Abu Dhabi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated a Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi during his two day visit to the UAE.
BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Abu Dhabi is built on a 27-acre (11-hectare) plot given by the UAE government. India had announced its construction during Modi’s visit to UAE in 2018. The BAPS Hindu Temple’s harmonious team includes a director from the Jain tradition, a construction company owned by a Parsi group, a head architect who is a Catholic Christian, a Sikh project manager, and a Buddhist foundational designer. The temple is a symbol of cooperation and unity among various faiths.
The BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir symbolizing the strong cultural and religious ties between India and the UAE. The temple’s inauguration marks a significant milestone in promoting interfaith harmony and cultural exchange between the two nations.
The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, which defines itself as a “spiritual, volunteer-driven fellowship” with the goal of “fostering Hindu values of faith, service, and global harmony,” is in charge of the Abu Dhabi temple.
There are small temples in the region existing for decades and this one is reportedly said to be the first one to be built using traditional techniques.
The Dubai Hindu Temple is considered as the first Hindu temple in UAE. It was originally established in 1958 in Bur Dubai. The temple encompassed the Shiva Mandir, Krishna Mandir and Gurudwara. In October 2022, the Shiva Mandir and Gurudwara were moved to a new location in Jebel Ali, while the Krishna Mandir remained at the original site in Bur Dubai.
BAPS temple is made from pink sandstone from Rajasthan and white Italian marble, and the temple was carved in India then assembled in UAE. The public can enter the temple starting from March 1, 2024.
Modi has participated in the World Governments Summit, which is being held at Dubai, ahead of the inauguration.
During his participation he met with several dignitaries from different countries and held talks. The Indian PM convened with sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE.
“It is always a delight to meet sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. His vision for Dubai’s growth is clearly visible to the entire world. Our discussions covered a wide range of subjects ranging from commerce to connectivity, and ways to boost people to people linkages,” shared Modi on X.
On his first day in India, the Indian Prime Minister held bilateral meetings with the UAE president, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, signing an investment treaty and a comprehensive economic partnership agreement. The agreements aim to enhance cooperation in energy security, trade, and digital infrastructure development.
Modi expressed gratitude to the UAE president for allotting land for the temple during a gathering in Abu Dhabi.