The new BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi was inaugurated on Feb.14 by BAPS leaders Mahant Swami Maharaj and Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, alongside Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence for the UAE Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan.
“The UAE has written a golden chapter in the history of humanity by supporting this Mandir,” Modi said in his speech while inaugurating the temple constructed on land gifted by the UAE president and ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The Indian leader expressed his gratitude to the UAE leadership. “On behalf of all Indians, I thank Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and the UAE Government,” he said requesting the gathering for a standing ovation.
As the first traditional Hindu temple in the Middle East, the BAPS temple has seven spires, that enshrines one Hindu deity each, and reflects the unity of the seven emirates of the UAE.
A short Vedic ceremony was performed to pay tribute to the seven Hindu deities, following which, PM Modi and Mahant Swami Maharaj conducted the first grand arti (ceremony of light).
Sharing his thoughts on the temple's significance, the BAPS leader said that the new temple will serve as “an abode of love, peace and harmony.” UAE’s Minister of Tolerance said, “Today marks the beginning of something special. The new Mandir will be a place of worship and also a community centre.”
The PM later met with volunteers, children, artisans and others from all over the world who supported the construction of the temple.“The BAPS Hindu Mandir is for all of humanity. So I have every faith that the Mandir will usher in a new age of faith and hope, bringing the whole world together in harmony and collaboration,” he said.
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