Hindu monks arrive at the first stone-built BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, UAE (Source: PTI)
Amidst the anticipation surrounding the inauguration of the first Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, an Indian family entrenched in Dubai for over a century reminisces about its enduring connection with temples in the region, underscoring the spirit of tolerance and inclusivity in the UAE.
Deepak Bhatia, Managing Director of Uncles Shop Building Material Trading in Dubai and scion of the oldest Indian family in the emirate, traces his family’s roots back to 1920 when his grandfather, Uttamchandan Bhatia, arrived in Dubai. Bhatia recalls a profound friendship between his grandfather and the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, former UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, which symbolised the harmonious coexistence between the indigenous population and expatriates.
“The UAE has epitomised liberalism, fostering a sense of equality among nationals and expatriates alike,” Bhatia asserted, affirming the UAE as a cherished home for countless expatriates spanning generations.
Highlighting a poignant example of interfaith harmony, Bhatia pointed to the oldest Hindu Mandir in Bur Dubai, nearing its centenary milestone, situated opposite the historic Al-Fahidi Mosque. He emphasised the serene cohabitation of worshippers from diverse faiths, exemplified by simultaneous prayers conducted in peace and mutual respect.
Bhatia credited his late grandfather and another Indian luminary, Dhamanmal Issardas, for securing the land for the temple from the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, laying the foundation for the region’s oldest Hindu place of worship. Initially housing merchant godowns and a Gowshala, the site transformed into a revered sanctuary with the installation of a Hindu idol, sanctioned by the late HH Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum.
“As the community burgeoned, my grandfather petitioned the ruler for land to erect the temple,” Bhatia revealed, citing archival photographs dating back to 1936 as testament to the temple’s historical significance.
Managed presently by the Mercantile Hindu Committee of Thattha Sindh, the Krishna Haweli Mandir remains a beacon of cultural heritage and religious devotion in Dubai.
Meanwhile, the impending visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the UAE heralds a significant milestone in bilateral relations, as he prepares to inaugurate Abu Dhabi’s first Hindu temple. Abdulnasser Alshaali, UAE Ambassador to India, underscored the inauguration’s symbolic resonance, representing values of coexistence, acceptance, and tolerance.
The Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Mandir, situated in Abu Dhabi’s Abu Mureikhah area, stands as a testament to the UAE’s commitment to fostering diversity and multiculturalism. Spanning approximately 27 acres, the temple, donated by the UAE government, signifies a monumental stride towards inclusivity in the Gulf region.
With three other Hindu temples already established in Dubai, the BAPS Mandir is poised to become the largest Hindu sanctuary in the Gulf, adorned with intricate stone architecture and serving as a symbol of religious plurality and communal harmony.
As the UAE continues to embrace diversity and nurture an environment of tolerance, the inauguration of Abu Dhabi’s first Hindu temple signals a momentous chapter in the nation’s journey towards inclusive development and interfaith dialogue.
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