The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi is a historical testimony to the tolerance of the Sheikh and his people. We are witnessing a version of Islam in the Emirates which is progressive and all embracing.
Not many people know that Bhagvan Swaminarayan was born in Uttar Pradesh and began the Swaminarayan spiritual mission in Gujarat. Known as Shajanand Swami he established the Swaminarayan movement in 1801. The BAPS was formed by Shahstriji Maharaj to propagate the teachings of Shajanand Swami in its pure form. The movement started in very humble circumstances and often the initiated monks did not have anything to eat. Even in those circumstances Shastriji Maharaj emphasised the importance of Mandirs for the welfare of the people. Following his instructions the Gurus who followed him have constructed hundreds of beautiful Mandirs all over the world. Akshardham in Delhi inspired by Guru Yogiji Maharaj and grand temples in the US and UK are some of the examples. Swaminarayan mission is based on the idea of Ekantit Dharma. It comprises of Dharma, Gyan (knowledge of self-realisation), Vairagya (detachment from worldly desires) and Bhakti (devotion to God). There are over a thousand Sadhus or Monks who have taken initiation and dedicated their lives to preaching of Hindu Dharma. They have a strict code of conduct and do not even look at a woman not because of any disrespect for them but to strictly observe their moral code.
The Abu Dhabi Mandir miracle has the hallmarks of the revered late Guru Pramukh Swami who prayed for a Mandir to be built in Abu Dhabi way back on 5 April 1997. No one in their wildest dreams thought that it would be possible. But here we are under the guidance of present Guru Mahant Swami the younger generation of Sadhus under Brahmvihari Swami have built a magnificent Mandir in the desert. Perfection and dedication in whatever they do is the Mantra of BAPS Sadhus and devotees. Late Pramukh Swami showed by personal example the importance of these attributes. For the Abu Dhabi Mandir over 200 volunteers from Africa, the Gulf, UK and USA dedicated more than 690,000 hours to the construction of the Mandir. The Mandir can host 10,000 people, it has 400 pillars and there were 5000 carvers putting together the master pieces that adorn the Mandir. BAPS does much more than build temples. It runs schools, hospitals and are the first to reach any disaster areas. During the catastrophic earthquakes in Gujarat in 2001, BAPS served 40,000 meals every day, constructed completely new villages and built 2292 earthquakes resistance homes. And they took special care of 100 Muslim families. More recently PM Modi requested BAPS to help the students stuck in Ukraine. In no time the devotees from Europe went to the south-eastern Polish city of Rzeszow and served 1000 meals not only to the students but all refugees from different nationalities. They also gave medical help. Pramukh Swami said that in the joy of others lies our joy.
BAPS movement is truly a benchmark to follow. Future generations will credit BAPS for the global revival of Sanatan Dharma followed by the Hare Krishna movement which has almost finished building a Mandir in Mayapur, Bengal, India.
