India already made history with the inauguration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on 22nd January 2024. Now, another grand Hindu temple complex is making its way into the books on international grounds! Right amongst the sands of Abu Dhabi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to inaugurate the BAPS Hindu Mandir on February 14th, 2024! Here’s what you need to know about this temple.
What Is BAPS?
BAPS is an abbreviation of Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, a Hindu organization with Vedic roots. The sanstha was established by Shastriji Maharaj in 1907. The main principle of BAPS is bhakti (devotion to God), dharma, gnan (spiritual knowledge), and vairagya (detachment). BAPS has over 3,850 centers around the world with more than 1,100 temples built.
BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi
Coming back to the temple in Abu Dhabi will become the largest temple in West Asia with 2 domes, 7 spires, and 402 pillars. You’ll find intricate carvings from Hindu epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata on the walls of this temple. The temple complex will comprise prayer halls, learning centers, exhibitions, a food court, and thematic gardens. The temple is 32.92 m in height, 79.86 m in length, and 54.86 m in width. The pink sandstone used to build the temple has marble carvings crafted from over 25,000 pieces by skilled artisans in India!
Facts About The BAPS Hindu Mandir
1. First Of Its Kind In The UAE
BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi is the first stone temple in the UAE. Built outside Abu Dhabi, it’s quite accessible and expects to attract millions of devotees every year.
2. It Can Detect Natural Calamities
The temple is built with sensors that can detect calamities like an earthquake by analyzing temperature fluctuations and pressure changes.
3. The Story Behind The Spires
BAPS Hindu Temple has 7 spires, each of these spires represents an emirate of the UAE.
Summing Up
14th February might be renowned as Valentine’s Day, but now it’s also the consecration day of the BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi. You don’t want to miss out on visiting this architectural marvel when you’re here.
FAQs
How Much Did The BAPS Hindu Mandir In Abu Dhabi Cost?
The construction of the BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi cost INR 700 crores.
Which Is The World’s Largest Swaminarayan Temple?
The Swaminarayan Temple created by BAPS in New Jersey, America is the largest Swaminarayan Temple in the whole world.
