On 5 April 1997, Pramukh Swami Maharaj prayed amid the sand dunes of the Sharjah desert that a mandir be built in Abu Dhabi that would bring together people of different faiths and forums, different cultures and countries.
Twenty-seven years on, that glorious divine vision of harmony was fulfilled by Mahant Swami Maharaj as he inaugurated the BAPS Hindu Mandir in the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
On 14 February 2024, the city of Abu Dhabi witnessed the auspicious pran-pratishtha ceremony, wherein the Mandir’s sacred images were ritually infused with divine presence amid Vedic chanting.
The ceremony began early in the morning at 6.00am. Hundreds had gathered in the upper sanctum of the Mandir as well as in the Abhishek Mandap while thousands more watched the live broadcast in the assembly hall and outdoor marquees. The gathering included devotees and well-wishers from all over the world, including people of diverse faiths and backgrounds, reiterating the spirit of inclusivity and harmony that the Mandir embodies.
The historic moment culminated when Mahant Swami Maharaj conducted the final pujan in each of the seven shrines.
The seven spires of the Mandir, themselves reflecting the union between the seven emirates of the UAE, each house a revered deity from across India: Shri Akshar-Purushottam Bhagwan, Shri Radha-Krishna Bhagwan, Shri Sita-Rama Bhagwan & Parivar, Shri Parvati-Shankar Bhagwan & Parivar, Shri Jagannath Bhagwan & Parivar, Shri Padmavati-Shrinivas Bhagwan, and Shri Ayyappa Swami. The pan-Indian representation of the diverse forms of Hindu spirituality is a further manifestation of the Mandir’s all-inclusive ethos.
Before concluding the ceremony with the inaugural arti in all seven new shrines, Mahant Swami Maharaj addressed the gathering. He said, “Throughout the ceremony, I have been praying for the people of this country and the world. May there be peace and prosperity for everyone, and may we all progress together to serve the whole of humanity.” He went on to thank everyone who had contributed to the Mandir, including His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE who generously gifted the land upon which the Mandir has been built, and emphasised the Mandir as a place where people of all faiths and backgrounds are welcome to learn, experience peace, and contribute to global harmony.
Puja Satikunvar, who had witnessed the ceremony, shared, “We had been waiting for this day for years! The moment Mahant Swami Maharaj arrived and conducted the final arti, we could all feel the divine energy. It was unforgettable, because these ceremonies transcend mere symbolism; there is precision, devotion, and reverence, making it a profoundly enriching and transformative experience. This day will be etched in my heart and the hearts of thousands like me for the rest of our lives.”
Located in the Cultural District of Abu Dhabi, the intricately crafted BAPS Hindu Mandir is an architectural marvel imbued with sanctity, beauty, tranquillity, and spirituality.
The ceremonial inauguration of the Mandir marks the beginning of a new era of spiritual enlightenment and community engagement. The Mandir will continue to serve the wider region as a hub for cultural and spiritual activities, interfaith dialogue and understanding, and community service and collaboration.