His Holiness Brahmavihari Swamiji, head of BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi and international relations for BAPS, met with President Dallin H. Oaks and President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
His Holiness also toured Church sites, including Deseret Industries on Welfare Square and the Conference Center on historic Temple Square, where he listened to an organ recital.
Elder David A. Bednar and Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Elder Anthony D. Perkins, President of the Middle East/Africa North Area, and Elder Matthew S. Holland, executive director of the Church Communication Department, were also present at the meeting.
In the meeting, the First Presidency and His Holiness expressed their great desire and unity in seeking to spread global harmony. With great mutual respect, they discussed various humanitarian relief and peacemaking efforts reflected in the daily lives of the followers of faith traditions, specially highlighting the BAPS Hindu Mandir as a great example of global interfaith coexsistence and cultural harmony, amply reflected in the core values of the UAE. A pronounced feeling of love and brotherhood was felt throughout.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often known as the Mormon Church, is a global Christian faith with more than 17 million members and 30,000 congregations across over 160 countries.
BAPS, Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, is a significant socio-spiritual organization within Hinduism. It is known for its commitment to promoting moral and social values and its efforts in humanitarian service. BAPS also emphasizes the importance of faith and spiritual growth in individuals, believing that inner peace is essential for external progress.
BAPS has a network of over 1,800 mandirs (temples) and 21,000 Satsang (congregations) centers worldwide. Its followers are estimated to number in the tens of millions.
As a core leader and creative driver, His Holiness belongs to the BAPS Core Committee. This seven-member governing body reports directly to His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the highest spiritual leader of this Hindu tradition. He has played an instrumental role in shaping generational projects, from London’s Neasden temple to the Swaminarayan Akshardham complexes in India and the USA.
More recently, he has led the creation of the historic BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, the first traditional stone Hindu temple in the Middle East. This project has bridged cultural and religious divides, fostering greater understanding and harmony among nations and becoming a landmark of love and unity.
