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BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi

Coordinates: 24°36′59.4″N 54°43′54.7″E / 24.616500°N 54.731861°E / 24.616500; 54.731861
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BAPS Hindu Mandir
معبد سوامينارايان
BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi
Religion
AffiliationHinduism
SectBAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha
RegionAbu Dhabi
DeityAkshar Purushottam[1]
Location
CountryUnited Arab Emirates
Geographic coordinates24°36′59.4″N 54°43′54.7″E / 24.616500°N 54.731861°E / 24.616500; 54.731861
Architecture
FounderMahant Swami Maharaj
Completed14 February 2024
Construction cost400 million dihrams[2]
Site area27 acre[2]
Website
mandir.ae

The BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi in the UAE, is a traditional Hindu mandir built by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. Inspired by Pramukh Swami Maharaj (1921–2016) and consecrated by Mahant Swami Maharaj on 14 February 2024, this is the first Hindu traditional mandir to undergo complete digital modeling and seismic simulation.[3]

In 1997, Pramukh Swami Maharaj envisioned a mandir in Abu Dhabi, and in August 2015, the UAE government announced they would provide the land for the mandir. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, gifted 27 acres of land for the mandir. In September 2019 the mandir gained legal status and in December 2019 the construction commenced. The mandir is constructed from pink sandstone from northern Rajasthan and marble from Italy. The mandir stands 108 feet tall, 262 feet in length and 180 feet in width. Over 200 volunteers from the UAE, Africa, United Kingdom, United States, India, and the Gulf dedicated more than 690,000 hours towards the construction.

The mandir serves as a symbol of interfaith harmony, representing the UAE's and India’s good relations to foster understanding, acceptance, and unity among people of different religious backgrounds. Accordingly, the mandir carvings not only incorporate stories from the Ramayana, Shiva Purana, Bhagavatam, Mahabharata, and the lives of Hindu figures, but also stories from Arabian, Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Native American, and other civilizations. The mandir complex includes the traditional Hindu mandir, a visitor centre, prayer halls, exhibitions, learning areas, sports area for children, thematic gardens, water features, a food court, and a books and gift shop.

This is the third Hindu mandir in the UAE after the first temple was created in 1958 in Dubai and the second temple was created in 2022, also in Dubai.[4][5]

History

The history of the BAPS Hindu mandir began during Pramukh Swami Maharaj's trip to the UAE in 1997 when he envisioned a mandir in Abu Dhabi that would bring "countries, cultures, and religions closer together".[6]

In August 2015, the UAE government announced the decision to provide land for building a Hindu mandir in Abu Dhabi.[7][8] Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Force, gifted the land for the mandir.[9]

On 10 February 2018, BAPS representatives met Sheikh Mohamed and the Indian Prime Minister in the Presidential Palace.[10] A memorandum of understanding was signed by India and the UAE in the presence of the entire royal family and over 250 local leaders.[11] Prime Minister Modi expressed that the mandir "will be a holy place where humanity and harmony will unite".[12] The Shila Pujan (first stone consecration) for the mandir took place on 11 February 2018.[13]

Representatives from BAPS presenting the temple plan to the Prime Minister of India and the President of UAE.

On 20 April 2019, in the presence of Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS, the shilanyas vidhi (foundation stone-laying ceremony) was performed in the presence of guests and officials from India and the UAE. Expressing his thanks to the UAE government, Ambassador Navdeep Suri said that "This will be the eternal bridge of friendship between our nations, our cultures and civilisations".[14][15]

Construction

BAPS Hindu Mandir under construction

Construction of the mandir began in December 2019 on 27 acres of land.[6] The site is located at Abu Mureikhah, which is near Al Rahba off the Dubai–Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway.[9]

For the construction, tonnes of pink sandstone were sent from northern Rajasthan to Abu Dhabi.[16] The durable stones from the northern Indian state were selected for their ability to withstand scorching summer temperatures of up to 50 °C (122 °F), such as those sometimes experienced in the UAE. Marble from Italy is used to build the mandir. To minimise the carbon footprint, fly ash was used in the foundation's concrete mix. This is the first Hindu traditional mandir to undergo complete digital modeling and seismic simulation.[3]

As of 2024, this is the third Hindu mandir in the UAE after the first temple was created in 1958 in Dubai and the second temple was created in 2022, also in Dubai.[4][5]

Volunteer participation

Over 200 volunteers from the United Arab Emirates have dedicated more than 690,000 hours to the construction of the mandir. [17][18] Their participation extends across various domains, encompassing logistics, civil work, construction, planning, and mandir maintenance, thereby playing a crucial role in shaping the project. Individuals of diverse backgrounds, including teenagers, businesswomen, designers, and retired expatriates from Africa, the Gulf, the UK, the US, and India, have contributed to the mandir's construction. These volunteers describe their service as part of their devotion and spirituality.[19] Noteworthy is the inclusion of children in this collective effort, engaging as volunteers and contributing to the creation of stone artifacts as a symbol of harmony.[20]

Architecture

The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi is the largest Temple in West Asia and can host up to 10,000 people.[21][22] The mandir stands at a height of 108 feet, 262 feet in length, and 180 feet in width. Other architectural features include: two ghumats (domes), seven shikars (spires) - symbolic of the seven Emirates in UAE, 12 samrans and 402 pillars. It contains marble carvings against a sandstone building backdrop.[23][24][21] The mandir is made of more than 25,000 pieces of stone carved by skilled artisans in India.[21] Within each of the shikars, there are carvings of stories from the Ramayana, Shiva Purana, Bhagavatam, Mahabharata, and carvings that portray the lives of Jagannath, Swaminarayan, Venkateshwara, and Ayyappa.[23] The 'Dome of Harmony' showcases the five natural elements - earth, water, fire, air, and space.[25] There are also carvings of animals like horses and camels that represent the UAE. Each of horse and camel carvings are carved without repetition.[26]

The mandir will incorporate all aspects and features of a traditional Hindu mandir as part of a fully functional, social, cultural and spiritual complex.[27] The complex will include a visitor centre, prayer halls, exhibitions, learning areas, sports area for children, thematic gardens, water features, a food court, a books and gift shop.[28] The mandir has 100 sensors in the foundation and more than 350 sensors placed throughout the mandir to provide data on earthquake activity, temperature variations and pressure changes.[23]

The mandir design also incorporated environmental-friendly features such as recycled wooden pallets to make benches, tables and chairs for the food court. There is a waterfall feature that symbolises the source of the three holy rivers - Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati.[25]

Deities

The mandir houses the murtis of Swaminarayan, Akshar-Purushottam, Radha-Krishna, Rama-Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman, Shiva-Parvati, Ganesha, Kartikeya, Padmavati-Venkateshwara, Jagannath, and Ayyappan.[23][1][25]

Interfaith and cultural harmony

The land to build this Hindu Temple was donated by a Muslim leader while the architecture is designed by a Catholic Christian and the construction project was managed by a Sikh who worked for a Parsi group company. However, the director of this institution is a Jain. This shows the significance of interfaith and cultural harmony.[29]

As part of the UAE's initiative to promote cultural diversity, tolerance, and peace, the government organised a ceremony in September 2019 and officially awarded legal status to the Mandir and 17 other houses of worship.[30]

During the foundation stone laying ceremony in April 2019, Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development, said "Laying the foundation stone of the mandir is reflective of the landscape of tolerance and pluralism in the UAE. The Founding Father, late Sheikh Zayed, always believed that co-existence between peoples of various religious beliefs and nationalities is the only way to establish international peace".[31] The mandir has carvings of symbolic animals native to the UAE like camels, oryxes, and falcons. There are also 14 depictions of parables from Arabian, Egyptian, Mesopotamian, and other civilisations.[23][1] Observing the carvings, Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, the Minister of Tolerance and Co-existence of UAE, stated "The craftsmanship is intricate and amazing, and the place will help spread global harmony."[32]

In May 2023, during a visit by Ambassadors from 30 countries, Akio Isomata, Ambassador from Japan said, "I see a philosophy of tolerance in the carvings".[33] In January 2024, diplomats from 42 countries visited the mandir. Deputy Ambassador of the UK Jonathan Knight stated, "so many different faiths coming together to build something that will last for generations".[34]

Inauguration

The Festival of Harmony, including the inaugural events commenced on 10 February 2024. A Vedic ritual named the 'Yagna for Harmony' seeking divine blessings took place on 11 February 2024.[35] This ritual marked the first global harmony ritual in the region and concluded with the consecration of the mandir on 14 February 2024 through a Vedic ceremony led by Mahant Swami Maharaj.[36][37][38] Prime Minster of India Narendra Modi accepted an invitation from BAPS to attend the inauguration and participated in that evening’s public dedication assembly.[39][40] The mandir will be open to the public on 18 February 2024.[41][2]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Kumar, Ashwani. "'Masterpiece of art': Top UAE officials laud 'intricate detail' of Hindu stone temple in Abu Dhabi". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 2024-02-01.
  2. ^ a b c "UAE to get 1st Hindu temple: Here's all you need to know about BAPS Hindu Mandir". Hindustan Times. 6 February 2024.
  3. ^ a b Kumar, Ashwani. "Abu Dhabi's Hindu temple to last over 1,000 years". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 2024-02-02.
  4. ^ a b "Dubai is now home to one more Hindu temple, first one was built in 1958". SabrangIndia. 2022-10-06. Retrieved 2024-02-14.
  5. ^ a b "First Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi Will Be Inaugurated by India's PM". SecneNow.
  6. ^ a b Kumar, Ashwani. "'Dream come true': 30 days left for Abu Dhabi Hindu temple grand opening". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 2024-01-31.
  7. ^ "UAE takes a 'landmark' decision, allots land for building first temple in Abu Dhabi". The Indian Express. 17 August 2015.
  8. ^ "UAE allots land for temple on Modi visit". Deccan Herald. 16 August 2015.
  9. ^ a b "Middle East's first Hindu stone temple to be constructed in Abu Dhabi - The Express Tribune". The Express Tribune. 2018-02-11. Retrieved 2018-05-15.
  10. ^ "PM Modi To Witness Foundation Stone Ceremony For First Hindu Temple In Abu Dhabi". NDTV.com. Retrieved 2023-05-28.
  11. ^ "Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Welcomes BAPS Sadhus and Temple Committee". BAPS. Retrieved 2018-05-17.
  12. ^ Badam, Ramola Talwar (2018-02-11). "Narendra Modi launches project to build Abu Dhabi's first Hindu stone temple". The National. Retrieved 2023-05-28.
  13. ^ "Abu Dhabi's first Hindu temple to re-tell ancient stories of wisdom". The National. Retrieved 2018-05-17.
  14. ^ "Thousands to attend foundation stone laying ceremony of first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi". The Times of India. 2019-04-20. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2023-05-28.
  15. ^ Badam, Ramola Talwar (2019-04-21). "Stunning Hindu temple set to symbolise peace and tolerance". The National. Retrieved 2024-01-31.
  16. ^ Badam, Ramola Talwar (2018-11-17). "Pink sandstone from India's Rajasthan selected for Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi". The National. Retrieved 2023-05-28.
  17. ^ "The Creator of Creators". BAPS. Retrieved 2024-02-07.
  18. ^ "BAPS Hindu Mandir | Abu Dhabi". Retrieved 2024-02-07.
  19. ^ Badam, Ramola Talwar (2024-01-31). "'An act of devotion': Worshippers help prepare Abu Dhabi's Hindu temple for grand opening". The National. Retrieved 2024-02-07.
  20. ^ Sharma, Gunjan (2024-02-12). "'Stone seva': Indian children in Abu Dhabi giving final shape to gifts for attendees of first Hindu temple inauguration". ThePrint. Retrieved 2024-02-15.
  21. ^ a b c "13 things you must know about the ₹700 crore Hindu temple being built in Abu Dhabi". CNBCTV18. 2023-12-09. Retrieved 2024-02-01.
  22. ^ Badam, Ramola Talwar (2023-12-26). "Indian PM Modi to inaugurate Abu Dhabi's Hindu temple in February". The National. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  23. ^ a b c d e "BAPS Mandir In Abu Dhabi: Deity's Idol Crafted After Year-Long Research, Will Take 3 Hours To Explore Temple | Exclusive". English Jagran. 2024-01-01. Retrieved 2024-01-27.
  24. ^ "Hindu stone temple to be built in Abu Dhabi by 2020". The National. 8 February 2018.
  25. ^ a b c Kumar, Ashwani. "Jaw-dropping artwork, waterfall: First look inside Abu Dhabi's BAPS Hindu temple ahead of Feb 14 opening". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 2024-02-02.
  26. ^ Badam, Ramola Talwar (2023-02-11). "How artistry and technology are bringing to life a hand-carved Hindu temple in UAE". The National. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  27. ^ "First Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi to be completed by 2020". Khaleej Times.
  28. ^ "Hindu stone temple to be built in Abu Dhabi by 2020". The National. Retrieved 2018-05-15.
  29. ^ "PM Modi to inaugurate BAPS temple in UAE: Its special features, architecture, significance". The Indian Express. 13 February 2024. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  30. ^ "18 houses of worship awarded legal status in Abu Dhabi". gulfnews.com. 2019-09-22. Retrieved 2024-02-02.
  31. ^ King, Neil (2019-04-21). "Foundation stone laid for Abu Dhabi's first Hindu temple". Retrieved 2024-02-02.
  32. ^ "Over 10,000 Visitors Gather to Celebrate Diwali at First Hindu Temple Site in UAE's Abu Dhabi". News18. 2022-10-30. Retrieved 2024-02-02.
  33. ^ Kumar, Ashwani. "Look: Diplomats amazed by Abu Dhabi Hindu temple design, craftwork". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 2024-02-03.
  34. ^ Kumar, Ashwani. "Look: Diplomats from 42 countries explore new Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 2024-02-03.
  35. ^ "Events". festivalofharmony.ae. Retrieved 2024-02-06.
  36. ^ "Festival of Harmony 9 days and 8 night". Retrieved 2024-02-06.
  37. ^ "13 things you must know about the ₹700 crore Hindu temple being built in Abu Dhabi". CNBCTV18. 2023-12-09. Retrieved 2024-02-06.
  38. ^ "Events". festivalofharmony.ae. Retrieved 2024-02-06.
  39. ^ Bureau, ABP News (2024-01-11). "Abu Dhabi Gears Up To Welcome PM Modi For 1st Hindu Temple's Inauguration". news.abplive.com. Retrieved 2024-02-06. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  40. ^ "PM Modi accepts invitation to inaugurate BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi". The Times of India. 2023-12-28. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-02-06.
  41. ^ Bureau, ABP News (2024-01-11). "Abu Dhabi Gears Up To Welcome PM Modi For 1st Hindu Temple's Inauguration". news.abplive.com. Retrieved 2024-02-06. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
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