Abu Dhabi based Baps Hindu temple records 2.2 million visitors in first year

More than 10,000 worshippers prayed at the temple to mark a year since opening

The Baps Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi celebrated its first anniversary on February 2. All photos: Baps Hindu Mandir

Anniversary celebrations drew more than 10,000 Hindu worshippers from across the country to celebrate a year since the Baps temple in Abu Dhabi was opened and added its distinctive presence to the UAE's many places of worship

Prayers, ceremonies and music and dance performances were held on Sunday to mark one year since the country’s first traditional hand carved stone and marble Hindu temple was inaugurated

Families, devotees and volunteers gathered before dawn on February 2 to take part in a day-long celebration

Abu Dhabi’s Baps Hindu temple records say 2.2 million people visited in the inaugural year

Temple authorities have praised the UAE’s leadership’s generosity in granting permission for the temple

The Baps Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi aims to be a cultural and spiritual hub that fosters greater understanding and harmony among nations, cultures and faiths

It is the first traditional hand carved stone and marble temple in the UAE

Prayers were held at the temple throughout February 2 to mark the first anniversary

Cultural performances, music and dance celebrations from India's states marked the temple's first anniversary

Families make offerings at the temple

Anniversary celebrations drew more than 10,000 Hindu worshippers

Dance performances were held on February 2's anniversary event with the temple as a backdrop

The Baps Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi marked its first anniversary on February 2

Worshippers pray along with their families to mark the temple's first anniversary

Indian festivals have been celebrated in the temple along with interfaith dialogues and events held on its grounds

Swami Brahmaviharidas says the temple has become a cultural and spiritual centre

Prayers were chanted and hymns sung to mark the closing of the inaugural year and the beginning of a new one

The one-year milestone brought a sense of community

The Baps Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi welcomes people of all faith and culture

Hymns were sung by worshippers and volunteers all through the day on February to mark the one-year anniversary

The Baps Hindu temple and its community aim to be an example of harmony and inclusion

In a remarkable feat of craftsmanship and dedication, more than 2,000 sculptors in Indian villages worked for more than five years to craft the temple

The country’s first hand-carved traditional stone and marble temple, the Baps Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, has welcomed more than 2.2 million visitors since it opened to the public last February.

More than 10,000 devotees and volunteers from across the region gathered before dawn on Sunday to offer prayers and take part in a day-long celebration of the temple's first year.

“The Baps Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi has surpassed expectation in its inaugural year, welcoming over 2.2 million visitors from diverse backgrounds,” Swami Brahmaviharidas, head of international relations for Baps, told The National. “This iconic landmark has not only become a cultural and spiritual hub but also a beacon of unity, fostering greater understanding and harmony among nations, cultures and faiths.”

He said world leaders have praised the UAE’s leadership’s generosity in granting permission for the temple. He prayed that the building would continue to remain a “shining example of global harmony” and expressed gratitude to President Sheikh Mohamed for his support.

The Hindu priest said the temple advocated inclusion that was reflected in the festivals, interfaith dialogues and events held on its grounds.

Inspired by Mahant Swami Maharaj, the senior spiritual guru of the Baps Swaminarayan Sanstha, he said the Mandir would continue to bridge cultural divides, and unite hearts and minds.

“May this sacred, inspiring institution continue to serve humanity spreading love, peace and understanding for years to come for all people of all nations of all cultures and all faiths," Swami Brahmaviharidas said.

Temple gives hope

Families gathered from as early as 4am to be part of Sunday's cultural programme that included rituals, prayer, music and dance performances.

“One year is a milestone for us because it’s overwhelming to have the first traditional temple of the Middle East in Abu Dhabi,” said Meera Chokshi, 33, among thousands of worshippers who sat cross-legged on the marble floor. She offered water and flowers to the deities, along with her husband and brother.

“The mandir is a very inspiring place for me because we look at it as somewhere we can share our dreams, thoughts and vision,” said the Dubai resident.

“Before the temple was built there was always a missing factor for us. Now that has been fulfilled because we go every weekend to offer prayers with family. We look to the temple to give us hope.”

Ceremonies were held in the temple with holy verses chanted and hymns sung. Prayers were also offered for Sheikh Mohamed for “his vision in fostering a land of love and harmony”, the Baps Hindu Mandir said in a statement.

The celebrations continued through to the evening, with music and traditional Indian dances performed against the backdrop of the sandstone temple.

The Dh350 million marble and stone temple took about five years to build, with work continuing during the Covid pandemic. Intricate carvings from ancient Indian scriptures by 2,000 sculptors adorn its pillars and domes.

The temple is open to all and visitors must register for entry. Details are available on the temple website mandir.ae