On 20th April, Saturday, an auspicious Vedic Shilanyas (Stone Laying ceremony) was performed by HH Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual head of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and by the dignitaries on the land that was generously gifted by the Royal Crown of Abu Dhabi, Prince H.E. Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan. BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is the organisation entrusted by the Crown Prince and Government of India to build the temple.
This auspicious Shilanyas ceremony was performed at the temple site of Abu Dhabi (Abu Mureikha) in presence of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, thousands of devotees, well wishers of many religious denominations and dignitaries from all walks of life from Indian, Emirati communities and from all over the world.
Pujya Brahmavihari Swami, spokesperson of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and chief coordinator of this mandir said, “Everyone is aware that relations between India and UAE are already great and a temple like this is going to enhance love and friendship. A Mandir is a bridge between man and God. So this mandir will be a bridge between communities, neighbours and God. It is going to create better relationship for everyone, not only for India and UAE.’
His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj prayed for the peace, betterment and harmony for all.On 18th April, Sheikh Nahyan Mabarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance, officially welcomed HH Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj as a State Guest at the start of his 11 day visit to UAE.
Mandir Glimpse:
The Mandir will be located on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi on Dubai- Abu Dhabi highway and spread over 13.5 acres of land along with a separate land of parking. Rajasthan pink stone and marbles will be used in this mandir. The mandir will have seven shikhar those symbolises seven Amirates of UAE. The mandir will be a comprehensive centre with exhibitions, thematic gardens with water fountains or watershows, multipurpose assembly halls, visitor centre, vegetarian food court, book stall and gift souvenir shop, gymnasium and many facilities. Also, it will have provision to perform traditional Hindu marriage ceremonies. The mandir sculpting will be performed in India by more than two thousand sculptors. This temple is believed to be completed within 2 to 3 years.This will be an iconic place for people of all faiths to come here and experience Hindu Dharma and Indian culture.
Here is a glimpse, an architectural rendition of how the mandir will look like:
Last year in 2018, on 11th February, the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi had unveiled the model of this traditional stone Mandir. In his address, Prime Minister had thanked the Crown Prince H.E. Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan for providing the land and permission for building a traditional temple. He further added, “The first traditional temple in Abu Dhabi will act as a catalyst for the flourishment of humanitarian values and harmony between the two countries. The temple will become a medium for India’s identity.”
The temple was inspired by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, fifth spiritual head of BAPS since his spiritual touring in this region since 1990s.
About Organization
BAPS is a socio-spiritual volunteer- driven Hindu organisation with its roots in the Vedas and dedicated to improving society through individual growth by fostering Hindu ideals of faith, unity and selfless service. Founded on the pillars of practical spirituality, the BAPS reaches out far and wide to address the spiritual, moral and social challenges and issues we face in our world.
BAPS has created world renowned Hindu Mandir complexes and Indian cultural centres such as Swaminarayan Akshardham at New Delhi and Gandhinagar and over 1100 traditional Hindu temples across the world such as at Atlanta, Auckland, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Nairobi, Robbinsville (New Jersey), Sydney, Toronto and many.
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is a registered and reputed Charitable Trust in India, and an NGO in Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. It has won many awards and honourable mentions for its activities, including International awards for Environmental activities and National awards for Child-upliftment and for Animal care.
BAPS has been carrying out more than 162 humanitarian activities, which constitutes Education, Disaster Relief, De-Addiction Campaigns, Medical Services, Family Unity programs, Children and Youth Development programs, Research Centres, revival of ancient Indian crafts and architecture and many more.
About mandir.ae
Mandir Limited is authorised by the Government of Abu Dhabi and its relevant ministries to construct, develop and manage the Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. This is also to collect, manage and disburses funds for the construction and management of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi.
