Pujya Brahmavihari Swami

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Pujya Brahmavihari Swami (Sadhu Brahmaviharidas) is a sadhu initiated by HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, who leads international relations for the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, a socio-spiritual voluntary Hindu organisation. He heads the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, the first traditional Hindu temple in the Middle East. He is known across the world as an inspiring leader, creative thinker, motivational speaker, and a relentless champion of humanitarian causes. He is a thought leader and part of the creative team for numerous projects of international repute such as the Swaminarayan Akshardham in Gandhinagar, New Delhi, and Robbinsville, the Neasden Mandir, the Mystic India large format film, and the upcoming Akshardham complexes.

Early Life

Born to Gujarati immigrant parents, Swami Brahmaviharidas grew up in Leicester, UK, and excelled at school in academics and sports. His straight A grades at the GCSE had opened opportunities to study at Oxford or LSE. However, his spiritual inclination inspired him to decline that career path and he instead traveled to India in 1981 to take initiation as a Hindu sadhu.

He was initiated by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj on 12th April 1981 at Ahmedabad during the Bhagwan Swaminarayan Bicentenary Celebrations.

Life as a Swami in BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha

HH Mahant Swami Maharaj, Spiritual Head of BAPS and Pujya Brahmavihari Swami

Swami Brahmaviharidas is one of over 1,200 monks in the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, an organisation engaged in over 160 humanitarian and spiritual initiatives across the world. He is a senior member of BAPS’s international leadership team and helps oversee its key social, cultural, and religious activities globally. For more than four decades, he has been part of BAPS’s core creative and strategic team responsible for envisioning and executing projects that promote spirituality, service, and cultural understanding. His wide spectrum of social and spiritual work has won the love and friendship of many international leaders and thinkers, including Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, with whom he collaborated on several initiatives.

Creative Work

Swami Brahmaviharidas has played an instrumental role in conceptualizing and developing some of the most iconic Hindu temples and cultural projects in modern times. Most notably, he is leading the vision, planning, and execution of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi—the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East. This historic and landmark project has become a global symbol of peace, tolerance, and interfaith harmony.

• He has been a part of the team that conceptualized the Swaminarayan Akshardhams in Gandhinagar, New Delhi and Robbinsville NJ.
• He was part of the core team for the Neasden Mandir in London which has been awarded four mentions in the Guinness Book of World Records.
• He has also designed and given the creative write-up for Exhibition at BAPS Temples London UK, Toronto and Nairobi.
• He played a key role in design and creation of the acclaimed Water Spectacular Shows at New Delhi and Gandhinagar Akshardhams and the Mystic India giant screen film.
• He also ideated, scripted, and directed The Fairy Tale, an immersive multimedia experience at the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. This unique show blends storytelling, digital art, and emotional narrative to share the mandir's extraordinary journey. Widely acclaimed by dignitaries, media, and audiences, the show has also received international acclaimed and awards for its innovation, creativity, and inspirational impact.
• Most recently, he conceptualized the grand celebration of the Karyakar Suvarna Mahotsav, marking 50 years of BAPS youth volunteers (karyakars). Held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad—the world’s largest cricket stadium—the event brought together over 100,000 karyakars in a spiritually uplifting and visually powerful gathering.
• Under the guidance of HH Mahant Swami Maharaj and senior sadhus, he helps oversee devotional, cultural, humanitarian and spiritual activities of BAPS.
  

Pioneering Role in Fraternity and Tolerance – Abu Dhabi, UAE

Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami and Pujya Brahmavihari Swami explain the new temple project to the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and PM Modi at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Pujya Brahmaviharidas has been leading the BAPS Hindu Mandir project in Abu Dhabi since its inception in 2015. Today, he serves as the Head of the BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi. The Mandir, inaugurated on 14 February 2024 by HH Mahant Swami Maharaj in the presence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior UAE leaders, stands as the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East.

Since opening, over 2.5 million visitors have experienced the Mandir’s message of peace, harmony, and spiritual inclusivity. During the opening ceremony period, the Mandir received more than 64 billion digital media impressions worldwide across news platforms and social media, highlighting its global resonance and cultural significance.

The Mandir has become a powerful symbol of interfaith harmony and cultural unity. Swami Brahmaviharidas has represented Hinduism and BAPS at major global interfaith gatherings, including delivering the inaugural address at the Global Conference of Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi, concluded by Pope Francis and attended by over 700 faith leaders.

Recognitions and Awards

The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi has received multiple prestigious national and international awards, recognizing its architectural excellence, innovative engineering, and cultural impact:

• Mechanical Project of the Year 2019 at the MEP Middle East Awards, recognizing its innovative and sustainable mechanical design tailored to create a spiritual atmosphere.

• Interior Design Concept of the Year 2020 at the Commercial Interior Design (CID) Awards, honoring its visionary design that harmonizes traditional spirituality with modern aesthetics.
• Best Cultural Project in the UAE and Best Cultural Project in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) at the MEED Project Awards 2024, honoring its positive societal impact and meticulous craftsmanship.

These honors affirm the Mandir's status as a groundbreaking architectural and spiritual achievement, and as a beacon of harmony and inclusivity in the heart of the Middle East.

Humanitarian Leadership & Crisis Relief

Swami Brahmaviharidas has played a central role in conceptualizing and coordinating large-scale humanitarian aid initiatives through the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, actively responding to natural disasters and global crises:

In the aftermath of the 2001 Bhuj–Kutch Earthquake, he helped oversee relief camps, medical assistance, and large-scale reconstruction efforts in Gujarat.

Following the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, Swamiji helped guide BAPS’s on-ground response teams providing food, medicine, and shelter to thousands across Tamil Nadu and surrounding coastal regions.

During the COVID‑19 pandemic, he led the organization’s response across India and internationally, mobilizing volunteers for food drives, vaccination awareness, and medical supply distribution.

In response to the Russia–Ukraine war (2022), and at the request of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Swamiji organized BAPS volunteers from 11 countries to establish relief operations in Rzeszów, Poland. These included mobile field kitchens serving over 1,000 hot vegetarian meals daily and safe shelter for refugees. Over 3,700 Indian nationals and others were safely evacuated under his coordination.

Global Conferences and Speeches

Swami Brahmaviharidas is a widely respected spiritual leader and international speaker of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. Known for his clarity, insight, and deep interfaith engagement, he has represented Hinduism and India on several global platforms promoting peace, harmony, and cultural dialogue.

Pujya Brahmavihari Swami at TEDx Tampa

• 2019 – Global Conference of Human Fraternity, Abu Dhabi: Swami Brahmaviharidas delivered the inaugural address at the Global Conference of Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi, attended by over 700 faith leaders. The conference concluded with a keynote by Pope Francis, highlighting the significance of interreligious unity in the modern world.

• 2021 – India Global Forum: “Harmony – A Special Interaction with Pujya Brahmavihari Swamiji”: As part of the India Global Forum 2021, Swami Brahmaviharidas was featured in a special session titled "Harmony: A Special Interaction with Pujya Brahmavihari Swamiji". In this deep and reflective conversation, he elaborated on the meaning of harmony as a dynamic responsibility that transcends tolerance and embraces active engagement for peace and global good.

• 2021 – Expo 2020 Dubai: Global Interfaith Summit: Swamiji participated in the Global Interfaith Summit hosted at the Italian Pavilion during Expo 2020 Dubai. Held on the International Day of Tolerance, the event included senior faith leaders from Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism. Swamiji spoke on the topic, “Interfaith as a Catalyst for Global Outreach,” contributing to the launch of the International Tolerance Alliance.

• 2022 – Forum on Common Values Among Religious Followers, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Swamiji addressed the Forum on Common Values Among Religious Followers, hosted by the Muslim World League in Riyadh. This historic event marked the first time Hindu and Jewish leaders were invited to such a gathering in Saudi Arabia. Representing Hindu Dharma and India, Swamiji spoke during the opening plenary session on the theme of “Human Dignity and Divine Equality.”

• 2023 – India Global Forum: “Harmony” Dubai: Swami Brahmaviharidas was again invited to speak at the India Global Forum, where he shared insights on cross-cultural unity and interfaith diplomacy in a session titled “Harmony.” He emphasized the power of dialogue in building lasting peace and cultural bridges between nations.

• 2024 – India Global Forum MEA: “In Conversation with Pujya Brahmavihari Swamiji”: At the India Global Forum MEA 2024 held in Dubai, Swamiji was featured in a session titled “In Conversation with Pujya Brahmavihari Swamiji, of BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi”. He discussed the global significance of the Mandir as a symbol of cultural diplomacy, faith-based unity, and international cooperation.

• 2024 – International Conference of Religious Leaders, Kuala Lumpur: On 7 May 2024, Swami Brahmaviharidas represented Sanatan Hindu Dharma, India, and the United Arab Emirates at the International Conference of Religious Leaders in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The event saw participation from over 60 nations and 2,000 religious scholars. Swamiji's speech emphasized “harmony” as an action-oriented principle essential for interfaith collaboration.

• 2025 – TEDx Tampa, Florida: In May 2025, Swamiji delivered a TEDx talk at TEDx Tampa titled “How Conversations Can Create History.” He highlighted the power of genuine dialogue in healing, inspiring, and shaping communities. The address received a standing ovation and wide acclaim for its heartfelt storytelling and spiritual depth.

Podcasts

Swami Brahmaviharidas has shared his insights, experiences, and spiritual wisdom through several podcast appearances. These conversations cover a range of topics including leadership, interfaith harmony, personal growth, and the journey of building the first traditional Hindu mandir in the Middle East.

• Swami Brahmaviharidas Ji On Making History With First Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi: In this compelling conversation, Swamiji shares the extraordinary story of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi—its vision, challenges, and global impact as a spiritual and cultural landmark. Watch here

• Podcast with Pujya Brahmavihari Swami: The Mahakumbh Experience: Swamiji speaks about the spiritual depth and historical context of the Maha Kumbh Mela, highlighting its messages of renewal, unity, and devotion that resonate across faiths. Watch here

• Brahmavihari Swami on Spirituality, Friendship & the Purpose of Life: A heartwarming and thoughtful dialogue in which Swamiji reflects on the essence of true friendship, the inner life of spirituality, and how to live with clarity and purpose in modern times. Watch here

Books and Articles

• He has authored and translated “101 tales of Wisdom by Yogiji Maharaj” and “Gajendrapith: The Incredible Story and History of the Elephant Plinth”
• His talks continue to be published as a series in the Gujarati Daily NavGujarat Samay, on every Sunday since 2014.
• He has written foreword for 'A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: A Life' an autobiography book by Prof. Arun Tiwari
• He has authored “Vicharan: Moments & Memories - Celebrating 25 Years of Satsang in America” a photographic portrayal of Pramukh Swami Maharaj's journey, across continents, oceans, mountains, and rivers and into hearts. With hundreds of stunning photos and evocative text, this coffee table book will inspire your spiritual self.
• He has authored “Satsang: Moments with Pramukh Swami” This coffee-table volume provides an interesting and enlightening insight into the personality of Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
• Antar Ne Nirakhiye : a collection of inspiring articles written by him in NavGujarat Samay newspaper.
• 'How trust in interfaith relations avoided riots after the Akshardham terror attack in 2002' Editorial on Scroll.in
• 'The Cockroach Conundrum: Reaction Vs Proaction' Editorial on The Speaking Tree
• 'Truth, Lies And Many Shades Of Grey' Editorial on The Speaking Tree

Awards

• He has been awarded an honorary Ph.D. by Gujarat University for his contribution to the social and spiritual upliftment of society.

• At the SWFIFORT Dubai 2024, he was honored with the GOOD Fellow Award for his distinguished contributions to society and community building. He also delivered a keynote at GOOD TALK 4, offering profound spiritual insights.

• He received the prestigious Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year Award 2025, presented by Lokmat Media Group, for his outstanding contributions to international relations, humanitarian service, and interfaith harmony. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including the Governor and Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

• The State of Tennessee, USA, formally recognized BAPS and Pujya Brahmaviharidas Swami through Senate Joint Resolution No. 442 for his leadership in global humanitarian efforts and the creation of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. He was also acknowledged for his relief work during the 2001 Bhuj earthquake, COVID-19 pandemic, and Russia-Ukraine conflict. A special recognition was presented in Atlanta during a large assembly attended by senior state officials and over 2,000 attendees.

External Links

Books

• 101 Tales of Wisdom as told by Yogiji Maharaj - Book Available on Amazon.com
• Gajendrapith: The Incredible Story and History of the Elephant Plinth - Book available on Amazon.com
• Satsang: Moments with Pramukh Swami - Book Available on Amazon.com
• Vicharan: Moments & Memories - Celebrating 25 Years of Satsang in America - Book Available on Amazon.com

Inspirational Speeches

English Speeches:

• The Cockroach Conundrum
• Leadership in Diversity
• Youth Parliament of India 2019
• Embrace Change & Grow
• 'Peace and Harmony - Beyond Law'
• Prayer - The Wonder Power
• The Power of Love
• Rediscovering Relationships
• Think Different, Be Different

Gujarati Speeches:

• Positive Thinking in COVID19 Lockdown
• ‘Happy New Year, New Year New Thinking'
• A Tribute to Pramukh Swami Maharaj: Before Us, Beyond Us
• True Guru's Love
• “ભૂતકાળ, વર્તમાન અને ભવિષ્ય”
• “સંકલ્પશક્તિ”

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