Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated the first Hindu temple built by BAPS in Abu Dhabi in the presence of spiritual leaders of the Swaminarayan sect. Addressing the ceremony after the inauguration, PM Modi emphasized that the temple will serve as a symbol of unity and harmony.
He also appreciated the laudable role of the UAE government in the construction of the temple. PM Modi thanked UAE President Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for approving BAPS Hindu Temple and said it shows his love and respect for India and this would not have been possible without his love and support.
- PM Modi said, “This temple will be a symbol of unity and harmony. The role of the UAE government in the construction of the temple is commendable. He also expressed that the establishment of this temple has contributed an important cultural dimension to the UAE. The Prime Minister hoped that thousands of devotees would visit the temple in the future.
- A 27-acre site in Muriqah, Abu Dhabi near Al Rahba on the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway has been acquired by BAPS Institute at an estimated cost of Rs. The temple has been constructed at a cost of 700 crores. The UAE has donated land for the grand temple. The BAPS Hindu temple is the largest temple in the entire Bay Area. There are three other Hindu temples in Dubai, UAE.
- PM Modi said that UAE, till now known for Burj Khalifa, Future Museum, Sheikh Zayed Masjid and other hi-tech buildings, has now added another cultural chapter to its identity.
- PM Modi said that the diversity in this temple is his specialty. This idea is a belief in the midst of global conflicts and challenges. Faith in diversity is seen in the temple. He said that the UAE government has also given land to build a hospital for Indian workers. The whole earth is his family. India has always strived for world peace.
- PM Modi said that Swamiji said that he is a good priest. He said that he is the priest of Mother India. His every particle is for Mother India. 140 crore countrymen are their deities. This is not just a place of worship, but a heritage of humanity.
- He said, “I am confident that a large number of devotees will come here in the coming time. On behalf of millions of Indians across India and around the world, I express my heartfelt gratitude to President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the Government of the UAE.
- The inauguration of the Abu Dhabi temple comes just weeks after Modi inaugurated the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Speaking on the occasion, PM Modi said that it is his good fortune that first he has witnessed the magnificent Ram temple in Ayodhya and now the temple in Abu Dhabi. It is unity in diversity.
- Notably, this temple is the first traditional Hindu temple in the UAE, generously gifted by the UAE leadership. Standing at a height of 108 feet, the BAPS Hindu Temple is not only a symbol of spiritual devotion but also a marvel of engineering and craftsmanship. In 2017, Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone of cultural unity.
- Advanced technology including 300 sensors has been used in the construction of the temple. The BAPS Hindu Temple stands as a testament to architectural brilliance and cultural significance in the heart of the region. Atop its pink sand pillars are seven shikharas representing the number of sheikhs who ruled each emirate.
- The country’s President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed PM Modi and gave him a guard of honour, indicating how close the two countries have come in their strategic and economic ties.
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