Abu Dhabi Hindu Temple: 12-day ‘Festival of Harmony’ begins with sacred ceremonies – News
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The 12-day ‘Festival of Harmony’ celebrating the inauguration of the historic BAPS Hindu Mandir (temple) began with a sacred ceremony presided over by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the current spiritual guru of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.
An electric atmosphere has reigned at Abu Mureikha, along the Abu Dhabi-Dubai Sheikh Zayed Expressway, since the arrival of Mahant Swami Maharaj on Monday, February 5. A ‘Guruhari Darshan’ i.e. a ceremony where Mahant Swami Maharaj performed prayers with sadhus and met with devotees was held on Tuesday and Wednesday. The spiritual leader is on a three-week visit for the much-awaited inauguration of the BAPS Hindu Mandir and to conduct the other Vedic ceremonies and programs until February 21.
The first of several events as part of the ‘Festival of Harmony’ began at the temple on Saturday. ‘Bhakti Tula’, a sacred ceremony, brought together hundreds of devotees and well-wishers to express their devotion to Lord Swaminarayan, the founder of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.
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A massive ‘Yagna for Harmony’, a Vedic ritual, will be held outside the temple premises in an open area on Sunday. Yagna is a Hindu ritual performed in front of a sacred fire with chanting of mantras. The ‘Swaminarayan Vishwa Samvadita Mahayagna’ will see the participation of a few hundred people and spiritual couples.
On Wednesday morning, ‘Murti Pratishtha’, Mahant Swami Maharaj will perform the consecration ceremony of the deities. In the afternoon, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will officially inaugurate the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East.
Thereafter, the festival will be marked with different themes until February 21, including harmony, civilization, peace, gratitude, values and inspiration.
The BAPS management has requested the general public to visit the temple from March. Entry is through prior registration made through the official website or the ‘Festival of Harmony’ app.
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