First Hindu temple opened in Abu Dhabi

The construction of the Middle East’s first traditional Hindu stone temple, BAPS Hindu Mandir, has been a long journey filled with important milestones. It was inaugurated as part of the ‘Festival of Harmony’ yesterday, 14 February.

Since the laying of the foundation stone five years ago, the construction of this architectural splendour in Abu Mureikhah has not stopped even for a day.

It is worth recalling that back in 1997, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, while visiting the UAE, prayed for the construction of a temple in the Emirati capital. In 2015, the UAE government allotted a plot of land for the construction of BAPS Hindu Mandir.

In 2018, BAPS presented two temple designs to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. The UAE President opted for a grand traditional stone structure.

A Vedic ceremony was held in April 2019 to lay the foundation stone. It was conducted by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj with the participation of senior Emirati ministers and government officials, as well as thousands of devotees.

And in December 2019, with the blessings of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the much-awaited construction of BAPS Hindu Mandir began.

In 2021, the majestic 3D model of the temple was displayed at the India Pavilion at Expo 2020 in Dubai. It drew widespread admiration and allowed visitors to see this architectural marvel for themselves.

In October 2023, Sadguru Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami, organiser of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, and Pujya Brahmaviharidas Swami, head of BAPS Hindu Mandir, conducted the blessing ceremony of seven spires, each representing one of the emirates of the UAE. It was a momentous day for the temple, which is a symbol of global unity, tranquillity and inclusiveness.

The long-awaited opening of the temple yesterday will help unite the diverse members of society spreading the message of love, peace and harmony.

Source: Khaleej Times

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