Ambassadors from over 30 countries have been left in awe at the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, which is currently under construction. After an initial briefing from Swami Brahmaviharidas, who is the head of the BAPS Hindu Mandir, the 85 guests, including ambassadors, representatives from missions, and their families, were taken on a guided tour of the temple. They were amazed by the intricate carvings and delicate designs.
The temple is being built on a 27-acre-long piece of land and is the region’s first traditional sandstone Hindu temple. The exterior façade is made from pink sandstone sourced from the Indian state of Rajasthan, while the interior will feature Italian marble. The temple will contain over 25,000 stones, which have been carved according to the Hindu ‘Shilpa Shastras’ – an ancient Indian architecture.
Arabian, Mayan, Greek, and other cultural tales have been immortalized in stone on the façade, which encourages peace, tolerance, and harmony. The ambassadors praised the attention to detail and heart-felt emotion that the volunteers have put into crafting the temple.
Dr. Richard Kay, Ambassador of New Zealand to the UAE, said, “The temple, a cultural asset, will be a fantastic addition to the skyline of the UAE.” The ambassadors were also impressed by the temple’s strong philosophy of tolerance represented in the carvings. Akio Isomata, Ambassador of Japan to the UAE, said, “I am overwhelmed by the Indian craftsmanship. I see a philosophy of tolerance in the carvings.”
The temple is being constructed in a country built on tolerance, and it will undoubtedly contribute to harmony in the region and the world, according to Amir Hayek, Ambassador of Israel to the UAE. He added that the temple will be a source of attraction for visitors from all over the world. Aminath Shabeena, Ambassador of the Maldives to the UAE, praised the carvings that represent the flora and fauna of India and the UAE. She said, “It is wondrous to see the tolerance of the leadership of the UAE.”
Swami Brahmaviharidas expressed that the presence of the diplomatic community and their families is evidence of the uniting power of faith and culture. He added that the BAPS Hindu Mandir celebrates the past, addresses the present, and recalibrates the future by blending ancient art and architecture with modern science and technology, universal values, and spirituality. Swami Brahmaviharidas said that the presence of the ambassadors sends a hopeful message of harmony, adding that dialogue, exchange, and engagement can bring us all closer and make the world a happier place.
The BAPS Hindu Mandir will be a significant cultural asset and a magnificent structure within the UAE’s skyline. The carvings, design, and philosophy of tolerance will attract visitors from all over the world, and it will serve as a reminder of the beauty and power of faith and culture.
