The Bahai temple is located near Kanyanya, approximately 3 kilometers north of Kampala’s city center and 7 kilometers along Gayaza Road. It was built atop Kikaaya hill, one of the most notable hills in Kampala Bahai Temple Kampala, and hence provides breathtaking views of the city. The Bahai temple stands tall on a 52-acre plot of ground, measuring 44 feet broad, 124 feet tall, and with a dome, 130 feet high.
The Bahai Temple is located in a calm area away from Kampala’s bustling city center. Aside from the main Temple, Uganda has approximately 9 more Bahai worship sites spread across the country, each with over 1000 adherents. Uganda is the only African country among the eight nations. The world has four Baha’i temples. The other seven countries are Panama, Germany, the United States, Chile, India, Australia, and Samoa.
History of the Bahai Faith in Uganda and Worldwide
The Baha’i faith has existed in the world since 1844. That was when Baha’u’llah introduced the Bahai faith and published a large amount of literature about it. The name “Baha’u’llah” means “God of Glory.” According to his writings, heaven and hell are spiritual regions rather than physical ones. A person’s fate in hell or paradise is determined by their actions on earth.
The Bahai faith was introduced to Uganda in 1951, making it one of Africa’s first Bahai congregations. The Baha’i Temple was built in Uganda from 1958 to 1961. It became Africa’s first Bahai Temple and was dedicated to Ruhiyyih Rabbani, an author and renowned custodian of the Bahai faith from 1937 until 1957.
Approximately 100 persons attended the opening ceremony. The Baha’i faith had numerous problems in the 1970s, and it was one of just a few religions prohibited by Uganda’s then-president, Iddi Amin. During that terrible time, the newly erected Bahai temple was abandoned, but it remained well-maintained even after it was no longer in use. A few years (1981) after Iddi Amin’s fall, the believers returned to the shrine to worship.
Design & Architecture of the Bahai Temple in Uganda
Bahai temples feature distinctive and unusual architecture, and the one in Uganda is no exception. It was built in a distinctive manner and in the shape of an African hut. Mr Shoghi Effendi and Charles Mason Remey were the great architects behind the temple’s ultimate design. Unfortunately, Mr. Shoghi did not live long enough to witness the completed temple, dying only a month after the Bahai Temple in Kampala was constructed in October 1957.
The temple constructions were meticulously crafted with elements that express both spiritual and physical beauty. For example, the temple’s conical dome was built of tiny mosaic tiles imported from Italy. The multi-colored window glasses were purchased from Germany, and the lower roof the tiles were brought from Belgium. The steel and window frame fittings were imported from Britain, while the timbers were sourced within Uganda. The Bahai Temple in Kampala is composed of nine large pillars and 27 smaller pillars that provide additional strength. Did you know that the Bahai temple’s nine gorgeous doors are more than just decoration? They represent something extremely important. The temple’s nine entrances facing different directions reflect the nine religions and their messengers, according to Bahai believers.
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The Bahia Temple in Uganda is a popular tourist site in Kampala. The temple’s tranquil surroundings make it an ideal place to come, pray, meditate, or simply rest in the peaceful lush green gardens. The gardens are well-kept, with lovely flowers and fruit trees. The gardens at the Baha’i Temple are also ideal for family picnics, get-togethers, and modest parties, among other activities.
What is Inside the Bahai Temple in Kampala?
When you visit the Bahai temple in Kampala, you will find that it is a well-organized worship space. The church leaders sit on a high platform similar to those found in Christian churches. Wooden pews are neatly set in three rows.
The temple also features dazzling lights that shine through the large multicolored glass aircraft windows. There are certain norms and regulations for entering the Bahai temple, which include –
1. Avoid taking photographs within the temple.
2. Turning off cell phones or living them in silent mode so as not to disturb other worshippers.
3. Desiring to abstain from drugs and alcohol when in temple.
4. Keeping the magnificent plants and flowers blossoming in the temple gardens intact.
Prayers at the Bahai Temple in Uganda.
The Bahai Temple in Uganda holds approximately three prayer sessions per day. Believers can attend prayers on any day of the week. According to the Baha’i faith, there is no set day of the week for prayers. Baha’i Temple in UgandaHowever, Bahai adherents in Kampala chose to congregate for prayers every Sunday.
The Bahai Temple in Uganda normally has the biggest attendance during significant religious occasions or when the faith’s original founders are remembered. On these occasions, Declaration cards are officially distributed to youngsters and adults aged 15 and up who seek to join the church. The use of declaration cards is akin to Christian baptism.
A typical Bahai prayer session includes reading holy scriptures, singing praise, and listening to church officials speak.The Bahai Temple in Kampala has a significant impact on its community. The Bahai community in Uganda has created schools and learning centers for children from low-income families.
Aside from creating schools and learning centers, the Bahai community participates in a variety of activities both inside and outside of the temple. For example, the temple holds regular children’s programs where they learn about the Bahai faith and how to be morally honest individuals. During these lessons, children learn about the virtues of kindness, truthfulness, and unity, among other things. These lessons contain activities such as storytelling, quizzes, games, music, and dancing, among others. The Baha’i Temple in Kampala also has outreach initiatives aimed at young people. Uganda also holds prayer gatherings where believers go out to visit one another in their areas. These prayer groups provide a fantastic opportunity to encourage one another during difficult times.
Additional information for tourists and visitors.
What is the entrance charge to the Bahai Temple in Uganda?
There is no entrance fee to enter Uganda’s Bahai Temple. The Bahai community is discreet about their activities and will not accept donations from just anyone.
Visiting the temple can be extremely rewarding for religious travelers, birdwatchers, and nature lovers. Birders can expect to observe over 100 species, including the grey woodpecker, palm nut vultures, brown parrots, striped kingfisher, and red-eyed dove, among others.
Accommodation for travelers can be found outside the temple grounds or within Kampala city. The Bahai temple in Kampala is not only a popular destination for religious tourists, but it also provides an opportunity to get away from the city’s bustling center.