BAPS Hindu Temple: PM to Inaugurate First Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi

PWOnlyIAS February 12, 2024 01:20 2805 0

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, on February 14.

BAPS Hindu Temple: PM to Inaugurate First Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi

Context:

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, on February 14.

BAPS Hindu Temple: First Hindu Temple In Abu Dhabi, UAE

BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, stands as a testament to cultural harmony, architectural grandeur, and the deepening ties between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Conception of the Temple: It was first envisioned by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, spiritual leader of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, in 1997.
Land Allocation and Bilateral Ties: Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, donated 13.5 acres of land for the temple’s construction during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit in 2015.
- UAE Government further allocated an additional 13.5 acres of land in January 2019, bringing the total land gifted for the temple to 27 acres.
Foundation Stone: It was laid by Prime Minister Modi in 2017. Formal foundation stone-laying ceremony was held on April 20, 2019.
Symbolism: It is not just a place of worship but a beacon of peace, tolerance, and mutual respect among diverse communities.
Peaceful Co-existence: A Muslim king donated land for a Hindu Mandir, where the lead architect is a Catholic Christian, the project manager a Sikh, the foundational designer a Buddhist, the construction company a Parsi group, and the director comes from the Jain tradition.

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Features Of BAPS Hindu Temple

Architectural Design: Made from Pink Rajasthan Sandstone and White Italian Marble.
- It involves intricately hand-carved stones, shipped from India for assembly in the UAE.
Seven Spires Symbolizing the UAE’s Emirates: Each spire represents seven emirates in the UAE.
- Seven towers or shikhar narrates the tales from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavatam, and Shiva Purana.
- The shikharas are adorned with depictions of deities such as Venkateshwara, Swaminarayan, Jagannath, and Ayyappa.
Spiritual Rivers: A ‘holy river’ surrounds the temple, with waters from Ganga and Yamuna brought in.
- The river Saraswati is depicted in the form of white light.
- A Varanasi-like ghat has been created where the ‘Ganga’ passes.
Intricate Carvings and Artwork: The temple features detailed carvings of deities, animals, and motifs, reflecting Hindu culture and the UAE’s heritage.
96 Bells and Gaumukhs: Installed around the path leading to the temple, these bells pay tribute to Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s 96 years of life.
Pillars: Various types of pillars, such as circular and hexagonal, are present.
- Notably, the ‘Pillar of Pillars’ features around 1,400 small pillars carved into it.
Surroundings: Surrounding buildings are modern and monolithic, with colors resembling sand dunes.
Deities: Deities from all four corners of India are featured, including Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Hanuman, Lord Shiv, Parvati, Ganpati, Kartikeya, Lord Jagannath, Lord Radha-Krishna, Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj (Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Gunatitanand Swami), Tirupati Balaji, Padmavati, and Lord Ayappa.
Mosaic of Civilization: Stories from Indian civilization, Maya civilization, Aztec civilization, Egyptian civilization, Arabic civilization, European civilization, Chinese civilization, and African civilization have been depicted.
Dome of Harmony: This unique feature represents the balance of the five natural elements – earth, water, fire, air, and space.
Recycled Material Usage: The temple integrates sustainable practices, using recycled wooden pallets for furniture in the food court.
Advanced Sensor Technology: Equipped with over 100 sensors in its foundation to monitor seismic activity and environmental changes.

BAPS Hindu temple

Significance Of BAPS Hindu Temple In UAE

Cultural and Spiritual Hub:
- The BAPS Hindu Temple serves as a vibrant center for Hindu culture, spirituality, and learning.
- It aims to promote values of peace, harmony, and respect for all living beings.
Symbol of India-UAE Friendship:
- The temple’s construction, facilitated by the UAE government’s generous land donation, signifies the strengthening bonds between India and the UAE.
Platform for Bilateral Exchange:
- The temple stands as a symbol of mutual respect and understanding between the two nations, enhancing cultural exchange and diplomatic ties.
Promoting Tolerance and Diversity:
- As a testament to the UAE’s commitment to religious freedom and diversity, the temple underscores the country’s progressive stance in the Middle East.
Boosting Tourism and Economy:
- Expected to attract millions of visitors, the temple will contribute to the tourism sector, further intertwining the economic interests of India and the UAE.
Community and Global Outreach:

- The temple plans to host cultural, educational, and humanitarian activities, fostering community engagement and global awareness.

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About BAPS ORGANISATION

BAPS Full Form: Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS).
- The organisation is named after Bhagwan Swaminarayan, a religious leader who lived in the late 1700s.
It is a socio-spiritual Hindu faith with its roots in the vedas and was pioneered by Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781-1830) in the late 18th century and established in 1907 by Shastriji Maharaj (1865-1951).
BAPS claims to run over 3,850 centres across the world and 1,100 temples.
Akshardham Temples: The Akshardham temples in Delhi and Gujarat are run by BAPS.
- The organisation is behind the Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey, which is also the world’s largest Hindu temple outside of India.
- Akshardham Mahamandir, located 99 kilometres south of New York City, is in an area of 185 acres in New Jersey and stands at 191 feet high.

Also Read: Ayodhya Ram Mandir

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Frequently Asked Questions

The inauguration is scheduled for February 14.

A total of 27 acres, initially 13.5 acres donated by the Crown Prince in 2015 and an additional 13.5 acres in 2019.

Pink Rajasthan Sandstone and White Italian Marble.

Each spire represents one of the seven Emirates of the UAE.

Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha.

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BAPS Hindu Temple: PM to Inaugurate First Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi

Context:

BAPS Hindu Temple: First Hindu Temple In Abu Dhabi, UAE

Features Of BAPS Hindu Temple

Significance Of BAPS Hindu Temple In UAE

Cultural and Spiritual Hub:

Symbol of India-UAE Friendship:

Platform for Bilateral Exchange:

Promoting Tolerance and Diversity:

Boosting Tourism and Economy:

Community and Global Outreach:

About BAPS ORGANISATION

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurate the BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi?

How much land was allocated for the BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi?

What are the main materials used in the construction of the BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi?

What do the seven spires of the BAPS Hindu Temple symbolize?

What is the full form of BAPS?

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