Abu Dhabi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a historic moment during his two-day visit to the UAE as he unveiled a grand Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi. The Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sansthan (BAPS) temple stands tall at 108 feet, stretching 262 feet in length and 180 feet in width, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship with limestones and marble adorning its structure.
Constructed using a blend of limestones and marble, the temple is a testament to exquisite craftsmanship and meticulous design. Its doors will open to the general public starting March 1st, offering a sanctuary for spiritual seekers and a place of serenity for all who visit.
The temple complex boasts a range of amenities, including a visitors’ center, prayer hall, exhibitions, learning areas, play facilities for children and youth, themed gardens, water features, food courts, and a book and gift shop. More than just a place of worship, it is envisioned as a space for community engagement and cultural enrichment.
Emphasizing inclusivity, BAPS has underscored that the temple is open to people of all religions, serving as a beacon of harmony and tolerance in a world often divided by differences. Prime Minister Modi echoed this sentiment during his speech at the temple inauguration.
#WATCH | At the inauguration of BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, PM Modi says, "…UAE, which till now was known for Burj Khalifa, Future Museum, Sheikh Zayed Mosque and other hi-tech buildings, has now added another cultural chapter to its identity. I am confident that a large… pic.twitter.com/sQr0eM7diC
— ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2024
Reflecting on the significance of the event, PM Modi expressed gratitude for the opportunity to witness the consecration of not one, but two grand temples—first in Ayodhya and now in Abu Dhabi. He highlighted India’s age-old tradition of embracing diversity, quoting the Vedas to emphasize the unity of all faiths.
The temple’s architecture itself embodies this ethos, featuring engravings of stories from the Bible and Quran alongside Hindu scriptures. PM Modi also commended the collaborative efforts of various communities in bringing the temple to life, from the Bohra Muslim community’s contribution to the Wall of Harmony to the Parsi community’s innovative 3D experiences.
#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Mandir in Abu Dhabi. pic.twitter.com/eI7yLW2RPE
— ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2024
During his visit, PM Modi met with UAE Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who announced plans to allocate land for the construction of a hospital for Indian workers—a gesture warmly appreciated by the Indian Prime Minister. This spirit of cooperation and mutual respect exemplifies the strong bonds between India and the UAE, fostering goodwill and progress for both nations.
#WATCH प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी कतर के लिए रवाना हुए।
— ANI_HindiNews (@AHindinews) February 14, 2024
दोहा में प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी कतर के अमीर शेख तमीम बिन हमद अल थानी के साथ द्विपक्षीय बैठक करेंगे। pic.twitter.com/C1xuqpf8xn