In a momentous occasion for the Indian community residing in the Middle East, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has officially opened Abu Dhabi’s inaugural Hindu temple, marking the largest of its kind in the region.
Spanning across 27 acres and constructed at a cost exceeding ₹700 crore, the BAPS Hindu temple stands as a symbol of the strengthening ties between India and the United Arab Emirates.
During his two-day visit to the UAE, Prime Minister Modi lauded UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his pivotal role in facilitating the temple’s construction. PM Modi reminisced on their initial meeting in 2015, where President Al Nahyan promptly agreed to allocate land for the temple, stating, “put your finger on any piece of land, you will get it.”
The temple’s genesis dates back to 2015 when President Al Nahyan graciously donated 13.5 acres of land, followed by an additional donation of the same size in 2019. The foundation stone was laid by PM Modi three years later.
Erected by the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), the temple is situated in Abu Mreikhah near Al Rahba. The consecration ceremony commenced on Wednesday morning, marked by the installation of various idols.
Of notable architectural significance are the temple’s seven spires, each representing the seven emirates comprising the UAE. This unique design, featuring idols of prominent deities such as Lord Ram, Lord Shiv, and Lord Krishna, emphasizes unity and harmony amidst diverse cultures and religions.
Prime Minister Modi’s itinerary included participation in a ‘global aarti’, synchronized across 1,200 BAPS temples worldwide. Additionally, he symbolically poured water into virtual representations of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, and met with individuals from diverse faiths involved in the temple’s construction.
Following the temple inauguration, PM Modi will proceed to Doha for bilateral discussions with Qatari leadership. This visit follows Qatar’s recent release of eight Indian navy veterans from prison, viewed as a significant diplomatic achievement for India.
PM Modi’s visit underscores the growing strategic and diplomatic relations between India and the Gulf region, while also celebrating the rich cultural heritage shared between the two nations.
Read More:
