Spiritual Harmony: Visiting the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi
The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi is a significant cultural and religious project, marking the construction of the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East. The project began following the UAE government’s decision to allocate land for the temple during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit in 2015. The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, gifted the land for the mandir.
The foundation stone-laying ceremony took place in 2018, and the temple’s construction uses pink sandstone from Rajasthan, India, known for its durability in extreme temperatures. This choice of material aligns with the traditional Hindu temple architecture, which avoids the use of steel or iron. The temple’s design is expected to be similar in size to the Akshardham temple in New Jersey and will feature marble carvings against a sandstone backdrop.
The BAPS Hindu Mandir will include seven shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities, reflecting the respect for the seven Emirates of the UAE. It will also feature an amphitheater, exhibition hall, library, classrooms, sports center, food court, and two community centers with a seating capacity for 5,000 people. The temple’s premises will span over 55,000 square meters, offering a spiritual oasis of global harmony.
Scheduled to open on February 14, 2024, the inauguration is set to be a momentous event, attended by members of the Indian community and other devotees. The temple is already hosting various cultural and religious celebrations, demonstrating its role as a vibrant center for the Hindu community in the UAE.