UAE: Indian PM Modi to inaugurate Abu Dhabi Hindu temple on Feb 14
BAPS Hindu Mandir's long-anticipated opening will be celebrated with a distinctive 'Festival of Harmony
The inauguration of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, set to be the region’s first traditional Hindu stone temple, is eagerly anticipated. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accepted the invitation to inaugurate the temple, and the event will be celebrated with a unique ‘Festival of Harmony’ on February 14, 2024.
Representatives from the temple, including Pujya Swami Ishwarcharandas and Swami Brahmaviharidas, met with Prime Minister Modi at his official residence in New Delhi to extend the invitation. Modi expressed his enthusiastic support for the historic and iconic temple, emphasizing its role in promoting the message of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ translating to ‘The World Is One Family’ in Sanskrit.
Modi stated that the BAPS Hindu Mandir would serve as an ideal spiritual space, symbolizing a confluence of diverse cultures and civilizations. He highlighted the temple’s significance in fostering spiritual harmony and representing the path forward. Swami Brahmaviharidas provided Modi with updates on the temple, showcasing its intricate carvings and all-inclusive grandeur.
The inauguration ceremony, to be held as an invitation-only event, will include a Vedic ceremony led by His Holiness Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj. The BAPS Hindu Mandir, situated on 27 acres of land in Abu Mureikha and supervised by Swami Brahmaviharidas, will open to the general public on February 18.
The journey towards the temple’s completion began in August 2015 when the UAE government allocated land for its construction. President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan gifted the land during Modi’s visit to the UAE, and the foundation stone laying ceremony took place in February 2018.
Recent milestones include the placement of the ‘kalash’ on top of the seven spires and the ongoing final phase works on the hand-carved temple made of white marble and pink sandstone. The artisans have skillfully depicted key moments from Indian epics, along with narratives from Hindu scriptures and mythology. Additionally, the temple features portrayals of value tales from various civilizations and sculptures of animals native to the UAE.
Modi commended the efforts of key individuals, volunteers, and supporters involved in the project during the meeting. The prime minister recognized their contributions as significant sources of pride for India. Discussions underscored the temple’s global significance for harmony and Modi’s vision for India’s spiritual leadership on the world stage.
The BAPS Hindu Mandir, hailed as a “spiritual oasis for global harmony,” is expected to stand for more than 1,000 years. For further details on the opening ceremony and registration, interested individuals can download the ‘Festival of Harmony’ app or visit https://festivalofharmony.ae. The temple’s inauguration promises to be a momentous occasion, symbolizing unity, cultural richness, and spiritual enlightenment.
