The upcoming inauguration of the BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi has generated significant anticipation, with devotees worldwide making plans to attend the event. Scheduled for February 14, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the temple, marking a momentous occasion for the Hindu community.
#WATCH | Inside visuals of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Mandir, the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi. It will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 14. pic.twitter.com/8oOt7Sh6gh
— ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2024
Speaking to ANI, Aksharvatsal Swami, a priest associated with the temple, conveyed the immense excitement among devotees. He noted the global interest, stating that people from India, Gulf countries, England, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, and Africa are expected to attend the inauguration.
Members of the Indian community also expressed their enthusiasm, describing the event as a “divine” experience and a “dream come true,” ANI reported.
“It’s a proud feeling, being born and raised in this country, to see a traditional Hindu temple come here,” another Indian woman told ANI.
Brahmviharidas Swami of the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir highlighted the significance of the temple, emphasizing that it emerged from natural love and friendship, rather than negotiations or appeals. He predicted that such initiatives would continue to happen due to the positive impression of India’s culture.
“The mandir has come not from great negotiations or great presentations, or great appeals. It has come from natural love and natural friendship. One fact that I would like to tell all Indians staying here, is that our forefathers who have created such a great impression of integrity, that things like this are going to happen more and more. it is love beyond belief. All the people and rulers I have met have only good things to say about India and its culture,” he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
#WATCH | Abu Dhabi, UAE: BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir saint Brahmviharidas Swami says, “The mandir has come not from great negotiations or great presentations, or great appeals. It has come from natural love and natural friendship. One fact that I would like to tell all Indians… pic.twitter.com/COPC7EleG5
— ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2024
Preparations for the inauguration are underway in Abu Dhabi, with visuals from the temple showcasing the grandeur of the upcoming event.
As the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East, the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, situated in the Abu Mureikhah area, reflects cultural harmony and collaboration.
#WATCH | Abu Dhabi, UAE: Visuals from BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir ahead of its grand inauguration on 14th February by PM Narendra Modi. pic.twitter.com/2X5v25UDxL
— ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2024
The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, donated 13.5 acres of land in 2015 for the construction of the mandir.
In December, Prime Minister Modi, along with Swami Ishwarcharandas of the BAPS, extended an invitation to the Prime Minister, who graciously accepted, expressing enthusiastic support for the historic and iconic temple. The inauguration is set to strengthen the cultural ties between India and the UAE, marking a significant moment for the global Hindu community.
