Pujya Swami Ishwarcharandas and Swami Brahmaviharidas, representing the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, on Thursday, extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the temple’s inauguration ceremony scheduled for February 14, 2024.
“On behalf of BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, Pujya Swami Ishwarcharandas and Swami Brahmaviharidas, along with the board of directors, extended a heartfelt invitation to the Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the inauguration ceremony scheduled for 14 February 2024,” BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi said in a statement.
The construction of the BAPS Hindu Mandir, also known as the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha temple, commenced in 2019 after the UAE government allocated land in Abu Dhabi’s Abu Mureikha area in August 2015. The temple’s cornerstone ceremony is planned for February 14, with Prime Minister Modi attending an evening dedication following morning prayers for the consecration of seven deities. As reported by The National News, the temple will open to the public on February 18, 2024.
Storytelling#MandirMoods #AbuDhabiMandir pic.twitter.com/sgpgnOV4Zn
— BAPS Hindu Mandir (@AbuDhabiMandir) December 23, 2023
The official X handle of BAPS also posted a photo of PM Modi accepting the invitation.
PM Modi accepts invitation to inaugurate the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, Delhi, India https://t.co/4OjdYUOm4u pic.twitter.com/ZluAL4xWDK
— BAPS (@BAPS) December 28, 2023
According to a report by CNBC, Architectural firm RSP, the project’s lead consultant, designed the temple after winning an international design competition. The expansive temple complex will include a visitor centre, prayer halls, exhibitions, educational and recreational areas, extensive parking, themed gardens, a food court, bookstore, and gift shops, the report said.
The intricate architecture incorporates thousands of hand-carved stone blocks sourced from Rajasthan and Gujarat, India. These numbered blocks were shipped for on-site assembly upon completing the foundation work. Symbolising the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in India, visitors will be greeted by two water streams upon entering the temple, the report said.
Expected to accommodate between 8,000 to 10,000 individuals of all faiths, the temple stands as a testament to architectural marvel. As per a report by Business Today, the pink sandstone structure, symbolising unity and community, is projected to endure for over 1000 years. With a cost estimated at Rs 700 crore, the temple will rise to a height of 108 feet upon completion, integrating Vedic architectural elements and sculptures crafted by skilled artisans in India.
