Prime Minister Narendra Modi has marked a historic moment by inaugurating Abu Dhabi’s inaugural Hindu temple, the largest of its kind in the Middle East. Spanning 27 acres and towering at a height of 108 feet, the BAPS Hindu temple stands as a testament to the flourishing bond between India and the United Arab Emirates.
During his two-day visit to the UAE, PM Modi conducted the rituals for the temple’s inauguration, underscoring the significance of this event for the Indian diaspora in the region. The temple, constructed at a cost exceeding ₹ 700 crore, symbolizes the deepening cultural ties between the two nations.
In his address at a diaspora event, PM Modi expressed gratitude to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his pivotal role in facilitating the construction of the temple. He recalled how Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan generously donated 13.5 acres of land for the temple’s construction following their meeting in 2015, a decision that paved the way for the foundation stone to be laid by PM Modi three years later. Construction commenced in 2019 after an additional 13.5 acres of land was donated.
The temple, built by the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), is situated in Abu Mreikhah, near Al Rahba. Its consecration ceremony began with the worship of the idols on Wednesday morning. Notably, the temple features seven shikhars (spires), each representing one of the seven emirates comprising the UAE.
Swami Brahmaviharidas, head of international relations for BAPS, highlighted the significance of the seven spires, which house idols of various deities including Lord Ram, Lord Shiv, Lord Jagannath, Lord Krishna, Lord Swaminarayan, Tirupati Balaji, and Lord Ayappa. These spires serve as a tribute to both the unity of the seven emirates and the diversity of religious beliefs, promoting harmony in the multicultural landscape.
PM Modi’s visit to the UAE, his seventh since 2015 and third in eight months, underscores the strong bilateral relations between the two countries. Following the temple inauguration, PM Modi will proceed to Doha for a bilateral meeting with Qatari leadership. This visit follows Qatar’s recent release of eight Indian navy veterans from prison, a move hailed as a significant diplomatic achievement for India.
