BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi: why the inauguration is on February 14, Valentine’s Day – News

The Middle East’s first traditional Hindu stone temple opens in Abu Dhabi on February 14, Valentine’s Day, the day dedicated to the global expression of love and affection.

So, is the inauguration date of the temple linked to Valentine’s Day?

“No, it has nothing to do with Valentine’s Day,” clarified a senior priest of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, the socio-spiritual organization behind the construction of the temple.

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“The temple represents love, peace and harmony as envisioned by BAPS spiritual leader Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj. But the fact that the opening date is February 14 is for other reasons,” he stated.

“It is the day of Basant Panchami, an auspicious day.”

Basant Panchami is the Hindu festival that marks the beginning of the spring season in India. The festival is dedicated to the worship of Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, wisdom, music and arts. It is considered an auspicious time for new beginnings, especially to introduce children to learning and education.

“Furthermore, according to the lunar calendar, February 14 is the birth anniversary of Shastriji Maharaj,” Swami stressed. Late Shastriji Maharaj is the founder of BAPS Sanstha.

“Therefore, it is a special occasion for several reasons and an auspicious day, according to the Hindu lunar calendar, for the opening of the BAPS Hindu Mandir,” the swami stressed.

Meanwhile, Yogi Trivedi, scholar and author of a biography of late Sanstha spiritual leader Pramukh Swami Maharaj, said, “It is no secret that love, tolerance and harmony are the foundation of the temple. “It is a blessed coincidence that the inauguration falls on a day when millions of people around the world also celebrate love.”

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