The UAE is a country that prides itself on its openness to different faiths and cultures. In line with this vision, the UAE government has generously allocated land to construct a Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi, the capital city. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the temple on February 14th, 2024, and it is expected to attract millions of visitors from different backgrounds. Dhanush Kumar explores the history, design, and features of this largest Hindu Temple in West Asia.
History of the Temple
The idea of building a temple in Abu Dhabi was conceived by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, which has over 3,300 centres worldwide when Swamiji visited the UAE in 1997 and envisioned a temple that would bring countries, cultures, and religions closer together.
On February 10th, 2018, BAPS representatives, led by Prime Minister Modi, met with Sheik Mohamed in the Presidential palace. A memorandum of understanding for the temple project was signed. The foundation stone-laying ceremony took place on April 20th, 2019.
Design and Architecture of the Temple
The temple is designed by RSP Architects Planners and Engineers Private Limited and draws inspiration from the ancient Hindu scriptures of Shilpa Shastras. The temple stands at a height of 108 feet, and it accommodates up to 10,000 people at a time.
The temple is made of pink sandstone from Rajasthan, India, and white marble from Italy. The strokes were hand-carved by 2,000 artisans and then shipped to Abu Dhabi. The temple has seven towers, symbolizing the seven emirates in the UAE, and has seven shrines dedicated to different aspects of Hinduism.
The temple complex also includes a visitor centre, a cultural centre, a library, a museum, a food court, and a garden.
Significance and Impact of the Temple
The Baps Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi is not just a place of worship, but also a place of learning, and the temple aims to foster the values of respect and harmony among people of different faiths. The temple also serves as a platform for social initiatives such as health camps, environmental awareness, and educational programs.
The temple is also a testament to the UAE leadership, who have supported the spiritual aspirations. The temple is also a tribute to the friendship between India and UAE, who share a long and strong relationship based on mutual trust and understanding.
Conclusion
The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi is a remarkable achievement of cultural harmony, architectural excellence, and spiritual significance. It is the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East. It is a temple that celebrates the unity in diversity of the human family.
