The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi this week, is the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East, and stands as a testament to the enduring friendship between India and the UAE, embodying the spirit of cultural inclusivity, interfaith harmony, and community collaboration.
Prime Minister Modi was warmly welcomed by community members from across India and the UAE as well as religious leaders from diverse faith communities. During an extensive interactive tour of the temple campus, Prime Minister Modi learned about some of the inspiring features of the Mandir that promote universal compassion, respect, charity, and learning.
Inside the Mandir, upon seeing His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the Prime Minister bowed respectfully to the global Hindu leader, before participating in a short Vedic ceremony paying homage to the seven Hindu deities enshrined under the seven spires of the Mandir, themselves reflecting the unity of the seven emirates of the UAE.
His Holiness and PM Modi then conducted the first grand aarti (ceremony of light) of the deities – which was simultaneously performed by thousands at BAPS temples and homes across the world, with millions more watching online through the live webcast.
After meeting volunteers, children, artisans and others from all over the world who have supported the construction of this magnificent temple, Prime Minister Modi carved Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam into a piece of stone. The message of “the world is one family” has been the foundational principle of the Mandir, guided by the life and work of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj.
In his keynote address, Prime Minister Modi said: “Today, the UAE has written a golden chapter in the history of humanity through this Mandir. The BAPS Hindu Mandir is for all of humanity. So I have every faith that the Mandir will usher in a new age of faith and hope, bringing the whole world together in harmony and collaboration.
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“The magnificent Mandir that we see today in Abu Dhabi is because it was first envisioned years ago [in 1997] by Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Today, Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s heart will be glowing with joy at its fruition.”
In his blessings, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj emphasised the importance of the new Mandir as “an abode of love, peace and harmony.” He then explained, “Harmony can be achieved when we do not expect harmony from others, but instead when we strive for harmony ourselves. For that, we must ask ourselves: ‘What can I do, what can I say, and what can I think to nourish harmony?’”
He went on to pray for the prosperity, progress, and peace of the UAE, India, and the world.
Sharing his sentiments on this momentous occasion, His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan said: “Today marks the beginning of something special. The new Mandir will be a place of worship and also a community centre. I share in your optimism. I share in your pride.”
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In his address earlier in the assembly, Brahmaviharidas Swami, who has been leading the Mandir project from conception to completion, also thanked the generosity of the UAE leadership and the leadership of PM Modi, and applauded the friendship between the two that helped make the Mandir possible.
*Info: BAPS Hindu Mandir