First Hindu Temple Opens in Abu Dhabi
The long-awaited opening of the first Hindu temple took place in Abu Dhabi.
The construction of the Middle East's first traditional Hindu stone temple, the BAPS Hindu Mandir, has been a long journey filled with milestones. The grand opening took place yesterday, February 14, as part of the "Harmony Festival".
Since the foundation stone was laid five years ago, construction of this architectural splendor in Abu Mureikhah has not stopped even for a day.
It is worth recalling that back in 1997, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, having visited the UAE, prayed for the construction of a temple in the capital of the Emirates. In 2015, the UAE government allocated a plot of land for the construction of BAPS Hindu Mandir.
In 2018, BAPS presented two temple designs to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. The UAE President chose a grand traditional stone structure.
A Vedic foundation stone laying ceremony was held in April 2019. It was conducted by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj and attended by senior Emirati ministers and government officials, as well as thousands of devotees.
And already in December 2019, with the blessings of His Holiness Mahanta Swami Maharaj, the long-awaited construction of the BAPS Hindu Mandir began.
In 2021, a majestic 3D model of the temple was displayed at the India Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, drawing widespread admiration and allowing visitors to see the architectural wonder for themselves.
In October 2023, Sadguru Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami, convener of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, and Pujya Brahmaviharidas Swami, head of BAPS Hindu Mandir, performed a blessing ceremony for the seven spires, each representing one of the Emirates of the UAE. The day marked a significant moment for the temple, which stands as a symbol of global unity, peace and inclusivity.
The long-awaited opening of the temple, which took place yesterday, will help unite different members of society, spreading the ideas of love, peace and harmony.
