In Abu Dhabi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached the temple complex at 6 pm with resonating Sanskrit shlokas and Vedic hymns. Where he was welcomed by Ishwarcharandas Swami and other representatives of Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) temple. The first Hindu temple in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) temple was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, in what was truly a historic and proud moment for Hindus across the world.
Prime Minister Modi offered flower petals at the feet of Lord Swaminarayan and proceeded to perform the rituals. The inauguration ceremony began with the offering of holy Ganga water. The temple was inaugurated on the auspicious Basant Panchami festival day.
Mahant Swami Maharaj reached the Gulf country on February 5 to preside over the historic inauguration. Prime Minister Modi performed ‘Global Aarti’ with Mahant Swami Maharaj.
Mahant Swami Maharaj garlanded Prime Minister Modi. After the inauguration, PM Modi saluted Mahant Swami Maharaj and took his blessings.
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PM Modi proceeded to offer holy water on the idol of Maharaj Swami Narayan and inscribed the message ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam’ – the world is one family – on a stone in the temple.
The inauguration of the iconic temple was celebrated through ‘Utsav of Harmony’. A series of upliftment and community programs were introduced which were based on strengthening trust, inspiring harmony between people of all generations and backgrounds, organizing community service etc.
This celebration has started from 10th February and will continue till 21st February.
The entire complex was decorated with auspicious symbols ahead of PM Modi’s arrival, with ‘welcome’ messages in Sanskrit, Arabic, English and Gujarati.
Brahmaviharidas Swami who oversees the temple project had earlier said, “The BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi serves as a spiritual oasis for global harmony. It celebrates the past and reimagines the future. “It is a timeless testament to the generosity, honesty and friendship of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s spirituality and leadership.”
This iconic stone temple is spread over 27 acres of land, which was gifted by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. The temple is located in Abu Murikha near Al Rahba on the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway.
This temple is 108 feet high. This temple exhibits the characteristics of the traditional Nagar style of architecture. Seven pinnacles representing each of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates have been constructed in this temple.
The entrance to the temple is marked by eight statues symbolizing the eight values of Sanatana Dharma along with two central domes, the ‘Dome of Harmony’ and the ‘Dome of Peace’.
According to reports, the construction cost is estimated to be around UAE Dirham 400 million.
After the UAE government allotted land for the temple in 2015, Prime Minister Modi thanked the Gulf country’s leadership on behalf of 130 crore Indians and described the UAE government’s initiative as “historic”.
