BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi: Difference between revisions

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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The middle shrine houses the marble murtis ({{Translation|sacred images}}) of [[Swaminarayan]] and [[Gunatitanand Swami]], who are collectively worshiped as [[Akshar Purushottam Darshan|Akshar-Purushottam]] Maharaj. Swaminarayan is the founder of the [[Swaminarayan Sampradaya]] and revered as Purushottam (God) and Gunatitanand Swami is the first spiritual successor of Swaminarayan and revered as Akshar.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-01 |title=BAPS Mandir In Abu Dhabi: Deity's Idol Crafted After Year-Long Research, Will Take 3 Hours To Explore Temple {{!}} Exclusive |url=https://english.jagran.com/world/baps-mandir-in-abu-dhabi-deity-idol-crafted-after-year-long-research-will-take-3-hours-to-explore-temple-exclusive-10124165 |access-date=2024-03-13 |website=English Jagran |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite journal |last=Kim |first=Hanna |date=2009-12-01 |title=Public Engagement and Personal Desires: BAPS Swaminarayan Temples and their Contribution to the Discourses on Religion |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/s11407-010-9081-4 |journal=International Journal of Hindu Studies |language=en |volume=13 |issue=3 |pages=357–390 |doi=10.1007/s11407-010-9081-4 |issn=1574-9282}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=BAPS Hindu Mandir |url=https://www.mandir.ae/news/Consecration%20Ceremony%20%7C%20Inauguration%20of%20BAPS%20Hindu%20Mandir,%20Abu%20Dhabi,%20UAE |access-date=2024-03-13 |website=www.mandir.ae}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=Ashwani |title=Jaw-dropping artwork, waterfall: First look inside Abu Dhabi's BAPS Hindu temple ahead of Feb 14 opening |url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/first-look-inside-abu-dhabis-spectacular-baps-hindu-temple-ahead-of-february-14-opening |access-date=2024-03-13 |website=Khaleej Times |language=en}}</ref>
The middle shrine houses the marble murtis ({{Translation|sacred images}}) of [[Swaminarayan]] and [[Gunatitanand Swami]], who are collectively worshiped as [[Akshar Purushottam Darshan|Akshar-Purushottam]] Maharaj. Swaminarayan is the founder of the [[Swaminarayan Sampradaya]] and revered as Purushottam (God) and Gunatitanand Swami is the first spiritual successor of Swaminarayan and revered as Akshar.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-01 |title=BAPS Mandir In Abu Dhabi: Deity's Idol Crafted After Year-Long Research, Will Take 3 Hours To Explore Temple {{!}} Exclusive |url=https://english.jagran.com/world/baps-mandir-in-abu-dhabi-deity-idol-crafted-after-year-long-research-will-take-3-hours-to-explore-temple-exclusive-10124165 |access-date=2024-03-13 |website=English Jagran |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite journal |last=Kim |first=Hanna |date=2009-12-01 |title=Public Engagement and Personal Desires: BAPS Swaminarayan Temples and their Contribution to the Discourses on Religion |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/s11407-010-9081-4 |journal=International Journal of Hindu Studies |language=en |volume=13 |issue=3 |pages=357–390 |doi=10.1007/s11407-010-9081-4 |issn=1574-9282}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=BAPS Hindu Mandir |url=https://www.mandir.ae/news/Consecration%20Ceremony%20%7C%20Inauguration%20of%20BAPS%20Hindu%20Mandir,%20Abu%20Dhabi,%20UAE |access-date=2024-03-13 |website=www.mandir.ae}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=Ashwani |title=Jaw-dropping artwork, waterfall: First look inside Abu Dhabi's BAPS Hindu temple ahead of Feb 14 opening |url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/first-look-inside-abu-dhabis-spectacular-baps-hindu-temple-ahead-of-february-14-opening |access-date=2024-03-13 |website=Khaleej Times |language=en}}</ref>


The second shrine houses the marble murtis of [[Krishna]], an avatar of [[Vishnu]], with his consort, [[Radha]]. Radha-Krishna are a central deity pair worshiped in Vaishnavism.<ref name=":7" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-01 |title=Krishna {{!}} Story, Meaning, Description, & Legends {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Krishna-Hindu-deity |access-date=2024-03-13 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref> The third shrine houses the marble murtis of [[Rama]] with his consort [[Sita]], his brother [[Lakshmana]], and Rama’s dedicated devotee [[Hanuman]]. Rama is worshiped as an avatar of Vishnu.<ref name=":7" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-09 |title=Rama {{!}} Description, Story, & Significance {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Rama-Hindu-deity |access-date=2024-03-13 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref> The marble murti of [[Shiva]], a principal deity in Hindu traditions, with his consort [[Parvati]], goddess of power and energy, and two sons, [[Ganesha]] and [[Kartikeya]] are housed in the fourth shrine.<ref name=":7" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Shiva In Mythology: Let’s Reimagine The Lord |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/national/shiva-in-mythology-let-s-reimagine-the-lord-magazine-231225 |access-date=2024-03-13 |website=Outlook India |language=en}}</ref>
The second shrine houses the marble murtis of [[Krishna]], an avatar of [[Vishnu]], with his consort, [[Radha]]. Radha-Krishna are a central deity pair worshiped in [[Vaishnavism]].<ref name=":7" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-01 |title=Krishna {{!}} Story, Meaning, Description, & Legends {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Krishna-Hindu-deity |access-date=2024-03-13 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref> The third shrine houses the marble murtis of [[Rama]] with his consort [[Sita]], his brother [[Lakshmana]], and Rama’s dedicated devotee [[Hanuman]]. Rama is worshiped as an avatar of Vishnu.<ref name=":7" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-09 |title=Rama {{!}} Description, Story, & Significance {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Rama-Hindu-deity |access-date=2024-03-13 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref> The marble murti of [[Shiva]], a principal deity in Hindu traditions, with his consort [[Parvati]], goddess of power and energy, and two sons, [[Ganesha]] and [[Kartikeya]] are housed in the fourth shrine.<ref name=":7" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Shiva In Mythology: Let’s Reimagine The Lord |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/national/shiva-in-mythology-let-s-reimagine-the-lord-magazine-231225 |access-date=2024-03-13 |website=Outlook India |language=en}}</ref>


The fifth shrine houses the black granite murtis of [[Venkateswara|Srinivasa]] also known as Venkateshwara, an incarnation of Vishnu, and his consort [[Padmavati (Jainism)|Padmavati]] who is an incarnation of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. The murtis were crafted by expert artisans from the [[Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala|Tirupati temple]] in [[Andhra Pradesh]].<ref name=":7" /><ref>{{Cite book |title=Rhodes, Constantina. 2011. Invoking Lakshmi: The Goddess of Wealth in Song and Ceremony. State University of New York Press |publisher=ISBN 978-1438433202}}</ref> The murti of [[Jagannath]], a form of Krishna, is accompanied by his siblings [[Subhadra]] and [[Balabhadra]] is housed in the sixth shrine. The murti was made from cast metal under the supervision of the king of Jagannathpuri in Odisha. <ref>{{Citation |title=UAE Temple Inauguration LIVE: PM Modi inaugurates BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, UAE |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhcwA68eqPw |access-date=2024-03-13 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Jagannatha {{!}} Ratha Yatra, Puri, India {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Jagannatha |access-date=2024-03-13 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref>
The fifth shrine houses the black granite murtis of [[Venkateswara|Srinivasa]] also known as Venkateshwara, an incarnation of Vishnu, and his consort [[Padmavati (Jainism)|Padmavati]] who is an incarnation of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. The murtis were crafted by expert artisans from the [[Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala|Tirupati temple]] in [[Andhra Pradesh]].<ref name=":7" /><ref>{{Cite book |title=Rhodes, Constantina. 2011. Invoking Lakshmi: The Goddess of Wealth in Song and Ceremony. State University of New York Press |publisher=ISBN 978-1438433202}}</ref> The murti of [[Jagannath]], a form of Krishna, is accompanied by his siblings [[Subhadra]] and [[Balabhadra]] is housed in the sixth shrine. The murti was made from cast metal under the supervision of the king of [[Jagannath Temple, Puri|Jagannathpuri]] in [[Odisha]]. <ref>{{Citation |title=UAE Temple Inauguration LIVE: PM Modi inaugurates BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, UAE |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhcwA68eqPw |access-date=2024-03-13 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Jagannatha {{!}} Ratha Yatra, Puri, India {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Jagannatha |access-date=2024-03-13 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref>


The seventh shrine is dedicated to the deity [[Ayyappan]], the son of [[Mohini]] and Shiva. His murti is made from ''[[panchaloha]]'' (traditional five-metal alloy) and was designed by 15 artisans from Kerala. The murti sits on a pedestal and is four feet in height. The murti is also accompanied by a model of the 18 holy steps of the [[Sabarimala Temple|Sabarimala Ayyappa mandir]] in [[Kerala]].<ref name=":7" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Raghunath |first=Arjun |title=Kerala artisans bask in glory of Ayyappa idol installed at Abu Dhabi's BAPS Hindu temple |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/kerala/kerala-artisans-bask-in-glory-of-ayyappa-idol-installed-at-abu-dhabis-baps-hindu-temple-2896460 |access-date=2024-03-13 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |title=Diana L Eck (2012). India: A Sacred Geography. Random House. |publisher=pp. 13–14. ISBN 978-0-385-53191-7.}}</ref>
The seventh shrine is dedicated to the deity [[Ayyappan]], the son of [[Mohini]] and Shiva. His murti is made from ''[[panchaloha]]'' (traditional five-metal alloy) and was designed by 15 artisans from Kerala. The murti sits on a pedestal and is four feet in height. The murti is also accompanied by a model of the 18 holy steps of the [[Sabarimala Temple|Sabarimala Ayyappa mandir]] in [[Kerala]].<ref name=":7" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Raghunath |first=Arjun |title=Kerala artisans bask in glory of Ayyappa idol installed at Abu Dhabi's BAPS Hindu temple |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/kerala/kerala-artisans-bask-in-glory-of-ayyappa-idol-installed-at-abu-dhabis-baps-hindu-temple-2896460 |access-date=2024-03-13 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |title=Diana L Eck (2012). India: A Sacred Geography. Random House. |publisher=pp. 13–14. ISBN 978-0-385-53191-7.}}</ref>

Revision as of 03:24, 13 March 2024

BAPS Hindu Mandir
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
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 (transl. prana pratishtha) by Mahant Swami Maharaj on 14 February 2024, this is the first Hindu traditional mandir in Abu Dhabi.

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.This is the first Hindu stone mandir to undergo complete digital modeling and seismic simulations during the construction process.[3]

The mandir is 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.

Deities

The middle shrine houses the marble murtis (transl. sacred images) of Swaminarayan and Gunatitanand Swami, who are collectively worshiped as Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj. Swaminarayan is the founder of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya and revered as Purushottam (God) and Gunatitanand Swami is the first spiritual successor of Swaminarayan and revered as Akshar.[4][5][6][7]

The second shrine houses the marble murtis of Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu, with his consort, Radha. Radha-Krishna are a central deity pair worshiped in Vaishnavism.[5][8] The third shrine houses the marble murtis of Rama with his consort Sita, his brother Lakshmana, and Rama’s dedicated devotee Hanuman. Rama is worshiped as an avatar of Vishnu.[5][9] The marble murti of Shiva, a principal deity in Hindu traditions, with his consort Parvati, goddess of power and energy, and two sons, Ganesha and Kartikeya are housed in the fourth shrine.[5][10]

The fifth shrine houses the black granite murtis of Srinivasa also known as Venkateshwara, an incarnation of Vishnu, and his consort Padmavati who is an incarnation of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. The murtis were crafted by expert artisans from the Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh.[5][11] The murti of Jagannath, a form of Krishna, is accompanied by his siblings Subhadra and Balabhadra is housed in the sixth shrine. The murti was made from cast metal under the supervision of the king of Jagannathpuri in Odisha. [12][13]

The seventh shrine is dedicated to the deity Ayyappan, the son of Mohini and Shiva. His murti is made from panchaloha (traditional five-metal alloy) and was designed by 15 artisans from Kerala. The murti sits on a pedestal and is four feet in height. The murti is also accompanied by a model of the 18 holy steps of the Sabarimala Ayyappa mandir in Kerala.[5][14][15]

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".[16]

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

In August 2015, the UAE government announced the decision to provide land for building a Hindu mandir in Abu Dhabi.[17][18] 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.[19]

On 10 February 2018, BAPS representatives met Sheikh Mohamed and the Indian Prime Minister in the Presidential Palace.[20] A memorandum of understanding was signed by India and the UAE in the presence of the entire royal family and over 250 local leaders.[21] Prime Minister Modi expressed that the mandir "will be a holy place where humanity and harmony will unite".[22] The Shila Pujan (first stone consecration) for the mandir took place on 11 February 2018.[23]

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".[24][25]

Construction

BAPS Hindu Mandir under construction

Construction of the mandir began in December 2019 on 27 acres of land.[16] The site is located at Abu Mureikhah, which is near Al Rahba off the Dubai–Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway.[19]

For the construction, tonnes of pink sandstone were sent from northern Rajasthan to Abu Dhabi.[26] 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.[27] This is the first traditional Hindu stone mandir in the Middle East.[28]

Volunteer participation

Over 200 volunteers from the United Arab Emirates have dedicated more than 690,000 hours to the construction of the mandir. [29][30] 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.[31] 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.[32]

Architecture

The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi is the largest temple in West Asia and can host up to 10,000 people.[33][34] 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.

Side profile of the BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi.

[35][36][33] The mandir is made of more than 25,000 pieces of stone carved by skilled artisans in India.[33] 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.[35] The 'Dome of Harmony' showcases the five natural elements - earth, water, fire, air, and space.[37] There are also carvings of animals like horses and camels that represent the UAE. Each of the horse and camel carvings are carved without repetition.[38]

The mandir will incorporate all aspects and features of a traditional Hindu mandir as part of a fully functional, social, cultural and spiritual complex.[39] 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.[40] 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.[35]

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 symbolizes the source of the three holy rivers - Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati.[37]

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.[41]

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.[42]

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".[43] 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.[35][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."[44]

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".[45] 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".[46]

Inauguration

The 12-day celebration for the inauguration of the mandir, called the “Festival of Harmony,” commenced on 10 February 2024. A Vedic ritual named the “Yagna for Harmony” seeking divine blessings took place on 11 February 2024, the first such global harmony ritual in the region.[47][48][49] On the morning of 14 February 2024, the mandir was consecrated through a Vedic ceremony (prana pratishtha) led by Mahant Swami Maharaj.[50][51][52] On the afternoon of 14 February 2024, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi joined Mahant Swami Maharaj in an opening ceremony dedicating the mandir to the public.[53] Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, and the spiritual leader of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha Mahant Swami Maharaj addressed the inaugural assembly.[54][55] [56] Addressing the assembly, Narendra Modi said, “This temple will become a symbol of communal harmony and global unity for the entire world.”[57] Sheikh Al Nahyan expressed his gratitude to be present and said, “the UAE is a tolerant country, where people from different places, religious and ethnic backgrounds live in peace, harmony, and cooperation. You now have a new temple that will serve as a place of worship and a community centre for all.”[58] Mahant Swami Maharaj stated, “Throughout the ceremony, I have been praying for the people of this country and the world. May there be peace and prosperity for everyone and may we all progress together to serve the whole of humanity.”[57]

In the days following the inauguration, a series of events were held focusing on harmony, civilization, peace, gratitude, values, and inspiration. On 15 February 2024, an assembly called the “Day of Harmony” brought Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Sikh, Buddhist, and other religious leaders together to commemorate the opening of the mandir and foster interfaith harmony.[59] The Festival of Harmony came to an end on 21 February with a program organized by women called “Day of Inspiration.” The program spotlighted women’s contributions to society and humanity. More than 2,000 women attended the assembly.[60][61]

The mandir opened to the public on Friday, 1 March 2024 and on 3 March 2024 more than 65,000 people visited the mandir on its first public Sunday.[62][63] To accommodate the pilgrims and visitors, the UAE incorporated a new bus service on the weekends from Abu Dhabi City to the mandir in Abu Mureikha.[64]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b 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. ^ Cite error: The named reference ht1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Kumar, Ashwani. "Abu Dhabi's Hindu temple to last over 1,000 years". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 2024-03-13.
  4. ^ "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 2024-03-13.
  5. ^ a b c d e f Kim, Hanna (2009-12-01). "Public Engagement and Personal Desires: BAPS Swaminarayan Temples and their Contribution to the Discourses on Religion". International Journal of Hindu Studies. 13 (3): 357–390. doi:10.1007/s11407-010-9081-4. ISSN 1574-9282.
  6. ^ "BAPS Hindu Mandir". www.mandir.ae. Retrieved 2024-03-13.
  7. ^ Kumar, Ashwani. "Jaw-dropping artwork, waterfall: First look inside Abu Dhabi's BAPS Hindu temple ahead of Feb 14 opening". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 2024-03-13.
  8. ^ "Krishna | Story, Meaning, Description, & Legends | Britannica". www.britannica.com. 2024-03-01. Retrieved 2024-03-13.
  9. ^ "Rama | Description, Story, & Significance | Britannica". www.britannica.com. 2024-03-09. Retrieved 2024-03-13.
  10. ^ "Shiva In Mythology: Let's Reimagine The Lord". Outlook India. Retrieved 2024-03-13.
  11. ^ Rhodes, Constantina. 2011. Invoking Lakshmi: The Goddess of Wealth in Song and Ceremony. State University of New York Press. ISBN 978-1438433202.
  12. ^ UAE Temple Inauguration LIVE: PM Modi inaugurates BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, UAE, retrieved 2024-03-13
  13. ^ "Jagannatha | Ratha Yatra, Puri, India | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2024-03-13.
  14. ^ Raghunath, Arjun. "Kerala artisans bask in glory of Ayyappa idol installed at Abu Dhabi's BAPS Hindu temple". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 2024-03-13.
  15. ^ Diana L Eck (2012). India: A Sacred Geography. Random House. pp. 13–14. ISBN 978-0-385-53191-7.
  16. ^ a b Kumar, Ashwani. "'Dream come true': 30 days left for Abu Dhabi Hindu temple grand opening". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 2024-01-31.
  17. ^ "UAE takes a 'landmark' decision, allots land for building first temple in Abu Dhabi". The Indian Express. 17 August 2015.
  18. ^ "UAE allots land for temple on Modi visit". Deccan Herald. 16 August 2015.
  19. ^ 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.
  20. ^ "PM Modi To Witness Foundation Stone Ceremony For First Hindu Temple In Abu Dhabi". NDTV.com. Retrieved 2023-05-28.
  21. ^ "Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Welcomes BAPS Sadhus and Temple Committee". BAPS. Retrieved 2018-05-17.
  22. ^ 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.
  23. ^ "Abu Dhabi's first Hindu temple to re-tell ancient stories of wisdom". The National. Retrieved 2018-05-17.
  24. ^ "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.
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