The iconic new BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi was inaugurated on 14 February by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj in the presence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence for the UAE, His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan.
The new Mandir, constructed on land generously gifted by the UAE president and ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, was guided and inspired by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a global Hindu fellowship.
The BAPS Mandir in Abu Dhabi 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.
When Prime Minister Modi arrived at the mandir, 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, PM Modi was briefed 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, PM Modi 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 Modi then conducted the first grand arti (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.
In his keynote address, PM 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.”
“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.”
“We must also thank my brother Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan [the President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi], because it is his generosity that has made possible a mandir so beautiful and magnificent. On behalf of all Indians, I thank Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and the UAE Government.”
The Prime Minister then requested a standing ovation from the audience as an expression of heartfelt gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
In his blessings, 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?’”
His Holiness then added, “Harmony is the power of God, and humility is the way of God. With this understanding, we can serve humanity.”
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 first thanked Prime Minister Modi for visiting the UAE. “We are proud to welcome a great friend from a great and friendly country.”
The Tolerance and Coexistence Minister also thanked His Holiness for building the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. He said, “Today marks the beginning of something special. The new Mandir will be a place of worship and also a community centre.” He concluded, “I share in your optimism. I share in your pride.”
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 Modi, and applauded the friendship between the two that helped make the Mandir possible.
Abu Dhabi celebrates ‘Day of Harmony’ with world religious leaders
The BAPS Mandir in Abu Dhabi witnessed an inspiring celebration of interfaith harmony as part of the ‘Festival of Harmony’ commemorating the opening of the first traditional Hindu temple in the region. The ‘Day of Harmony’ assembly brought together spiritual leaders from diverse backgrounds to celebrate the richness of global faiths and emphasise the importance of dialogue, understanding and collaboration.
The event was graced by leading representatives from the major religions of the world: His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, Spiritual Leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha; Rabbi David Rosen, Special Advisor to the Abrahamic Family House, Abu Dhabi; His Eminence Bishop Paolo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of the Catholic Vicariate of Southern Arabia; His Excellency Dr Abdulrahman Alzaid, Deputy Secretary-General of the Muslim World League; Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj, President of the Hindu Dharma Acharya Sabha; Sri Satguru Uday Singh Ji, Spiritual Leader of the Namdhari Community; and Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena, Founder President & Spiritual Director of the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre. They were joined by Bawa Jain, Secretary General of the World Council of Religious Leaders. Compèring the proceedings was His Excellency Omar Saif Ghobash, UAE Ambassador to the Holy See, Assistant Minister of Cultural Affairs for the UAE, and Religious Advisor to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
All participants voiced their admiration for how His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj has inspired the BAPS Hindu Mandir, a spiritual sanctuary where people of all faiths, cultures and backgrounds are welcome to learn, benefit and contribute.
Bawa Jain, Secretary General for the World Council of Religious Leaders, expressed his profound joy, stating, “Firstly, I was overwhelmed by the Pramukh Swami Maharaj Centenary Festival in Ahmedabad, then New Jersey Akshardham – a wonder of the world – was opened, and now a lotus has blossomed in the desert – the Abu Dhabi mandir.” He praised the dedication of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, emphasising, “The great thing about BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is that once the Guru has made a resolution, it is bound to come true; it is just a matter of seeing when!”
Brahmaviharidas Swami, who has led the creation of the BAPS Hindu Mandir under the guidance and wisdom of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, reflected on the significance of the Mandir, stating, “Mahant Swami Maharaj has written that this Mandir is more than just bricks and stones; it is an abode of love, peace, and harmony.” He expressed gratitude for the warm welcome extended to His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj and BAPS by the UAE, describing it as a gesture of shared love and friendship.
The inauguration of the Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi signifies a landmark moment in fostering interfaith dialogue, cultural exchange, and global harmony. As the world celebrates this historic event, Abu Dhabi stands as a beacon of unity, tolerance, and understanding.
