A Winter of Wonder: Embracing Spirituality and Unity at BAPS Mandir, Abu Dhabi
Munir Virani
I write this from my apartment in Abu Dhabi where I am looking at a rising sun across the skyline of this beautiful city. Yesterday was Christmas day and I feel blessed and honored to be with my family here. My family’s journey brought us back to the warm embrace of Abu Dhabi, a city that has generously offered me a fulfilling role at the Mohamed bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund. Founded by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, the Fund commits itself to the preservation of raptor species worldwide, fostering global partnerships, and inspiring conservation initiatives across continents. Here, amidst these commitments, I find profound joy in the balance of work and life, as I experience the city’s dynamic and vibrant culture alongside my beautiful wife Zahra, and our two handsome sons, Kaisaan and Zayan.
Our move from Kenya to the USA in 2019 marked the beginning of a remarkable chapter in our lives. One that has enriched us with invaluable lessons and opportunities. Now, as US citizens, all of us cherish every moment of our global journey, which took root in my grandfather’s origins in Bombay and flourished through three generations in Kenya where both Zahra abd I grew up and our boys build their early foundations. This year, our winter visit to Abu Dhabi was made even more special by the company of Zahra’s brother, Faizal, and his wife, Farheen. They surprised us here and together, we have been exploring the city’s vibrant life—golfing, cooking, and immersing ourselves in the local culture through walks, art galleries, and visits to religious sites. Two days ago, we visited the Abrahamic Family house, an experience that was humbling and enriching. Yesterday we spent the evening at the BAPS Mandir, a serene temple that stands as a monument to spiritual unity and architectural wonder in the UAE. The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, which oversees BAPS temples around the world, stands as a beacon of spirituality, culture, and community service. Rooted deeply in the Hindu faith, these temples are more than just places of worship; they are vibrant centers of learning and charity. At the heart of the BAPS philosophy is the idea of selflessness and service. Inspired by the teachings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and his successors, the BAPS temples serve as spiritual safe spaces as well as platforms for humanitarian efforts. They are involved in a wide range of activities, from educational programs and environmental initiatives to health drives and disaster relief operations.
The sun was setting as we got there and as we walked through the temple, the air was alive with the pulse of devotion; the energy was palpable. Every corner of the temple showcased intricate carvings, each a meticulous labor of love and faith, embodying the vision of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, whose dream has stood proudly in the sands of Sharjah for 27 years. Our guide, Bhumi, with her boundless passion, narrated the stories carved into the temple walls, and brought alive the ethos of the Mandir and the broader spirit of tolerance and peace that the UAE champions. Later, we were invited to the majlis to meet with our host, Mr. Umesh Raja, a former school inspector In the serene ambiance of the majlis, Mr. Raja, shared some deep insights into the values and philosophies that underpin the BAPS temples. His words were powerful, inspiring simple: he painted a vivid picture of a philosophy rooted deeply in the art of selfless giving—not merely giving for the sake of obligation, but giving imbued with genuine love and compassion. My family and friends watched him with great admiration. He spoke passionately about the temple’s commitment to service to humanity, emphasizing that each act of kindness enriches the giver as much as the receiver. Mr. Raja distributed prasad to each of us—holy sweets that symbolized the sweetness and purity of altruistic service. Receiving the prasad from him, we felt enriched in our understanding that brought the temple’s lessons to life. It was a poignant reminder that in giving selflessly, we open pathways to becoming better versions of ourselves, embodying the virtues we admire. Mr. Raja’s words moved and inspired us deeply. As we bit into the tasty prasad, we contemplated the transformative power of selfless service and the profound impact it could have on our lives and the world around us. Those brief moments with Mr Raja were not just an exchange of ideas; they were a call to elevate our spirits and actions in the service of humanity.
We walked to the Orchard restaurant to feast on a quick snack before the emotional zenith of our visit came: – the aarti prayer. Bhumi placed lotus flowers in our hands, and told us to gently set them afloat on the water as the aarti chants filled the air. The ritual was transformative—an enchanting confluence of light, sound, and spirit that gave us all monumental goosebumps. We felt a profound moment of connection, not just to the divine but to each other and the world around us. As we made way towards our car and saw the temple in its full lighted glory, as we reflected on our experiences, we felt a deep gratitude for the UAE—a place where such profound peace and communal respect is tolerated, practiced and most importantly cherished. I was reminded of how blessed we are to partake in and learn from this rich canvas of cultures and faiths in the UAE.
As we drove back, I watched my boys through the rear view mirror. They were tired, exhausted but filled with an appreciation that every story tells. I certainly went back with the thought that every story, every monument, and every face, there is a lesson about peace, respect, and the beauty of shared human experiences.
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