In a monumental step towards fostering cultural harmony and religious diversity, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander, and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, recently hosted a delegation from the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha to discuss the construction of a traditional Hindu temple in Bahrain.
Historic Meeting at Gudaibiya Palace
The meeting, held at the Gudaibiya Palace in Manama, marked a historic moment in the relationship between Bahrain and India.
Pujya Brahmavihari Swami, the head of the BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi, led the delegation during discussions with the Crown Prince regarding the construction of a BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu temple.
Bahrain has now become the second country in the Middle East to embrace such a significant cultural project.
Gift of Land and Gratitude for Hindu Mandir in Bahrain
One of the noteworthy aspects of this undertaking is the generous gift of land by the leadership of Bahrain for the construction of the Hindu temple. Brahmavihari Swami expressed deep gratitude to the Crown Prince for the formal grant of land.
Also Read: BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi: 13 Acres of Parking Land Given for Huge Expansion
During the meeting, he also conveyed a heartfelt message from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, welcoming this historic moment and further solidifying the warm relations between the two nations.
Continuation of History
The roots of this historic project trace back to 1997 when the late Emir Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa welcomed His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj at the Royal Palace in Bahrain.
During their conversation, Sheikh Isa warmly encouraged Pramukh Swami Maharaj to “Make Bahrain your home.”
The construction of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple is a tangible realization of that sentiment, marking a momentous occasion for Hinduism, the relations between India and Bahrain, and international harmony.
Inclusive Vision for BAPS Swaminarayan Temple
The delegation, consisting of prominent figures such as Swami Aksharatitdas, Dr. Praful Vaidya, Ramesh Patidar, and Mahesh Devji, highlighted the inclusive nature of the upcoming temple.
The temple aims to welcome people of all faiths, providing a space for various cultural and spiritual activities.
Also Read: India UAE Ties Strengthened: Abu Dhabi Temple and IIT Campus Mark Milestones
This inclusive approach aligns with the vision expressed by HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister in 2017 when he attended a Diwali gathering hosted by BAPS.
He remarked, “Our love extends to three generations. We will honor the words and sentiments of our grandfather.”
Progress in UAE and Regional Significance
Simultaneously, progress is underway on the construction of the UAE’s first traditional Hindu stone temple in Abu Dhabi.
A recent ceremony marked the placement of the first sandstone on the first floor, with the temple set to open its doors to the public in February 2024.
This development is part of a broader trend of increasing cultural diversity in the Middle East and signifies the growing importance of promoting understanding and appreciation for different traditions within the region.
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha Looking Ahead with Optimism
In conclusion, the meeting between the BAPS delegation and the Bahrain Crown Prince symbolizes a positive step towards fostering cultural exchange, building bridges between nations, and contributing to the rich tapestry of religious diversity in the Middle East.
As we eagerly await the completion of these remarkable temples, we anticipate their role in promoting unity, understanding, and appreciation for diverse cultures in the region.
The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha continues to leave an indelible mark on the world stage, emphasizing the universal values of peace, harmony, and mutual respect.
