In a historic moment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the BAPS Swaminarayan temple in Abu Dhabi during his two-day visit to the UAE. This remarkable event marks the establishment of the first Hindu temple in the Gulf nation, signifying a significant milestone for both the Hindu community in the UAE and the bilateral relations between India and the UAE.
The temple is constructed by the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a sect within Hinduism under the Swaminarayan Sampradaya. BAPS boasts a global network of approximately 1,550 temples, including prominent landmarks such as the Akshardham temples in New Delhi and Gandhinagar, and Swaminarayan temples across major international cities.
PM Modi Inaugurated BAPS Temple in UAE on 14th Feb 2024 which is a fusion of heritage and harmony, In this article we will explore about the significance,architecture and its regional importance.
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Origins and Demand for the Temple:
The vision for a Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi was conceptualized by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the tenth spiritual guru of BAPS, in 1997. This vision aimed to promote unity among nations, communities, and cultures. Additionally, the local Indian community in Abu Dhabi expressed the need for a significant place of worship. With approximately 3.3 million Indians residing in the UAE, including a devoted BAPS Swaminarayan community, the demand for such a temple became evident.
Foundation of BAPS:
The Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a denomination of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, lead the way to the construction of the temple. With a global network of over 1,550 temples and 3,850 centers, BAPS promotes the values of spirituality, social harmony, and community service.
Significance and Symbolism:
Beyond its architectural beauty, the BAPS Temple in UAE holds profound significance as a symbol of cultural exchange and religious harmony. The temple’s construction involved contributions from individuals belonging to various faiths and backgrounds, exemplifying unity in diversity.
Architectural and Cultural Integration:
Constructed by the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), the temple stands as a testament to architectural excellence and cultural integration. The outermost layer of the building has pink sandstone that was carefully carved and transported to Abu Dhabi from Rajasthan’s old quarries. The use of Italian marble for the interiors adds a touch of richness and elegance to the structure.
This BAPS Temple in UAE is a monument of skillful design and fine workmanship. The temple, which was built using traditional stone, has seven Nagar-style shikhars (spires), and its entryway showcases idols that stand for universal qualities like faith, compassion, and alms. While the inside features Italian marbles, the outer facing showcases Rajasthani pink sandstone, exhibiting a well-balanced fusion of Indian and foreign influences. In addition, the Wall of Harmony, which is decorated with the word “harmony” in 30 various languages, perfectly captures the idea of harmony among differences.
The Temple Spread across 27 acres, the temple complex includes a parking area accommodating 1,400 cars and 50 buses. Notably, the 13.5-acre land was generously gifted by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, in 2019.