BAPS Hindu Mandir
BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi: A Monument of Harmo
The BAPS Hindu Mny and Faithandir in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, stands as a remarkable testament to interfaith harmony and cultural collaboration. Conceived by Pramukh Swami Maharaj in 1997 and consecrated by Mahant Swami Maharaj on 14 February 2024, it is the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East.
The idea of building a Hindu temple
in the UAE emerged during Pramukh Swami Maharaj's visit to the region in 1997.
His vision gained momentum in August 2015, when the UAE government
announced it would provide land for the temple. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al
Nahyan, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, generously gifted 27 acres
for this project. The land allocation was divided between the temple and its
parking facilities.
Construction began in December
2019 after legal approval in September of the same year. The mandir
is located in Abu Mureikhah, near the Dubai–Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed
Highway. Made of pink sandstone from Rajasthan and Italian marble,
it stands 108 feet tall, 262 feet long, and 180 feet wide.
Notably, it's the first traditional Hindu mandir to undergo full digital
modeling and seismic simulation, making it both historically significant
and structurally advanced.
More than 2,000 artisans
worked on the carvings, and over 200 international volunteers
contributed around 690,000 hours to bring the vision to life.
Sustainable practices such as using fly ash in concrete and recycling
materials were integrated into the construction.
The mandir houses seven main
shrines, featuring deities such as:
- Swaminarayan and Gunatitanand Swami (Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj)
- Radha-Krishna
- Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman
- Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya
- Venkateshwara and Padmavati
- Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra
- Ayyappan
on a replica of Sabarimala’s 18 sacred steps
The temple also celebrates global
stories and motifs, with carvings depicting not just Hindu epics but also tales
from Arabian, Egyptian, Mesopotamian, and Native American
civilizations. Animals symbolic of the UAE—like camels, oryxes, and falcons—are
intricately carved into its structure.
Designed according to ancient
Hindu scriptures (Shilpa Shastras), the temple's layout includes:
- Two domes,
seven spires (representing the seven Emirates)
- 12 samrans,
402 intricately carved pillars
- The Dome of Harmony, symbolizing the five
elements of nature
- Facilities like a visitor center, prayer halls,
learning spaces, gardens, food court, gift shop, and sports areas
for children
One unique feature is the Wall of
Harmony, a 47-meter-long structure 3D-printed by the Dawoodi Bohra
Muslim community, emphasizing interfaith collaboration.
The inauguration was marked by a 12-day
"Festival of Harmony" in February 2024. A global "Yagna
for Harmony", interfaith assemblies, and cultural programs reflected
the temple's broader mission. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sheikh
Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, and Mahant Swami Maharaj participated
in the dedication.
After opening to the public on 1
March 2024, the temple attracted over 65,000 visitors within the
first weekend. A special bus route now connects Abu Dhabi city to the
mandir to accommodate the steady stream of pilgrims and tourists.
The project reflects unprecedented
cooperation among diverse faiths and cultures. From a Muslim king
donating the land to contributions from Christian architects, Sikh
managers, Buddhist engineers, and Jain directors, the mandir
exemplifies unity in diversity. It has earned recognition globally as a
powerful emblem of peace, coexistence, and shared spiritual values.
