BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi

Spiritual Vision: A monument in the Middle East… RSP’s project, the BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi is the first of its kind throughout the entire gulf. Commemorating 2019’s year of tolerance, RSP’s project marks one of the two major milestones achieved by the UAE within the year (Pope Francis’ visit being the other), that will be remembered forever, as the celebrated unity between Islam and Hinduism. BAPS Hindu Mandir, is a monumental tribute upon Abu Dhabi’s sand, a place where all people, can come together in harmonic unity. Spiritual Oasis within the arid desert: With seven buildings surrounding a pre designed, hand carved stone Temple shipped from India… RSP envisions a complex showcasing the narrative of encountering a tranquil and enchanting oasis, secluded within mountainous, monolithic rock formations that contrast the barren desert sands of the UAE. RSP’s concept aims to reflect and allude the two identities of a Hindu temple (symbolizing spiritual nourishment), and a desert oasis (symbolizing physical nourishment); to project the idea, of a Mandir complex that provides both unified forms of sustenance, embodying the combined harmonic fusion of the physical and astral realms. Symbolism of Water: Representative of India’s holiest rivers, RSP designed 3 rivers that flow into the Mandir complex’s oasis, empowering and purifying the project’s spiritual essence; and thus, pays an homage to the significant importance of water in Hinduism. RSP further highlights the sanctity of water through the emulated concept of the stepwells and Ghats in the complex’s design to highlight the two directions of worship: water (descending worship) and the temple (ascending worship). RSP envisions, that through these contrasting ideologies, the complex creates a convergence point, fusing the forces of the temple and water in a resonating, harmonic balance; that strengthens the idea that the Mandir is a special node, transcending conflict, and a space of tranquil peace and serenity. Interpretation of ancient Indian Architecture: As an abstracted interpretation of ancient Indian Architecture, RSP designs the temple complex to emulate many powerful meanings and ideologies, reflective of the spirit of Hinduism, to strengthen the project’s link to its origins. Thus, aiding in their intent to create a meaningful community hub that reconnects the Hindus around UAE to one another, and back to their homeland and roots of their religion. Showcasing the richness of Hinduism’s culture and prosperity, RSP represents the intricate patterns of ancient Hindu temples through the many detailed engravings infused into elements around the complex. At the same time, RSP abstracts the many layers of friezes that adorn Hindu temples; emulating the same richness through horizontal bands that surround the complex’s monolithic façade. The horizontal bands is also designed as a transitioning medium, blending the contrasting languages between the architecture, the desert’s dunes and the temple in a continuous and fluid movement. Through this, RSP presents the notion of the temple complex being able to coexist and flow across the land, bringing harmony and uniting all through the spiritual language of Hinduism. Visitors Experience: Recreated in a modern way, RSP also designs a traditional parikrama surrounding the temple in a tranquil enclosure, creating an enriching 360 degree experience of the temple’s view, to reflect the notion that Hinduism revolves around everyday life. Engaging its visitors in an enriching journey, the BAPS Hindu Mandir with its complex design, excites the senses as people traverse the complex and soak in the spirit of Hinduism, experiencing its aura of enlightenment. Hence, RSP’s project, the BAPS Hindu Mandir, a prestigious cultural & community project, fulfills the long awaited needs of the Hindu community in the UAE - A place of worship, reflective of their heart and soul, allowing them to feel at home upon a foreign desert land; while at the same time, remains a worldwide attraction, that would invite all, to witness its splendor and magnificence.