| |
It is called the 'Mashriqu'I-Adhkar', the Persian translation
for 'the dawning place of the praise of God'. It is also the
Mother Temple of Africa. Built about 40 tears ago on Kikaya
Hill, four miles from Kampala on the Gayaza Road, the Bahai
Temple soars above every other landscape. My afternoon journey
to this unique and beautiful house pf worship is out of curiosity
and sheer desire to travel. Yet, as the motorcycle strains and
chugs along the dusty road towards Kikaya Hill, it turns out
that I am taking an insightful spiritual journey. It is a pilgrimage
in which I am to see the manifestations of peace and harmony
in heaven and verily listen to the message from God. |
|
|
| |
In clear view of Kikaya Hill, from as far as 3km, The soaring
temple, perched on the hill's crest, blends with the scenic
view that projects harmony and joy. Arranged in rows, the exuberant
flowerbeds spread out to form columns of gardens that widen
from top to the foothill. It is a constant reminder of the proclaimed
Christian imagery of the narrow path to heaven's gate. The peace
and quite in the lush gardens beckons hundreds to always travel
to Africa's only Bahai Temple. Each continent has got only one
Bahai Temple and the decision to locate it here, turned Uganda
into Africa's spiritual heart for the Bahai.
The gardens are open to all. But while there, strict Bahai
principles must be observed. Loud music, picking of flowers,
immoral behavior, drinking of alcoholic beverages and use
of intoxicating drugs are forbidden. Baha'ullah, the founder
of Bahai faith, vehemently wrote against them. Hundreds of
tourists on holiday come to picnic, lounge and gracefully
wander through the peaceful gardens for long hours, the tourists
constantly return as if seeking spiritual refuge from this
mystical world marred by inhuman antics like savagery, immorality,
prejudice, hatred and jealousy. While seeking for peace and
harmony in the beautiful gardens visitors also find heaven
and make a covenant with God.
According to Baha'u'llah's writings, heaven and hell are
not places but states of being reached when someone does something
good and bad respectively. To the Bahai, heaven is the presence
of spiritual qualities, while hell is the lack of these qualities,
or imperfection. The sublime architectural design of the Temple
is not merely a marvel to her visitors and people who catch
sight of it from a distance. Its design is based on a spiritual
vision. The nine doors that stand open during prayer and sessions
of meditation speak of the all-embracing nature of God. All
are to usher in people to meet and adore God under this dome
that symbolizes His divine uniting force. Built in harmony
with the Bahai principles, the 124 feet high and 44 feet diameter
temple has because green conical dome shape. The interior
screams with an air of piety and natural respect.
Nine big pillars and 27 smaller ones support the temple up
right. Different countries contributed various building materials
as if to echo Baha'u'llah's crusade for university. The green
dome is made of tiny glazed mosaic tiles from Italy, while
the lower roof tiles are from Belgium. The walls are of pre-cast
stone quarried in Uganda. Steel and window frames and fittings
are from Britain. The colored glass was brought from Germany.
The timber used for making the doors and benches was from
Uganda.
After four dedicated years of building,
this venerated symbol of faith was successfully opened to
the public on January 15, 1962. In the evenings, the delightful
songs of the birds charm the lounging tourists and visitors
in the garden. Like a choir of angels, they sweetly sing proclaiming
the glorious destiny that awaits the human race. |
| <<Click
here to back>> |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
