In an unprecedented testament to unity, diversity, and collective harmony, Brahmaviharidas Swami of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha recently shared a profound perspective during an interview conducted by Viinay Sarikonda, shedding light on the awe-inspiring ethos behind the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi.
“Imagine a temple where the land is donated by a Muslim king, where our lead architect is a Christian Catholic, where our organization, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, is Hindu. A Hindu temple is being built, where the project director is a Sikh, where the construction is manned by Parsis, and where, if you look into it, the person who is designing our foundations is a Buddhist, where people from all across the world our lead consultant is a person of no religion, an atheist, and also one of our directors is from Jain. Tradition. Can you imagine so much harmony? And all these people are coming forward in charity because they believe this temple is a spiritual oasis for global harmony. It will have beautiful seven shikhars, and in those Will have beautiful seven shikhars. And in those seven shikhars which are symbolically representing the seven emirates, but there will be the seven main deities of our culture, one will be Akshay Purushottam, the other Radhakrishna, Sitaram, Shiva Parvati, a beautiful whole spire for Aya, Tirupati, Balaji and Jagannathji, north, east, west, south. And those shikhars which will rise, they are all done from stone, but it will have the entire story of the deity carved. So in the Ramakrishna, if you look at the shikhar, the story of Rama ramayan will be carved in the Ramashikhar and the story of Krishna, Bhagavatam and Mahabharata will be carved. They’ve already been carved complete Shiva Puran, the story of Ayapaji, Tirupatiji, Jagannathji, Swaminarayan are all beautiful, carved for centuries ahead. And so, the temples which the shikhars and the temple which is being created, it is hand-carved by almost 3000 craftsmen in India. We are shipping everything and it is going to be built to last 1000 years or more. It’s an ecofriendly temple where using natural material, where even the foundations are done with minimum carbon footprint and everything that’s going to be used is going to sustain environment. So, if you look at it scientifically, sustainable temple, if you look at it culturally, then the traditional art of our Indian artisans is being brought here. If you look at it spiritually, then all the deities are there. This is historic and iconic. And I would want that all the love and all the support that people can give, because this is one of its kind in the world,” stated Swami Brahmaviharidas.
This groundbreaking temple, set to be inaugurated on February 14, 2024, is a synthesis of cultures, faiths, and beliefs, harmoniously embodied in its seven resplendent shikhars. “In these seven magnificent spires, symbolically representative of the seven emirates, reside the seven principal deities of our rich culture. Akshay Purushottam, Radhakrishna, Sitaram, Shiva Parvati, Ayyappa, Tirupati Balaji, and Jagannathji – each direction encapsulated. These shikhars are meticulously carved with intricate stories of the deities, preserving their essence for generations to come,” Swami Brahmaviharidas passionately explained.
The grandeur of the temple’s design goes hand-in-hand with its ethical commitment. “This eco-friendly marvel,” Swami Brahmaviharidas emphasized, “is constructed with natural materials and boasts foundations laid with the lightest possible carbon footprint. Sustainability is paramount, not only scientifically but also culturally. Traditional Indian craftsmanship, exemplified by the hand-carved stone edifice, showcases the union of artistic heritage and contemporary values.”
With fervent devotion and an unwavering spirit, approximately 3000 artisans in India are meticulously crafting every aspect of the temple. This endeavor transcends time, designed to endure for over a millennium. “This historic and iconic structure is a testament to humanity’s ability to transcend boundaries and differences in the pursuit of shared spiritual and cultural values,” added Swami Brahmaviharidas.
In a world rife with divisions, the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi is poised to emerge as a beacon of unity, a testament to the potential of collective goodwill. As Swami Brahmaviharidas aptly noted, “This isn’t merely a temple; it’s a testament to the unity that can bind a diverse world. Let us embrace this exceptional endeavor and contribute to its legacy of harmony and love, transcending borders and fostering a brighter global future.”
Additionally, The Three holy sacred rivers of India – Ganga, Yamuna & Sarvasvati will be surrounded by this temple, adding a sacred layer to the already profound significance of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi.
Watch out Full Interview : https://www.instagram.com/reel/CvzYeARI5-m/?igshid=YTUzYTFiZDMwYg==
