Bollywood actors Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff, along with Vashu Bhagnani, a prominent film producer, visited the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi on 8 April 2024 for darshan, prayers, and blessings.
Brahmaviharidas Swami welcomed them with garlands of flowers at the Wall of Harmony. Here, iconic monuments of the world are connected with the word ‘harmony’ written in various ancient and modern languages representing the diversity of our world.
Thereafter, the guests climbed the Prayer Dune representing the deserts of Sharjah, where the story of the Mandir begins. On 5 April 1997, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj said a historic prayer, “May peace prevail here and everywhere. May all religions grow greater love for one another. May a mandir in Abu Dhabi bring countries, cultures, communities, and religions closer together.” Here, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, and Brahmaviharidas Swami also offered their prayers for global peace, remembering the life message of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, “In the joy of others lies our own.”
Following the tour, they visited the origins of the three holy rivers, Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. Brahmaviharidas Swami highlighted the significance of the Divine Eye overseeing the confluence of these rivers.
Proceeding towards the mandir, they visited ‘The Orchard’, a sattvic food court furnished with benches, tables, and chairs crafted from recycled wooden pallets and crates that were used in transporting the stones for the mandir.
Ascending the steps to the mandir, the delegation marvelled at the intricate carvings – of lions, elephants, cows, camels, oryxes, parrots, peacocks, and falcons – that adorn the exterior walls. Brahmaviharidas Swami also explained the carved depictions of 14 value tales from ancient civilizations.
The guests then entered the inner sanctum of the mandir and were greeted by the ‘Dome of Harmony’, symbolizing unity between the five elements of nature: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space.
Under the second dome, the ‘Dome of Peace’, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, and Vashu Bhagnani conducted a special puja, arti, and offered prayers to the deities.
As the visit concluded, guests thanked Brahmaviharidas Swami and expressed their gratitude to His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, and the Ruler of Abu Dhabi His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for creating the BAPS Hindu Mandir.
Tiger Shroff remarked on the pure energy felt upon entering the Mandir, emphasizing its significance as a symbol of unity among religions and nations, saying, “The moment I stepped foot in the Mandir, I felt an amazing vibration and energy. I could feel the energy. It was so pure!”
Akshay Kumar described the experience as a dream and praised the Mandir’s openness for anyone to offer prayers, highlighting its beauty and significance, adding, “This is like a dream! It is something you only imagine. I will always remember this experience. This Mandir is so open; anyone from any culture, caste or religion can come here and offer their prayers. There is no discrimination. This is truly a beautiful place.”