BAPS-First Hindu Temple in UAE

BAPS-First Hindu Temple in UAE

GS-1, 2: Art & Culture, IR

 (UPSC/State PSC)

Important for prelims

BAPS Hindu Temple, Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024, Abu Dhabi, UAE, President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, About BAPS Organization.

Important for mains

Key points related to temple construction, Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024, features and architecture of the temple, Importance, Conclusion.

Feb. 15, 2024

Why in news:

According to a press release, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi on February 14, 2024, which is the first Hindu temple in the UAE.

  • The purpose of building this temple is to promote the values of peace, harmony and respect for all living beings between the two countries.
  • Indian expatriates in the UAE number around 3.3 million, making up a large percentage of the country's population. Of these, about 150 to 200 families are devotees of BAPS Swaminarayan.
  • It is noteworthy that UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was the chief guest of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024 held in Gandhinagar.

Major points related to temple construction:

  • Concept of the temple: It was first conceptualized in 1997 by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.
  • Land allocation and bilateral relations: For the construction of this temple, 13.5 acres of land was gifted by UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the year 2015.
  • The UAE government allocated an additional 13.5 acres of land in January 2019, taking the total land gifted for the temple to 27 acres.
  • Foundation stone: The foundation stone of this temple was laid by Prime Minister Modi in 2017 while its formal foundation stone laying ceremony was held on April 20, 2019.
  • Symbolism: It is not just a place of worship, but a symbol of peace, tolerance and mutual respect between different communities.
  • Peaceful coexistence: A Muslim king donated land for a Hindu temple, where the chief architect is a Catholic Christian, the project manager is a Sikh, the founding designer is a Buddhist, the construction company is a Parsi group, and the director is from the Jain community.

Features of the temple:

  • The Abu Dhabi Temple is a traditional stone Hindu temple with seven pinnacles. Built in the traditional Nagara style, the front panels of the temple depict universal values, stories of harmony of different cultures, Hindu spiritual leaders and incarnations.
  • Spread over 27 acres, the temple complex is spread over 13.5 acres, with a parking area of 13.5 acres that can accommodate about 1,400 cars and 50 buses.
  • The height of the temple is 108 feet, length is 262 feet and width is 180 feet.
  • Pink sandstone from Rajasthan has been used in the exterior, while Italian marble has been used in the interior.
  • A total of 20,000 tonnes of stone and marble were sent in 700 containers for the temple. More than Rs 700 crore was spent on the construction of the temple.
  • Domes: The temple has two central domes, the Dome of Harmony and the Dome of Peace, which emphasize human co-existence through carvings of earth, water, fire, air and plants.
  • The Wall of 'harmony, one of the largest 3D-printed walls in the UAE, features a video showcasing major milestones of the temple's construction.
  • The word 'harmony' is written in 30 different ancient and modern languages.
  • The seven peaks are representative of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates.
  • Other facilities include an assembly hall with a capacity of 3,000 people, a community centre, exhibitions, classrooms and a Majlis venue.
  • Like all BAPS temples around the world, it is open to all.

Architectural features of the temple:

  • The temple was chosen as the Best Mechanical Project of the Year 2019 and Best Interior Design Concept of the Year 2020 at the MEP Middle East Awards.
  • 96 Bells and Gaumukh: Prominent architectural features include the 96 bells and Gaumukh installed around the path leading to the temple. These 96 bells are a tribute to the 96 years of life of Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
  • Nano tiles have been used in it, on which it will be comfortable for tourists to walk even in hot weather.
  • On the upper left side of the temple is a stone carving of a scene of Pramukh Swami Maharaj envisioning the temple in Abu Dhabi in 1997.
  • No iron material (which is more sensitive to rust) has been used in the temple.
  • ​ Pillars: Many different types of pillars can be seen in the temple, such as circular and hexagonal, there is a special pillar, called the 'Pillar of Pillars', which has around 1,400 small pillars carved into it.
  • Indian Gods and Goddesses: Gods from all four corners of India are depicted in the temple. These include Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman, Lord Shiva, Parvati, Ganapati, Kartikeya, Lord Jagannath, Lord Radha-Krishna, Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj (Lord Swaminarayan and Gunatitananda Swami), Tirupati Balaji and Padmavati and Lord Ayyappa.
  • Spiritual Rivers: There is a 'sacred river' around the temple, to which water from Ganga and Yamuna has been brought. Saraswati river is depicted as white light. Where 'Ganga' passes, a Ghat like Varanasi has been built.
  • Mosaic of Civilization: Apart from 15 valuable stories of Indian civilization, stories of Maya civilization, Aztec civilization, Egyptian civilization, Arabic civilization, European civilization, Chinese civilization and African civilization are depicted in this temple.
  • Advanced sensor technology: There are more than 100 sensors installed in its foundation to monitor seismic activity and environmental changes.

Significance of Temple:

  • Cultural and Spiritual Centre: The BAPS Hindu Temple will function as a vibrant center for Hindu culture, spirituality and education.
  • Symbol of India-UAE friendship: The construction of the temple, aided by generous land donation from the UAE government, is a symbol of the strong ties between India and the UAE.
  • Platform for bilateral exchange: This temple is a symbol of mutual respect and understanding, cultural exchange and enhancing diplomatic relations between the two countries.
  • Promoting tolerance and diversity: As a testament to the UAE's commitment to religious freedom and diversity, the temple underlines the country's progressive stance in the Middle East.
  • Potential to boost tourism and economy: Expected to attract millions of visitors, the temple will contribute to the tourism sector, linking the economic interests of India and the UAE.
  • Community and global outreach: The temple will help host cultural, educational and humanitarian activities, promoting community engagement and global awareness.

About BAPS Organization:

  • The temple was built by the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a sect of the Swaminarayan sect, the Vaishnava sect of Hinduism.
  • BAPS has a network of about 1,550 temples worldwide, including Akshardham temples in New Delhi and Gandhinagar and Swaminarayan temples in London, Houston, Chicago, Atlanta, Toronto, Los Angeles and Nairobi.
  • The organization is named after Lord Swaminarayan, a religious leader who lived in the late 1700s.
  • It is a socio-spiritual Hindu faith, rooted in the Vedas, initiated by Lord Swaminarayan (1781–1830) in the late 18th century and founded by Shastriji Maharaj (1865–1951) in 1907.
  • The organization is behind Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey, which is also the largest Hindu temple in the world outside India.

Conclusion:

  • The BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi represents a testament to the cultural harmony, architectural grandeur and deep ties between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Source: Indian Express

-------------------------------------

Mains Question:

Mention the salient features, architecture and significance of the first BAPS Hindu temple built in UAE.