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.

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. 

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