PM Modi Opens Abu Dabhi Temple as Thousands Cheer

Abu Dhabi, UAE, Feb 14, 2024: It appears that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is making a habit of officially opening landmark Hindu temples. About three weeks after performing the inaugural consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, he has now done the same for another glowing Hindu erection – the BAPS Temple in the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi. In so doing, Modi has ceremoniously unlatched the largest Hindu place of worship in all of West Asia. The occasion also marks a major milestone in India's relations with the Middle Eastern country, bringing joy and pride to it's sizeable expat Indian community.

Modi’s Consecration of the Mandir

Taking time out of his hectic two-day visit of the region, Modi arrived at the holy site at about 4:45 pm local time. Droves of devotees were already present to great the Indian Chief Executive. A few of the lucky pious were allowed to interact briefly with Modi and hand him flowers. A short while later he was welcomed by the Ishwarcharanda Swami and on entering the Mandir, he sprinkled flower petals at the feet of the Lord Swaminarayan idol and poured water on the Maharaj Swami Narayan statue. India’s leader then proceeded to offer prayers and perform other rituals, concluding the religious part of the ceremony at around 6:10 pm.

Post-Ritual Programme

PM Modi briefly engaged with children who displayed miniature art pieces that they had crafted to mark the event, after which he greeted artisans of the Mandir. He then left his mark on a stone, by inscribing the religious phrase Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Then it was time to rub shoulders with scores of the Indian diaspora in attendance. These included key contributors who had helped turn the vision of the Mandir to reality. Aptly joining Modi was UAE’s Tolerance Minister Nayhan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan. The momentous evening wrapped up at about 6:45 pm as the invited dignitaries and visiting devotees departed.

BAPS Significance?

BAPS, which is an acronym for Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, represents a socio-spiritual organisation based on the Vedas. It was conceived by the god-man Bhagwan Swaminarayan in the late 1700s and was official established in 1907 by Shastriji Maharaj, who was a swami of the Hindu movement Swaminarayan Sampradaya. In 1997, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, who was the 10th Guru of the sect, envisioned a temple in this neck of the woods. The proposal of the BAPS Temple at Abu Dhabi was then pitched during PM Modi’s 2015 visit of the UAE, prompting the government to provide land for its construction.

BAPS in Abu Dabhi a Multi-Religious Undertaking!

Yes, the new Mandir in Abu Dhabi might ostensibly be a place of worship for Hindu expats. But here are several reasons why it is a multi-religious enterprise. A Muslim King allocated the land for a Hindu Temple whose architecture was entrusted to a Christian, with a Sikh as Project Manager, a Buddhist as foundation designer, a Parsi group handling construction and the director being from the Jain persuasion! They all put their heads together and worked shoulder-to-shoulder for the five year period. It looks like Indian communal harmony is spreading to the most unlikely corners of the world. How’s that for tolerance and collaboration! 

Why the BAPS Temple in Abu Dhabi is a True Monument

Here is a religious construction guaranteed to wow visitors and devotees for generations to come and stand the test of time. These are the reasons why:

- The Temple has been constructed over an expansive 27 acres of land. 
- 14,000 cars and 15 buses can be accommodated in the complex’s 13.5-acre parking lot.
- The Mandir stands at an imposing 108 feet tall, with a length of 262 feet and a width of 180 feet. 
- The interior comprises Italian marble and the outer facade has pink sandstone from Rajasthan.
- The Temple has two central domes symbolizing harmony and peace, embellished with carved depictions of the elements and plants. 
- There’s a 3D painted wall, one of the largest of its kind in the country and seven spires representing just as many emirates that constitute the UAE. 
- And as though all that were not enough, there are carvings of Arabian animals and inscribed parables from several ancient cultures across the region. Now, that all makes for a comprehensive place of worsip!