Prime Minister Narendra Modi has marked a historic milestone by inaugurating the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, during the culmination of his two-day visit to the Gulf nation.
The Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi was inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi, who began the auspicious occasion by offering water in the virtual Ganga and Yamuna rivers within the temple premises. In a statement prior to his visit, PM Modi emphasized that the temple serves as a testament to the enduring values of harmony, peace, and tolerance shared by both India and the UAE.
The consecration ceremony of the BAPS Hindu Temple, constructed from pink sandstone and occupying a sprawling 27-acre plot, was held earlier in the day, signifying a significant moment for the Hindu community in the Middle East. Despite Islam being the official religion of the UAE, the country is home to approximately 3.6 million Indian workers, underscoring the cultural diversity and inclusivity of the nation.
The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of Indian government officials, Bollywood luminaries, and members of the Ambani family, alongside senior Abu Dhabi dignitaries. Former Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Navdeep Suri, described the event as symbolic for the Indian diaspora, fulfilling a long-standing spiritual and religious aspiration.
Renowned singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan expressed his elation at the opening of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, hailing it as a historic moment for India and Indians worldwide. Mahadevan praised PM Modi’s visionary leadership in realizing such a monumental endeavor on foreign soil.
This inauguration follows PM Modi’s recent participation in the consecration ceremony of the grand Ram temple in Ayodhya, India, symbolizing the Prime Minister’s commitment to fostering religious harmony and celebrating India’s rich cultural heritage.
With the inauguration of the BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi, PM Modi has not only strengthened cultural ties between India and the UAE but also provided a spiritual sanctuary for the Indian diaspora residing in the region, reaffirming the values of unity and diversity that resonate across borders.
Sources By Agencies
