BAPS Hindu Mandir In UAE Set For Inauguration: All You Need To Know
The BAPS Hindu Mandir, the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East is all set to open its doors to the devotees.
The BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir will be inaugurated on 14th February by PM Narendra Modi, who is currently in the UAE.
BAPS Hindu Mandir, symbol of India-UAE friendship?
Situated in the Abu Mureikhah area, the majestic structure embodies the spirit of cultural peace and collaboration and is a testament to the enduring friendship between India and the UAE.
"The BAPS temple will be an enduring tribute to the values of harmony, peace, and tolerance, which both India and the UAE share," a PMO statement said.
The temple has two ghumats (domes), seven shikhars (spires) that symbolise the seven UAE's seven emirates, 12 samrans (dome-like structures) and 402 pillars.
Dome of Harmony??
Within each shikhar, intricate carvings depict stories from the Ramayana, Shiv Purana, Bhagavatam and Mahabharata, as well as narratives of Lord Jagannath, Lord Swaminarayan, Lord Venkateshwara and Lord Ayyappa.
The 'Dome of Harmony' serves as a unique portrayal of harmony of the five natural elements -- earth, water, fire, air and space.
The camel -- a symbol of persistence, commitment and endurance -- has also been etched into the carvings while drawing inspiration from the landscape of the UAE.
Mandir symbolises unity of seven emirates??
Sadhu Brahmaviharidas, who leads international relations for the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha explained the rich symbolism embedded in temple's design.?
Adorned with seven spires, the Mandir symbolises gratitude towards the unity of the seven emirates, reflecting the harmonious relationship between India and the UAE. The seven spires also pay homage to seven important deities, underscoring the interconnectedness of cultures and religions, he said.
"Normally our temples are either one spire, three, or five, but come here, the seven spires express our gratitude to the unity of the seven emirates. But at the same time, the seven spires enshrine seven important deities," he said.
BAPS Hindu Mandir, a hub to celebrate culture
Beyond being a place of worship, the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi is positioned as a hub of values and cultural celebration. The integration of ancient civilisations from across the world distinguishes it as a symbol of global unity and understanding, he said.
"So the temple is not just a place of worship, it's a place of values. And I think all of you have appreciated that this is perhaps the only place of worship that has included ancient civilisations," Sadhu Brahmaviharidas said.
Modern technology at the temple
The incorporation of advanced technology, including 300 sensors, elevates the temple to the status of a scientific marvel.
"We have placed 300 sensors at almost every level of the temple. This is the first traditional stone temple that has scientific sensors, load sensors that measure pressure, temperature, movement. If there's an earthquake anywhere in this region, the temple will detect it, and we will be able to study the mechanics of the whole monument," he added.
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