The BAPS Hindu Mandir stands not only as a place of worship but as a powerful symbol of global unity and the potential for spiritual spaces to foster peace, tolerance, and togetherness in an increasingly interconnected world
In just one year since its grand inauguration, the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi has welcomed over 2.5 million visitors from diverse religious, cultural, and national backgrounds, according to Brahmavihari Swami, a senior spiritual leader and head of international relations at the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.
The temple, inaugurated on February 14, 2024, by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has rapidly emerged as a beacon of spiritual unity and interfaith harmony. Gifted by the UAE’s President, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and guided by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the temple represents a collaborative vision for a peaceful and interconnected world.
The inauguration ceremony also saw the presence of Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, UAE’s Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, underscoring the temple’s role as a milestone in promoting mutual respect and pluralism in the region
Speaking recently at the Global Justice, Love, and Peace Summit held in Dubai on April 12–13, Brahmavihari Swami reflected on the extraordinary reception the temple has received. “Over the past year, more than 2.5 million people have visited the temple — not only from the Hindu community but from all religions, races, and regions,” he said.
He emphasized the collective effort that brought the temple to life, noting that over 70,000 individuals contributed by placing bricks during its construction. “The Mandir itself is a testament to harmony — a spiritual oasis where people come to reflect, pray, and return with renewed joy and love in their lives,” Swami added.
Highlighting the temple’s broader message, he said, “It demonstrates that religions can coexist, that nations can collaborate, and that culture can serve as a bridge rather than a barrier.”
