Jay Shah’s Landmark Visit to BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi
ICC Chairman Jay Shah visiting BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi with ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta, appreciating the temple's architecture and spiritual ambiance
On August 14, 2025, ICC Chairman Jay Shah visited the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, the Middle East’s first traditional hand-carved stone Hindu temple.
During the visit, Shah appreciated the temple’s architectural brilliance, spiritual ambiance, and its message of religious harmony in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He described the mandir as a “jewel of harmony” and emphasized that its message is more relevant to the world today than ever before.
Temple Highlights:
The BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi spans 27 acres and stands 108 feet tall.
It features seven domes shaped like elephants and is adorned with over 25,000 hand-carved stone pieces.
Constructed using Rajasthan pink stone and Italian white marble, the temple is built without steel or concrete joints.
Beyond worship, the mandir serves as a hub for cultural events, education, and community service.
Jay Shah’s Visit:
Jay Shah, along with ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta, toured the temple, admiring its craftsmanship, spiritual atmosphere, and cultural significance. He called the mandir a “jewel of harmony” and noted that it stands as a symbolic and historical site promoting interfaith understanding and peace.
Significance of the Visit:
The visit provided cricket leaders with a cultural and spiritual experience and highlighted the UAE’s commitment to religious tolerance, cultural diversity, and global harmony. The temple represents a model of unity, interfaith dialogue, and inclusivity, sending a global message of respect for all faiths.
FAQ – Jay Shah Visits BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi
1. Who is Jay Shah?
Jay Shah is the Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and a prominent cricket administrator from India.
2. What is BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi?
The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi is the Middle East’s first traditional hand-carved stone Hindu temple, known for its architectural brilliance and spiritual ambiance.
3. When did Jay Shah visit the BAPS Hindu Mandir?
Jay Shah visited the temple on August 14, 2025, along with ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta.
4. Why did Jay Shah visit the temple?
He visited to appreciate its architecture, spiritual atmosphere, and cultural significance and to promote religious harmony and interfaith dialogue.
5. What are the main features of the BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi?
The temple spans 27 acres, stands 108 feet tall, has seven elephant-shaped domes, and includes over 25,000 hand-carved stone pieces made from Rajasthan pink stone and Italian white marble.
6. Does the temple use steel or concrete in construction?
No, the BAPS Hindu Mandir is built without steel or concrete joints, relying entirely on traditional stone-carving techniques.
7.. What is the significance of the temple in the UAE?
The temple represents religious tolerance, cultural diversity, and global harmony, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to interfaith understanding and unity.
8. How does Jay Shah’s visit impact the ICC and cricket community?
The visit highlights the role of sports leaders in promoting cultural and spiritual awareness and strengthens the global message of unity and respect for all religions.
9. Can the public visit the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, the temple is open to devotees and visitors, serving as a hub for worship, cultural events, education, and community service.
