Inauguration of the first Hindu temple in the Middle East | Fusion - WeRIndia

In a landmark event, the first Hindu stone temple in the Middle East, the BAPS Hindu Mandir, will be inaugurated in Abu Dhabi on February 14.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside spiritual leader Mahant Swami Maharaj, is set to grace the historic occasion.

The event symbolizes a bridge of cultural harmony and mutual respect between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Upon his arrival, Mahant Swami Maharaj received a warm welcome from Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Minister of Tolerance.

This exchange highlighted the deep-rooted friendship and mutual admiration between the two nations.

The UAE’s open-hearted reception underscores its commitment to tolerance and cultural diversity.

The BAPS Hindu Mandir stands as a testament to this burgeoning relationship.

Carved from pink Rajasthan sandstone and white Italian marble, the temple’s intricate architecture was crafted in India before being transported to the UAE for assembly.

This monumental project not only showcases the artistic and spiritual heritage of India but also represents the UAE’s inclusive spirit.

A generous donation of 27 acres of land by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, facilitated the temple’s construction.

This gesture, made during PM Modi’s 2015 visit, has come to fruition in a grand edifice that encompasses prayer halls, a visitor centre, thematic gardens, and learning areas, among other facilities.

The temple is not just a place of worship but a beacon of peace and tolerance, integrating advanced technology with spirituality.

It is equipped with 100 sensors to monitor seismic activity and temperature changes, ensuring the safety and well-being of its visitors.

With an estimated cost of 400 million United Arab Emirates dirhams, the temple’s seven spires, each represent an Emirate of the UAE.

They stand tall as a symbol of the unity and generosity that defines the spirit of this collaborative endeavour.

As the BAPS Hindu Mandir opens its doors, it marks a new chapter in the annals of cultural diplomacy, celebrating the shared values and mutual respect between India and the UAE.

This temple not only enriches the spiritual landscape of the Middle East but also stands as a monument to the enduring friendship between the two nations.

Image Credit: FritzDaCat, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wv_Abu_Dhabi_banner2.jpg