The BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Abu Dhabi, the first Hindu temple in the city, will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi on February 14. This event holds great significance for the Hindu community in Abu Dhabi. The temple will be open to the public starting from March 1st.
In addition, PM Modi expressed his excitement about the Ahlan Modi program, where he will have the opportunity to connect with the Indian diaspora in the UAE. He took to social media to share his pride in the diaspora and their efforts to strengthen India’s global ties. PM Modi eagerly awaits the #AhlanModi program and invites everyone to join this memorable occasion.
Sadhu Brahmaviharidas expressed his gratitude towards the rulers and leaders of the UAE for their generosity and friendship, acknowledging their crucial role in the inauguration of the temple by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He emphasized the strong friendship between India’s Prime Minister and the UAE rulers, highlighting the trust, transparency, and truth that form the foundation of this friendship.
The construction of the BAPS Hindu Mandir was made possible due to the generosity of the rulers and the friendship fostered through trade and significant events. Sadhu Brahmaviharidas also shared the symbolic significance of the temple’s design, with its seven spires representing the unity of the seven emirates and the harmonious relationship between India and the UAE. These spires also pay homage to seven important deities, symbolizing the interconnectedness of cultures and religions.
He mentioned that typically our temples have either one spire, three, or five. However, in this particular case, the seven spires symbolize our appreciation for the unity of the seven emirates. Simultaneously, these seven spires serve as a sanctuary for seven significant deities.
What is BAPS?
BAPS, short for the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, is a Hindu faith rooted in the Vedas and founded by Bhagwan Swaminarayan in the late 18th century. It was formally established in 1907 by Shastriji Maharaj, as stated on its website.
The core of BAPS is based on practical spirituality, aiming to address the spiritual, moral, and social challenges that exist in our world today. Its strength lies in the purity of its objectives and intentions.
With a global network of over 3,850 centers, BAPS has gained recognition and received numerous national and international awards. It has also formed affiliations with esteemed organizations like the United Nations, showcasing its universal outreach.
During Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the UAE in 2015, the UAE government allocated land for the construction of a temple in Abu Dhabi. This visit held significant diplomatic importance, as Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister in 34 years to visit this strategically vital Gulf nation since Indira Gandhi. Modi expressed gratitude on behalf of the 1.25 billion Indians for the decision to build the temple, considering it a landmark move.
Ambassador Sudhir highlighted the dedication and efforts of thousands of Indian artisans and devotees involved in the construction of the temple. He emphasized that many devotees and members of the Indian diaspora actively participated in the construction, demonstrating their commitment through voluntary labor known as “Shramdan.” The completion of the temple stands as a collective achievement, showcasing the unity and affection invested by the community.