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- Published: April 30, 2023 12:19
Abu Dhabi: Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, arrived at the site of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi along with Vashu Bhagnani a famous Indian film producer and prominent businessman Jiten Doshi. At 8:00 AM, Akshay Kumar stepped onto the Mandir site where he was welcomed by Swami Brahmaviharidas the head of BAPS Hindu Mandir with a garland of flowers. Eager to understand the history of the Mandir, Akshay and the delegation were led into the Rivers of Harmony exhibition.
The exhibition offers a fascinating glimpse into the origins of the Mandir, which was envisioned through a prayer for harmony and peace by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj in 1997. Fast forward three decades and the Mandir, which is scheduled to open in February of 2024, stands as a testament to the power of that prayer as well as an answer to the universal prayer of millions for a more harmonious world.
Thereafter, Akshay Kumar and the delegation joined a gathering of the Mandir’s board of directors and key volunteers. Here Swami Brahmaviharidas captivated the audience with his speech, sharing the almost magical history of the project’s conception and development. In a nod to Kumar, and the film industry professionals present, Swami exclaimed that “this project is scripted in heaven and is now being screen played here on earth” The atmosphere was electrifying, and the guests were left with a deep sense of awe and appreciation for the magnitude of this unprecedented endeavor.
Later, Akshay Kumar and the delegation participated in a puja ceremony to place their own brick in the construction of the Mandir. Here, they joined more than 40,000 people who have already placed their bricks to help in the construction of the Mandir, “Giving Harmony a Hand”
Captivated by the irresistible allure of the Mandir, Akshay Kumar, and the delegation donned their hard hats and ascended the grand staircase of the Mandir with anticipation. As they reached the top, they were greeted by a breathtaking view of the Mandir. Despite currently being a construction site, the tranquil energy of the Mandir soothed all those present. Swami Brahmaviharidas led the delegation on a tour of the Mandir exploring the breathtaking design and architecture crafted entirely from magnificent pink Rajasthani stones and Italian marble, with not a single trace of steel. Kumar was left awe-inspired when Swami Brahmaviharidas unveiled the intricate carvings beneath each of the seven spires housing different deities. The carvings which wrap around the plinth of the Mandir, depict the life story of the respective divinity, showcasing the unparalleled craftsmanship and devotion that went into the construction of the Mandir.
As the delegation made their way around the Mandir, Swami Brahmaviharidas led them to the location where 14 international value tales from ancient civilizations will be carved – a unique feature not found in any other Mandir around the world. There, he shared with them a tale from the Babemba tribe in Africa; the story reflects the concept of Ubuntu, which translates to “humanity towards others”. In this tribe, if anyone commits a crime, the entire tribe stops their work and circles the person who committed the crime for two days. During this time, they speak only of the person’s praises, refusing to acknowledge the wrongdoing. This story struck a chord with Kumar, to which he said, “this is very heart touching”.
As his visit came to an end, Kumar made a point to meet with the group of volunteers and contributors, thanking them for their tireless efforts in bringing this beautiful project to life.
A visit originally meant to be 40 minutes, turned into a two-hour journey of discovery and appreciation for Akshay Kumar and his delegation. The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, a monument to the power of prayer and the unwavering dedication of countless volunteers and contributors, left a profound impact on all those present. As Akshay Kumar reflected on his visit, he shared these words: “You are creating history…What you are creating is not just a service to our community, but to mankind. Creating a new world where there is peace, love, and support from one human to another; there truly is nothing more powerful than that… ‘Love can move mountains’ is a true testimony to your efforts… truly overwhelming! It’s a dream of dreams!”
Both Akshay Kumar and Brahmavihari Swami shared deep gratitude for the generosity and vision of HH Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahayan, the President of the United Arab Emirates, and the continuous support of Honorable Narendra Modi the Prime Minister of India, in making this spiritual oasis of global harmony a reality in the United Arab Emirates.
The BAPS Hindu Mandir is not just a testament to the power of human possibility but more importantly, it is a testament to tolerance, love and peace, and a symbol of hope for a brighter, more harmonious future.