Written by:- Geetanjali
UAE’s First Hindu Temple: Inaugurated by PM Modi
In an historic turn of events, along with Mahant Swami Maharaj (present sect guru of BAPS) PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sansthan (BAPS) temple in Abu Dhabi, on February 14, 2024 during the second day of his (PM Modi’s) visit to UAE (United Arab Emirates).
The Indian diaspora escalated with the inauguration of the first hindu temple of UAE. Along with increased tourism it also aims to strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations. The temple project was launched by PM Modi on his first visit to UAE in 2015.
In his speech PM Modi thanked UAE President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahayan for giving 13.5 acres of land for the construction of the temple.
Key facts about the BAPS temple at Abu Dhabi.
- Temple is named after- Lord Swaminarayan who was a renowned religious leader during the late 1700’s.
- BAPS has temples and sansthans across the globe, for example BAPS Akshardham Mandir (temple) in Gujrat and New Delhi.
- Construction of BAPS Abu Dhabi started in 2019 in Abu Mreikhah near Al Rahba on the Sheikh Zayed highway that connects Dubai to Abu Dhabi. Till now more than Rs.700 crore has been spent for constructing the temple.
- The temple is spread across 27 acres of land with a parking space of 13.5 acres. Which can equip more than 50 buses and around 14000 cars at a time.
Architecture of BAPS temple Abu Dhabi.
- BAPS, Abu Dhabi’s architecture is a mix of traditional Indian Nagra style with a blend of Middle Eastern architecture style.
- It is 108 ft. tall and 108 ft. wide with a length of 262 ft.
- One can get to see intricately hand-carved statues and sculptures of animals, hindu deities, sceneries, and depiction from scriptures etc.
- Seven towers (sikhars) have been constructed on top of the temple which represents the seven kingdoms of UAE.
- On the exterior and premises of the temple pink sandstone from Rajasthan is used while interiors are made with Italian marble.
- Temple has two central domes, the dome of Peace and the dome Harmony with carvings of earth, fire, water, air, and plants which indicate coexistence between humans and other counterparts.
- There is a Wall of Harmony which is among the largest 3D walls in UAE and the word “Harmony” is written in 30 different languages.