India’s Prime Minister inaugurates historic Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi

New Delhi, February 14 (Australia India News Newsdesk)

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi on February 14, concluding his two-day visit to the United Arab Emirates, said media reports.

The Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Hindu Mandir, a grand symbol of harmony and tolerance, was officially opened by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The temple stands as a testament to the enduring values shared by India and the UAE, media reports said.

Before the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi participated in a symbolic ritual, offering water in the virtual Ganga and Yamuna rivers within the temple premises. He then proceeded to offer prayers inside the magnificent structure, said media reports.

"This temple will stand as an enduring tribute to the values of harmony, peace, and tolerance, which both India and the UAE cherish," Prime Minister Modi expressed in a statement prior to his visit, said media reports.

According to media reports from Abu Dhabi, situated on a sprawling 27-acre plot in Abu Dhabi, the pink sandstone temple stands as one of the largest in the Middle East. Despite Islam being the official religion of the UAE, the country is home to approximately 3.6 million Indian workers, making the inauguration of the temple a significant milestone.

The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of Indian government officials, Bollywood celebrities, members of the Ambani family, and senior Abu Dhabi officials. Former Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Navdeep Suri, emphasized the symbolic significance of the day for the Indian community, underscoring the spiritual and religious importance attached to the temple's establishment, media reports said.

Renowned singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan, echoing the sentiments of many, expressed jubilation over the historic event, praising Prime Minister Modi for his vision and execution, said media reports.

This milestone marks the second major religious inauguration by Prime Minister Modi in recent weeks, following the consecration ceremony of the grand Ram temple in Ayodhya last January.

According to media reports, the temple, built by the BAPS society, occupies a prime spot in Abu Dhabi, showcasing a unique blend of Indian culture and the UAE's identity. Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude towards UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed for facilitating the realization of the temple, emphasizing its significance for millions of Indians.

Featuring intricate marble carvings and a blend of traditional and contemporary architecture, the BAPS Mandir promises to be a spiritual haven for devotees from around the world. With its eco-friendly construction and innovative design, the temple has already earned recognition and accolades for its excellence in engineering and architecture, said media reports.