‘UAE makes history with inauguration of first Hindu Temple’: PM Modi hails ‘Golden Chapter’ | India News – Times of India

‘UAE makes history with inauguration of first Hindu Temple’: PM Modi hails ‘Golden Chapter’ | India News – Times of India

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NEW DELHI: In a landmark moment for interfaith dialogue and cultural understanding, the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today. The BAPS Hindu Mandir, a stunning architectural marvel, stands as a testament to the growing ties between India and the United Arab Emirates.
UAE minister Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan warmly welcomed PM Modi, calling him a “great friend” and representative of a “great and friendly country.” He emphasized the depth of the relationship between the two nations, further strengthened by PM Modi’s visit.
“Honorable PM Modi, it is indeed an honour to have you visit our country and work together to strengthen our great relations. We are proud to welcome you as a great friend and as a representative of the friendly country, India. Your visit to UAE is a clear indication of the depth of the friendship, trust, and cooperation that has long existed between the UAE and India and strengthened by you,” said Nahyan.
PM Modi, in his address, acknowledged the monumental effort that went into the construction of the temple and highlighted the significance of the occasion and said, “Today, the United Arab Emirates has written a golden chapter in human history.” He acknowledged the years of hard work and dreams invested in the temple, adding that it held the blessings of Lord Swaminarayan.
Highlighting the broader impact of the temple, Modi said, “This temple will be a symbol of unity & harmony. Today, a grand and divine temple is being inaugurated in Abu Dhabi. This temple will be a symbol of communal harmony and unity of the world.”
The Prime Minister also commended the UAE government’s crucial role in making the dream of the BAPS Hindu Mandir a reality. “No praise would be sufficient to laud the role of the UAE government in the construction of this temple,” Modi acknowledged, underlining the collaborative efforts that led to the completion of this architectural marvel.
About Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Mandir
Spread over a 27-acre piece of land, gifted by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the iconic stone temple is located in Abu Mureikhah, near Al Rahba off the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway.
Featuring the traditional Nagar style of architecture, the temple stands tall at 108 feet and is crowned with seven shikhars (spires) each representing one of the seven emirates of the UAE.
With two central domes, ‘Dome of Harmony’ and ‘Dome of Peace’, the temple’s entrance is marked by eight idols, which symbolises the eight values foundational to Sanatana Dharma.
As per reports, the cost of the construction is estimated to be around 400 million UAE dirhams.
After the UAE government allotted land for the temple in 2015, PM Modi thanked the leadership of the Gulf nation on behalf of 130 crore Indians and called it a “landmark” move.
(With inputs from agencies)



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