Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Mandir on Wednesday, marking the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Upon arriving at the temple, PM Modi was welcomed by BAPS' Ishwarcharandas Swami, where he offered prayers and performed aarti. The temple's inauguration coincided with the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami. As the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, the BAPS Mandir holds cultural and spiritual significance, drawing devotees from various corners.
Earlier in the day, the consecration ceremony of the BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi took place ahead of its inauguration by PM Modi. Priests conducted rituals to sanctify the temple before the formal opening. PM Modi arrived in the UAE on Tuesday for a two-day visit and discussed the BAPS temple during the 'Ahlan Modi' diaspora event held yesterday.
Expressing gratitude, PM Modi thanked UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for approving the BAPS Hindu Mandir, acknowledging it as a gesture of love and respect for India. The temple, the first traditional Hindu temple in the UAE, occupies 27 acres of land generously gifted by the UAE leadership.
Standing at an impressive height of 108 feet, the BAPS Hindu Mandir symbolizes spiritual devotion and showcases exceptional engineering and craftsmanship. Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone in 2017, emphasizing the collaborative effort to bring this vision to life. Advanced technology, including 300 sensors, elevates the temple to a scientific marvel. The estimated cost of the construction is Dh400 million, reflecting the dedication and commitment of the community.
The BAPS Hindu Mandir stands as a testament to architectural brilliance and cultural significance in the heart of the region, making it the first stone Hindu temple in the area and the largest in West Asia. Located in the Abu Mureikhah area, this majestic structure embodies the spirit of cultural peace and collaboration, symbolizing the enduring friendship between India and the UAE.
PM Modi's visit to the UAE marks his third visit to the Gulf country in the past eight months. The two-day visit, from February 13-14, will be followed by his journey to Doha.