#Historic Inauguration of Abu Dhabi’s First Hindu Temple by Indian Prime Minister
# The temple will be opened to the public on 1, March 2024.
Abu Dhabi witnessed a momentous occasion on Wednesday (on Basant Panchami at ) as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the city’s first Hindu temple, marking a significant milestone for the Indian community in the Middle East. The temple, sprawling over 27 acres and constructed at a cost exceeding Rs. 700 crore, is seen as a symbol of the burgeoning relationship between India and the United Arab Emirates.
Addressing the gathering in Hindi, PM Modi expressed his elation, stating, “A golden chapter in human history has been written in UAE today.
A grand and holy temple has been inaugurated in Abu Dhabi today. Years of hard work have gone into this temple, and a long-cherished dream has come true. Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s blessings are also with this temple.”
Referring to the recent consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, PM Modi likened the event to a fulfilment of a centuries-old dream. He expressed gratitude for being able to witness both historic occasions, stating, “The joy we felt in Ayodhya has been amplified in Abu Dhabi today.”
PM Modi also praised UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, acknowledging his pivotal role in making the temple a reality. Al Nahyan had generously donated 13.5 acres of land for the temple’s construction back in 2015, a decision PM Modi described as a reflection of the President’s love for India and vision for the bright future of UAE.
The BAPS Hindu temple, constructed by the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), stands as a testament to the enduring friendship between India and the UAE. Its architecture incorporates seven shikhars (spires), representing the seven emirates comprising the UAE.
In a symbolic gesture, PM Modi participated in a ‘global aarti (prayer)’, synchronized with over 1,200 temples worldwide built by BAPS. Before the inauguration, he performed rituals including offering water in the virtual Ganga and Yamuna rivers, and met individuals from diverse religious backgrounds who contributed to the temple’s construction.
The inauguration of Abu Dhabi’s first Hindu temple not only marks a historic moment for the Indian community but also signifies the deepening cultural and diplomatic ties between India and the UAE on the global stage.
