Spiritual Enlightenment at BAPS Hindu Mandir: A Snapshot of Ceremony, Ritual, and Engagement in Society

Mansi Puja

Mansi puja is the best form of mental worship of God. In mansi puja, there is no need to stick to a particular time of day, nor is there any need to be in a particular place. In mansi puja when a devotee imagines God, then in his mind he virtually starts mentally singing praises of God, serving Him by doing aarti, wearing him a garland, giving Him food, putting Him to sleep. Sometimes a devotee also discusses his day’s work and his actions etc. with God, what he has gained from his experiences, so that if there is a chance to do the same work tomorrow, he will have an increased productivity and also a better understanding of what he should do and what he shouldn’t do.

Daily Puja

Nitya Puja is when a devotee may communicate with God and convey one’s concerns and feelings directly to God. Puja helps one concentrate on the divine murti of God and His gunatit sadhu. It also pacifies the mind and renders it thought-free. A devotee places before them the murti of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the guru parampara on another asana, and by reciting a Sanskrit verse inviting their grace. Then finally, they do dhyan, yoga/pranayam, mansi, mala, dandavat, pradakshina, and prarthana. A shloka indicates the end of the puja and when they have finished, devotees read the 5 shlokas from the Shikshapatri that convey something different every time they are read.

Tilak-Chandlo

The tilak-chandlo is a Hindu tradition, especially in the Vaishnav Sampraday, that is thousands of years old and signifies one’s victory, auspiciousness, and belonging to a particular faith. Tilak – a mark of a person’s adherence to Hindu Sanatan Dharma – is made from the word ‘til’ in Sanskrit, which means sesame seed. In yagnas and in charity, sesame seeds have great significance and, since that part of the body is an area where Divinity can be channeled and can enhance the individual’s spiritual character, it is imprinted on a person’s forehead. During their puja, male devotees of the Swaminarayan Sampraday apply a tilak and chandlo to their forehead. The tilak is kesar chandan (yellow sandalwood paste) and the chandlo is kumkum (red saffron powder). Female devotees only apply a chandlo, which is commonly known as a bindi, to their forehead. The tilak-chandlo represents the servitude of a devotee at the feet of God, and it has also come to signify a dual devotion to God and the gunatit guru.

Dhyan

Dhyan, or meditation, includes the fundamental concept of stabilizing the mind. Devotees meditate on the murti or divine form of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and remove all other thoughts and disturbances from their mind. By calming the mental state, this ancient practice also improves concentration.

Mala

When performing their daily pujas, a string of wooden beads — similar to a rosary — is passed through a devotee’s middle finger and thumb. This string of beads is a mala, and each contains 108 beads. As a devotee performs each mala, they chant the Swaminarayan mantra. Some may complete anywhere from 5 to 51 malas every day during their daily pujas.

Dandvat Pranam

Dandvat Pranam is the ritual during which devotees offer their respects and surrender themselves to God by bowing down. Devotees perform dandvat pranam by lying completely prostrate on the floor, arms outstretched toward the murtis. It is a symbol of complete submission, reminding devotees to respect God and cultivate humility.

Arti

Arti is the ancient practice of waving a lighted wick in a clockwise motion around a murti while singing a prayer. It symbolizes the removal of darkness by true spiritual enlightenment. In traditional Hindu mandirs, arti is performed 5 times a day.

Weekly Satsang Sabha

Every Sunday, men, women, and children make their way to BAPS Hindu Mandir for the weekly satsang sabha. This tradition was started by Yogiji Maharaj and continues to mold and keep the BAPS community as one unit. The congregation participates in dhoon, bhajan, mansi, video presentations, cultural programs, and last but not least, discourses by the sadhus or learned devotees.

The BAPS Hindu Mandir shows how faith can create a peaceful and connected society. Whether you’re Hindu, curious about different cultures, or just looking for a peaceful place, this temple offers a unique experience. So next time you travel, consider visiting the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi.

What is the significance of the BAPS Mandir in Abu Dhabi?

The BAPS Hindu Mandir is the first traditional Hindu temple in the Middle East. This mandir represents a milestone for Hinduism in the region, and represents interfaith understanding and acceptance.

What are the spiritual aspects of the Mandir’s design?
Traditional Hindu architecture (Sthapatya and Vastu Shastra) guides the design, creating a space for spiritual focus. The seven shikharas represent the seven Hindu deities and the seven emirates of the UAE, signifying unity.

How does the Mandir serve the Hindu community?
Devotees can practice their faith through darshan of deities, prayers, and participation in rituals.

Is the Mandir open to everyone?
Yes. The BAPS Mandir welcomes visitors of all faiths, backgrounds, and nationalities.

What else is there to experience at the Mandir?
The BAPS Hindu Mandir also serves as a cultural center to learn and understand Hindu culture and heritage.