UAE: BAPS Hindu Mandir belongs to everyone, says temple project director – News
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KT Photos: Neeraj Murali
The first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East is a symbol of religious tolerance, cultural harmony and community development, said Pujya Brahmaviharidas Swami, director of the BAPS Hindu Mandir (temple) project in Abu Dhabi.
“This historic temple serves as a symbol of unity and understanding between different faiths and religions. Imagine a ruler of an Islamic country giving land to a Hindu temple, where our main architect is a Christian Catholic, the project director is a Sikh, the main consultant is an atheist, the designer of the foundations is a Buddhist, the President is a Jain. “And the construction contractors are Parsis,” said Brahmaviharidas Swami, who has been promoting the values of peace and harmony in the region for decades.
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He reiterated that the pink sandstone temple, a shining example of cultural diversity, is open to all, regardless of religion or belief.
“This temple does not belong to the people who created it, but to the people who visit it. The temple belongs to the people who are transformed by coming here. This is a place that will make all visitors smile. “This temple will spread the message of love and harmony.”
Brahmaviharidas Swami recounted the challenges faced in recent years, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, all of which were addressed with the constant support of the UAE leadership and the general public.
“They always made us feel at home. Not only the rulers, but also the citizens and members of the expatriate community have been very kind.”
Brahmaviharidas Swami said that it is ironic that the great temple at Abu Mureikhah, which today blooms in the desert like a lotus, was conceived in a desert.
“In 1997, our spiritual leader Pramukh Swami Maharaj visited a desert in Sharjah. As he chatted, he talked about love and harmony between all cultures and countries. Out of nowhere, he started saying a prayer: “May a temple be built in Abu Dhabi and bring countries, cultures, religions and communities closer together.” It was an almost impossible dream. Today the dream has come true.”
The iconic temple has seven imposing spiers representative of the country’s seven emirates. The Mandir, built according to the ancient Hindu ‘shilpa shastras’, Sanskrit architectural scriptures, has been created with more than 30,000 carved pieces of stone.
Showcasing captivating narratives from Indian epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and Hindu scriptures, this eco-friendly temple features intricate designs, stories of values and symbolism drawn from various civilizations around the world, including Arabic, Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Aztec and Indian. .
Adorned with 250 tales meticulously engraved in stone and marble, the Mandir is a testament to the harmonious coexistence of traditions and the celebration of shared values.
“I want the people who come here to feel transformed into volunteers and ambassadors of peace and harmony. This is the need of the hour in a divided and polarized world. Let us make the world smile,” said Brahmaviharidas Swami.
Residents have been urged to visit the temple after March 1. Registration for visits can be made through the official website https://www.mandir.ae or through the Festival of Harmony mobile application.
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