Abu Dhabi: During his two-day visit to Abu Dhabi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will mark a historic moment by inaugurating the first Hindu stone temple in the city. The Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Mandir, set to be unveiled on Wednesday, stands as a testament to the enduring friendship between India and the UAE.
“Expressing appreciation for the generosity of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, PM Modi thanked him for his support and the land provided for the construction of the temple. Modi hailed the BAPS temple as a symbol of the President’s affinity towards India and his visionary outlook for the UAE’s future”.
Situated across 27 acres in Abu Dhabi’s Abu Mureikhah area, near Al Rahba off the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway, the temple’s construction commenced in 2019. Modi credited the UAE government’s donation of land as instrumental in making the project a reality, underscoring the strength of the bilateral relationship.
“Highlighting the significance of the temple’s construction without steel or concrete, PM Modi praised the unique architectural elements, including seven pinnacles representing the UAE’s seven emirates. The temple complex boasts various facilities, including a visitors’ center, library, prayer room, and community center, symbolizing the cultural vibrancy of the Hindu community”.
Scheduled to open for the public on February 18, the BAPS Hindu Mandir will stand as the largest temple in the Gulf region, adding to the three existing Hindu temples in Dubai. Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Abu Dhabi, marked by wide-ranging talks with President Sheikh Mohamed, underscores the depth and breadth of bilateral ties between India and the UAE.
