The Bahai Temple was built over 50 years ago; it is also known as the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar, which is the only one in Africa. However, there are also nine others, which are spread around the world. A lot of tourists to uganda miss out on the fun, amazing factors in Kampala.
This is because the country is mainly known for the wildlife safaris in the different national parks found in the countryside, such as, Bwindi impenetrable national park for the gorillas, queen Elizabeth national park for the climbing lions and Kibale national park for the chimpanzees, among others.
However, a few that take a few days roaming around in Kampala are blessed to explore a lot of new interesting features of Uganda, like the Bahai temple.
This majestic piece of art, the Bahai temple, is gracefully situated in one of the suburbs of Kampala, the capital of Uganda. The Bahai temple is located about 4 miles from the main city center of Kampala, on Kikaya hill along Gayaza road. It is famously known for being a spiritual home for the Bahai Faith in Uganda.
The Bahai temple sits on 52 acres of land on kikaya hill; the temple measures 265 feet in height and 84 feet in interior diameter with a 55 hectare compound of different floral garden patches.
The construction of the bahai temple in Kampala was an effort of more than one country; Belgium brought the roof tiles, Germany bought the colored glass, the windows were imported from Britain, and Uganda was responsible for the timber and the hard rocks to put up this phenomenal temple.
Brief history
The history of the temple roots way back in 1946 when Ugandan Dr. Ernest Kalibala, one of Uganda’s first PhDs, was then associated with the New York Bahai Centre. On August 3, 1951, members of the Baha’i Faith arrived in Kampala. In December, the first two Ugandans converted to the religion. In 1958, the land (about 52 acres) was purchased in a tranquil place within in kampala, and the construction started and took 4 years; to this day, it is on Kikaya hill.
The Bahai Temple in Uganda officially opened to the public on January 15, 1962, which is the very year when Uganda received its independence. The architectural design is such a wonder; the temple was constructed in the form of a dome up on the hill, and the inside of the dome is painted a pale blue color and can accommodate a seating of up to 800 people.
The building has a 44ft diameter with nine large pillars and 27 smaller ones, which support the temple upright. Surrounded by a peaceful floral garden, good for an evening relaxation, and combined with plants of different heights, colors, textures, and fragrances, the environment around the Bahai temple creates a relaxation of mind and also delights emotions.
Based on its strategic location, the Bahai Mother Temple, even miles away, is still very visible from almost all parts of Kampala. Tourists always save a day for their arrival in Uganda to visit this area during their holidays. The place welcomes everyone regardless of their religion and background, though the Bahai Faith principles have to be respected during their touring time. Acts of immorality are therefore forbidden once you step in this place of worship.
The Bahai Faith is strange and not so known in Uganda; however, a number of publications talk about it. The bahai faith teaches a considerable number of theological, social, and spiritual principles that were established by Bahaullah who is taken and believed to be the founder of this particular religion and were also clarified by successive leaders.
The Bahai teachings include theological statements about God, His messengers, and humans, as well as social teachings that encompass the equality of all people regardless of gender, race, or class; the harmony of science and religion; and the elimination of extremes of wealth and poverty. This principle of the Bahai faith contributes to its authenticity, especially if humans are willing to understand it more.
The three core assertions of the Bahai Faith, sometimes termed the “three onenesses,” are central in the teachings of the religion. They are the Oneness of God, the Oneness of Religion and the Oneness of Humanity, which sounds true.
What is done at the Bahai temple?
There is a lot done at the Bahai temple during your Ugandan safari, even though it is unbelievable. In the evening, the delightful sights and sounds of birds singing gratify the lounging tourists and visitors in the gardens, supplemented with the cool breeze from down the hill.
Religious meetings and gatherings mark the highlight to bahai temple in Uganda. A lot of people visit bahai temple for devotional gatherings like yoga and meditation. Also the hindus in Uganda love the bahai temple and they always visit for different religious devotions all through the year. Other religions also hold fasting meetings since the place is so conducive and silent, as if it is isolated from the city noise.
A lot of study circles are conducted at bahai temple; the bahai community came up with different study series to help the members to develop a mindful sense of the society around them. These study circles are carried out in groups of about 10 people; the groups are responsible for teaching the members about the different pillars of the bahai faith, the bahai writing and the unity of prayer, among other strange things about the life hereafter.
Birding is awesome at the Bahai temple. The natural environment around the Bahai temple attracts a lot of birds. The different tree species and the flowers attract birds and insects. There are over 8 species of the common east African birds that shelter in the old trees of around bahai temple. The weaver birds are common, together with a few woodpeckers, ring-necked doves, pigeons and palm nut vultures, among others. The tweets of the birds heard while in the gardens create a very tranquil environment good for relaxation.
Other activities at the Bahai temple include children’s classes, which gather kids from the neighborhood to teach them about Bahai teachings and the Bahai faith. Junior youth class lessons help the youth to learn about moral decisions and they are also taught how to earn a living through drama, art and craft, and singing, among others.
The Bahai temple provides a sensational experience for visitors, who are captivated by the sounds of birds tweeting in the trees, the gentle breeze rustling through the leaves, and the sight of butterflies, all of which showcase the wonders of God’s creation in this little pearl of Africa, Uganda. The tranquility of the surroundings near bahai temple provides bliss for yoga and other meditation activities and mind rejuvenation.
Accommodation While on Tour to Kampala’s Bahai Temple
There are a number of restaurants and motels located not far away from the Bahai House of Worship, with fair prices for their standard services. There is Nyumba 591 about 2.8km from the temple and a night goes for Ush 66,045. Also, about 1.4km there is Palm Gardens and Guest house located in Kanyanya, $19 a room, with free WiFi. Other options include Etana Motel, which is about 2.3 km away from the Temple, and Kampala Tree House, located approximately 3.1 km from the Bahai Temple, where a night costs Ush 110,075. Additionally, there is the satellite hotel near Kisaasi trading center and many others within the vicinity of the Bahai Temple.
You can visit the Bahai temple any time of the year; however, during the holidays, from November to December, the place tends to be always booked for weddings, picnics, and other holiday parties. You can tell your tour operator to include the Bahai temple trip in your itinerary for the Kampala city tour.
