Jay Shah, Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), paid a memorable visit to the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, the region’s first hand-carved traditional sandstone temple. Guided by Pujya Brahmavihari Swami, the temple’s head, Shah was deeply moved by the temple’s intricate craftsmanship, spiritual ambiance, and its role as a beacon of religious harmony in the UAE capital. He described the temple as “the essence of harmony” and a message that resonates with the world “now more than ever.”TL;DR:
- Jay Shah,
ICC Chairman , visited Abu Dhabi’s iconic BAPS Hindu Mandir, praising its architecture and message of unity. - The temple stands as West Asia’s first traditional hand-carved Hindu mandir, symbolizing
cultural diversity and religious coexistence in the UAE. - Shah highlighted the Mandir as a symbol of social unity, spiritual harmony, and a source of inspiration for both leaders and communities.
About BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi
The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi is a monumental structure and the first traditional stone Hindu temple built in the Middle East. Its construction features hand-carved pink sandstone from Rajasthan and white marble from Italy, assembled by skilled artisans without the use of steel or concrete. Spanning 27 acres and standing 108 feet tall, the mandir showcases seven towers symbolic of the UAE’s Emirates, intricate domes, and more than 25,000 carved stone pieces. The temple complex is a hub for prayer, cultural events, study, and community outreach, reflecting a blend of Arab and Indian architectural traditions.Commissioned in 2019 and inaugurated in 2024, the temple fulfills a spiritual need for the Indian diaspora in the UAE and embodies the country’s values of tolerance, harmony, and interfaith understanding. It has quickly become a landmark for cultural tourism and social harmony in Abu Dhabi.
Significance of the visit
During his guided tour, Jay Shah and ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta explored not just the temple’s stunning architecture but also learned about its intention as a space for fostering global harmony. Shah expressed his admiration for the Mandir’s role in “radiating harmony and devotion from every corner” and its embodiment of timeless humanity. The visit underscored the ICC’s commitment to engaging with diverse communities and promoting messages of coexistence beyond the sporting world.The BAPS Mandir leadership shared that the visit was a “meeting of leadership and legacy,” reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s status as a global centre of cultural and religious diversity.
About Jay Shah
Jay Shah, born in 1988, took over as the Chairman of the ICC in December 2024 after a distinguished tenure as Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and as President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Known for his role in expanding cricket globally, including the sport’s return to the Olympics and gender pay equity initiatives, Shah is a prominent figure in the evolution of international sport governance. His leadership focuses on increasing inclusion, global cooperation, and community engagement both within and beyond the cricketing arena.Jay Shah’s visit to the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi highlights the increasing role of cultural and spiritual sites in fostering global unity and dialogue. The Mandir stands as a powerful example of the UAE’s commitment to tolerance and the Indian diaspora’s vibrant contributions to the country’s social fabric. As Shah noted, such “messages of harmony and unity” are more vital than ever in a fast-changing world.