BAPS temple inaugurated by PM Modi in Abu Dhabi: features, significance

Last Updated16/02/2024

The Indian Prime Minister recently inaugurated the BAPS Swaminarayan temple in Abu Dhabi, the first Hindu temple in the Gulf nation.
The temple is built by Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a Vaishnav sect of Hinduism.

The Abu Dhabi temple is a traditional stone Hindu temple, built in the traditional Nagar style, with seven shikhars.
- The seven shikhars (spires) are representative of the seven Emirates of the UAE.
The temple has two central domes viz. Dome of Harmony and Dome of Peace, emphasising human coexistence through the carvings of earth, water, fire, air, and plants.
A Wall of Harmony, one of the largest 3D-printed walls in the UAE, features a video showcasing key milestones of the temple’s construction.
- The word ‘harmony’ has been written in 30 different ancient and modern languages.
The temple’s front panel depicts universal values, stories of harmony from different cultures, Hindu spiritual leaders and avatars.
While the external facade uses pink sandstone from Rajasthan, the interior uses Italian marbles.
Spread over 27 acres, the temple complex is on 13.5 acres, with a parking area of 13.5 acres.
- The 13.5 acres of land was gifted by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE in 2019.
Other amenities 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 everyone.

The temple incorporates various architectural elements, including 96 bells representing Pramukh Swami Maharaj's 96 years of life.
Special features like the 'holy river' and depictions of deities from diverse cultures enhance its significance.
- These include Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman, Lord Shiv, Parvati, Ganpati, Kartikeya, Lord Jagannath, Lord Radha-Krishna, Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj (Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Gunatitanand Swami), Tirupati Balaji and Padmavati and Lord Ayappa.
Apart from 15 value tales from Indian civilisation, stories from the Maya civilisation, Aztec civilisation, Egyptian civilisation, Arabic civilisation, European civilisation, Chinese civilisation and African civilisation have been depicted.
No ferrous material (which is more vulnerable to corrosion) has been used in the temple.
There is a special pillar, called the ‘Pillar of pillars’, which has around 1,400 small pillars carved into it.
Nano tiles have been used, which will be comfortable for visitors to walk on even in the hot weather.
Buildings surrounding the temple are modern and monolithic, with their colour resembling sand dunes.