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Source-This post on BAPS Mandir- Abu Dhabi UAE has been created based on the article “BAPS Mandir: Abu Dhabi’s first Hindu temple to be inaugurated by PM Modi on Feb 14” published in “INDIA TODAY” on 13 February 2024.
Why in the news?
The Prime Minister will inaugurate the BAPS Mandir (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha Mandir), the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi.
About the BAPS Mandir (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha Mandir)
Location– It is located at Abu Mureikhah, which is near Al Rahba.
Type– It is built in traditional Nagar style of architecture.
Size- It has an astounding 402 pillars, meticulously carved from 25,000 stone pieces. The temple stands tall at 108 feet, being crowned with seven shikhars (spires) each representing one of the seven emirates of the UAE.
Material used– Pink Rajasthan sandstone, white Italian marble and 18 lakh bricks.
Entrance– The entrance of the temple is marked by eight murtis (idols). These idols symbolise the eight values foundational to Sanatana Dharma.
Domes– Temple is surrounded by ‘Dome of Harmony’ and ‘Dome of Peace’.
Shrines–
1) The temple houses seven shrines, each dedicated to different deities hailing from the North, East, West and South parts of India.
2) These deities include Lord Ram and his wife Sita; Lord Hanuman; Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati and children Ganesh and Karthik etc.
3) Each shrine is adorned with exquisite carvings. It reflects the life and teachings of their respective deities.
Inscriptions– Stories from ancient civilisations such as Maya, Aztec, Egyptian, Arabic, European, Chinese and African are all captured in stone. This is a testament to the interconnected essence of global spirituality.
Eco-friendly architecture–
1) The temple has been built by using fly ash instead of cement to reduce its carbon footprint.
2) Nano tiles have been installed with designs to keep visitors comfortable even in extreme heat.
3) It has not used any ferrous material.
About Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS)
Description– BAPS is a socio-spiritual Hindu faith with its roots in the Vedas. Its global network of mandirs and centres hosts many moral, social, cultural, and spiritual activities.
Founder– It is based on the Vedic teachings propagated by Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781-1830 CE).
Establishment– It was established in 1907 CE by Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj.
Basic principles-It follows No Alcohol, No Addictions, No Adultery, No Meat, No Impurity of body and mind way of life.
Social service– It is also engaged in a variety of humanitarian activities that include services in times of natural calamities, primary schools, students’ hostels, hospitals, diagnostic camps, anti-addiction drives etc.
UPSC Syllabus- Art & culture.
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