A LOTUS IN THE DESERT BAPS HINDU MANDIR, A BEACON OF HARMONY
The UAE is a true example of tolerance, and the latest milestone to solidify this fact is the opening of the BAPS Hindu Mandir, the first stone temple of its kind in the UAE, and across the Middle East. Located in Abu Dhabi’s Abu Mureikha area, the Mandir rises from the UAE landscape, built on land donated by UAE President, H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi during the latter’s visit to the UAE in 2016. In 2019, the Year of Tolerance in the UAE, construction on the Mandir began and fast forward five years, the site is now open to visitors of all faiths, keeping with the vision to create a spiritual sanctuary that promotes harmony, peace and understanding among individuals and communities of diverse backgrounds. The BAPS Hindu Mandir reflects a traditional North Indian Nagara-style temple with spires, domes and intricate carvings, which narrate stories of values and harmony. Inside, you will find a welcome centre, prayer halls, a multi-purpose hall for spiritual practices and dialogues, classrooms to educate visitors of all ages on spirituality, a community centre, thematic gardens, an amphitheatre, food court and a gift shop. In the future, the Mandir will also be home to an exhibition space, a library and sports centre. Furthering the unity of all faiths, the Mandir’s architectural plans were laid out by a Catholic, with the project being managed by a Sikh, orchestrated by a Zoroastrian construction company, and maintained by a Buddhist foundation designer. The Mandir has already been visited by H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and H.E. Bishop Paolo Martinelli (Apostolic Vicar for the Catholic Vicariate of Southern Arabia), who also affirmed that the Hindu temple expresses the freedom of worship in the UAE. Entry to the Mandir is free.
OTHER GUIDELINESLarge bags/luggage are not permitted in the Mandir • Sharp objects, food and drinks are not allowed on the premises. Bags will be scanned before entry. • No cycles, folding bikes, roller skates or skateboards are permitted • Photography and filming on your phone on site are permitted only for personal, non-commercial use, however photography inside the temple is strictly prohibited. Keep your phones on silent
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info). 2024-05-09T08:42:17Z dg43tfdfdgfd