Abu Dhabi's first Hindu temple: What is BAPS and who is its current spiritual guru?

Abu Dhabi's first Hindu temple will be inaugurated by PM Modi today

Weeks after the grand inauguration of the Ram temple in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya on January 22, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the BAPS Hindu mandir in Abu Dhabi on February 14.

The inauguration of the 108-foot-high Hindu temple, which is the first ever in the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marks a significant moment for the Hindu community in the Middle Eastern nation.

What is BAPS?

BAPS stands for Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha. BAPS is a socio-spiritual Hindu faith with its roots in the Vedas, according to its official website. It was revealed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781-1830) in the late 18th century and established in 1907 by Shastriji Maharaj (1865-1951).

BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha reaches out to each individual through its mandirs and centers. These are places of worship and also permanent centers of peace and reformation for people of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs.

The BAPS claims to have a network of over 1,100 mandirs and 3,850 centres across the world, including in places such as London and Sydney.

All about Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual guru of the BAPS

Mahant Swami Maharaj is the sixth and current spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He was born on September 13, 1933 in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India. As a young child, he was blessed by Shastriji Maharaj, the founder of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.

After completing his early schooling, he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in agriculture.

In 1951-52, he came into contact of Yogiji Maharaj, the spiritual successor of Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj. Impressed by Yogiji Maharaj’s spiritual charisma and selfless love, he traveled with Yogiji Maharaj during his summer vacations.

In 1971, after the earthly departure of Yogiji Maharaj, Mahant Swami Maharaj dedicated himself to Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the new guru, with the same devotion and allegiance he had for guru Yogiji Maharaj.

In 2012, in the presence of senior sadhus in Ahmedabad, Pramukh Swami Maharaj revealed Mahant Swami as his spiritual successor. Mahant Swami Maharaj now presides as the guru and spiritual guide of countless devotees and helms the worldwide socio-spiritual activities of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.

Mahant Swami Maharaj arrived in Abu Dhabi on February 5 as a state guest of the UAE to preside over the historic inauguration of the Hindu temple along with PM Modi.