahant Swami Maharaj inaugurated the temple on February 14, 2024.

Architecture of the temple:

Architecturally, the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi is a masterpiece that flawlessly combines traditional Indian temple design with modern engineering. The temple's design follows the ancient principles of Vastu Shastra, the Indian science of architecture, to ensure harmony and balance. The outside is decorated with beautiful carvings and sculptures reflecting Hindu mythology and demonstrating the expertise of traditional Indian artisans. The temple's tall spires, or shikhars, are a stunning feature, reaching 108 feet and representing Lord Vishnu's 108 sacred names.

The interior of the temple is similarly impressive, with magnificent marble sculptures and detailed embellishments. The main prayer hall, or sabha mandap, is a spacious and peaceful area where devotees can worship and participate in religious events. The temple complex also houses community halls, exhibition spaces, and lodging for visiting devotees.

Beyond its architectural magnificence, the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi functions as a spiritual and cultural hub. It provides a diverse set of programs and services, including religious education, youth activities, and community outreach efforts. The temple has also served as a venue for interfaith discourse and collaboration, promoting harmony and understanding among people of all faiths.