Designing Devotion: How the BAPS Mandir Aligns with Faith, Service, Innovation, and Tolerance in Abu Dhabi, UAE

Abstract

The case examined a Hindu Mandir from Bochanwasi Shri Akshar Purshottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), which combined aspects of sacred authenticity and tolerance in Abu Dhabi. Framed through the lens of Service Innovation, the mandir can be seen as a co-creative service ecosystem, bringing together people of different faiths, countries, and cultures. The major attraction were divine Mandir with inner sanctum and deities, welcome hall, harmony hall, tolerance trees, Divine Eye, Orchard, Water Rise, Abhishek Mandapam, charnavrind (God’s footprint), pinnacle (Shikhars), ceilings, carvings of value stories with messages from different culture, an inner dome of harmony, inner dome of peace, Murtis, Conch shells, commemorative plaques, Guru Parampara murtis (statue), and Main Mandir (Temple). The case delved into the aspects of faith, leadership, service profit chain, and tolerance. The case can be seen from the standpoint of two models: The Inclusive Experience Model and the Sanctity First Model.  The Service Profit Chain offered a useful diagnostic lens. Service Profit Chain in the context of Abu Dhabi Mandir referred to how internal processes and saint and volunteer involvement can drive external outcomes? It is to be seen how the Mandir could become a global model of tolerance. Volunteer and Saint involvement could play a critical role in making the visitor experience authentic and welcoming. Students can analyse the role of leadership and derive lessons for spiritual and value-driven organisations.