Why do Hindu swamis wear orange? Abu Dhabi BAPS temple head wows sold-out TEDx audience in US

Abu Dhabi: The iconic saffron robes of a Hindu monk sparked curiosity at TEDxTampa in Florida, US, and the answer left more than 1,000 attendees moved and mesmerised.

Taking the stage, Pujya Brahmaviharidas Swami, Head of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, began his speech with a prayer for global peace and unity. He then addressed the question on everyone’s mind: “Why are his clothes orange?”

Brahmaviharidas Swami said that saffron represents the colours of cremation and self-sacrifice, “reminding us of our impermanence and urging us to strive to do as much good as we can, to as many people as we can, for as long as we can”.

Brahmaviharidas Swami, who oversaw the ambitious project of building the region’s first traditional sandstone temple, shared the inspiring story behind the BAPS Hindu Mandir.

He recounted three unforgettable conversations: one in the heart of a silent desert with no one around, another in a corridor with everyone around, and a third within the quiet palace of the Ruler of Abu Dhabi.

Each moment illustrated a deeper truth – that one quiet inner ‘yes’ can silence a thousand outer ‘no’s’, and that generosity has the power to bridge continents and cultures.

Brahmaviharidas Swami left the sold-out audience with a timeless message from the late spiritual leader Pramukh Swami Maharaj: “In the joy of others lies our own” and beautifully echoed by Mahant Swami Maharaj, the present spiritual guru of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, who often said: “You only live when you give.”

The audience was captivated, hanging on to every word. Later a standing ovation followed his talk that moved and inspired all in attendance. Among the day’s speakers, John Couris, CEO of Tampa General Hospital, summed it up best: “This has been the best experience of my life.”