HAVEN OF HARMONY

BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi, is a story of hearts and minds

- MAHANT SWAMI MAHARAJ

On April 5, 1997, my guru, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, sat on the dunes of Sharjah and prayed for peace in the world. His words still echo. He said, “May peace prevail here and everywhere. May all countries, cultures, and religions grow closer, and be free of enmity and prejudice towards each other.” And, then, he said, “May there be a temple in Abu Dhabi.” This moment froze in time for us. This divine prayer was prophetic.

Many years later those prophetic words proved to be true. The president of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan generously gifted 27 acres to BAPS to create a traditional stone Hindu temple. The UAE leadership granted us land and permission, and their encouragement, support, and love can be seen throughout the project.