Delhi, 14 February: The inauguration of Abu Dhabi’s first Hindu temple by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a significant milestone for the Indian community in the Middle East. Spread over 27 acres and built at a cost of over Rs 700 crore, the BAPS Hindu temple is also the largest in the region, standing at 108 feet tall.
PM Modi conducted rituals for the temple’s inauguration, which marks a deeper relationship between India and the United Arab Emirates. The temple, built by the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), is located in Abu Mreikhah, near Al Rahba.
The consecration ceremony of the idols, including those of Lord Ram, Lord Shiv, Lord Jagannath, Lord Krishna, and Lord Swaminarayan, began at the temple on Wednesday morning. The seven spires of the temple represent the seven emirates that form the UAE.
This temple would not have been possible without the support and generosity of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who donated 13.5 acres of land for its construction in 2015. PM Modi had laid the foundation three years later, and construction began in 2019 after an additional 13.5 acres of land was donated earlier that year. During his visit to the UAE, PM Modi praised Mr Al Nahyan for his vision and support for this project, which reflects the strong friendship between India and UAE.
