What To Wear And How To Conduct Yourself At Abu Dhabi's New BAPS Hindu Temple: A Detailed Guide
To ensure everyone visiting has a great experience, the temple authorities have put together a detailed set of guidelines. It encompasses dress codes, prohibitions on certain items, and photography regulations.
Today is a big day as the BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi, a true masterpiece now known as the capital's crown jewel, has officially welcomed the public.
This event is a major milestone for the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) community, celebrating cultural unity and stunning design.
AFP
Founded in 1907 by Shastriji Maharaj, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha stands as a pivotal Hindu religious and social organization stemming from the Swaminarayan sect of Hinduism.
With a global presence, BAPS oversees around 1,550 temples, including the renowned Akshardham temples in New Delhi and the Gujarat capital, Gandhinagar, alongside a myriad of Swaminarayan temples across the globe.
The inauguration of this 108-ft tall edifice last month by Prime Minister Narendra Modi not only marked a significant event for the UAE's Hindu community but also underscored the strengthening ties between the two nations.
Abu Dhabi BAPS temple guide
To ensure everyone visiting has a great experience, the temple authorities have put together a detailed set of guidelines. It encompasses dress codes, prohibitions on certain items, and photography regulations.
Upon its opening to the public, the temple administration laid out specific rules of conduct: "Cover the area of the body between the neck, the elbow, and the ankles. Caps, t-shirts, and other clothing articles with offensive designs are not allowed. Do not wear translucent or tight-fitting clothing. Avoid clothing articles and accessories that make distracting noises or reflections".
AP
Moreover, the temple's official website specifies additional restrictions, such as a ban on pets within the temple premises, the prohibition of external food and beverages, and a no-drone zone to ensure the preservation of the temple's serene atmosphere and its efficient management.
These measures were communicated amidst the backdrop of a grand consecration ceremony attended by at least 5,000 individuals, celebrated by PM Modi in Abu Dhabi on February 14.
Reuters
'The wait is over!'
Constructed on a sprawling 27-acre plot in Abu Mureika, near Al Rahba, along the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway, the temple's establishment demanded an investment of approximately ?700 crore.
AFP
Celebrating the temple's opening, the authorities expressed their enthusiasm through a social media announcement, "The wait is over! Abu Dhabi Mandir is now open for all visitors and worshippers," accompanied by a video showcasing the temple.
The wait is over!#AbuDhabiMandir is now open for all visitors and worshipers.
¡ª BAPS Hindu Mandir (@AbuDhabiMandir) March 1, 2024
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Sunday: 9am-8pm
Every Monday: Closed for visitors pic.twitter.com/JnYvZoVSPk
Adorned in the Nagara architectural style, the temple's exterior is a testament to universal values, depicting stories of cultural harmony, revered Hindu spiritual leaders, and divine avatars.
If you've been excited to see this beautiful place, now is your chance to experience a blend of ancient traditions and modern beauty.
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Kumar Debvrat is a copyeditor at Indiatimes, combining trending topics in India with unique human-interest stories. He has a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, enjoying both cricket and comic book movies.
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