In a historic event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first Hindu stone temple in Abu Dhabi on February 14, 2024. The BAPS Hindu Mandir, built on a sprawling 27-acre site in the Abu Dhabi desert, is the city’s first traditional Hindu stone mandir, its pink sandstone columns topped by seven spires representing the number of Sheikhs that rule each of the seven Emirates.
The temple, which has been built using ancient architectural methods clubbed with scientific techniques, is a testament to the strong bond between India and the UAE. No metal has been used in the construction of the temple, and fly ash has been used to minimize its carbon footprint.
The consecration ceremony of the temple was held on Wednesday ahead of its inauguration by Prime Minister Modi at 6 PM (IST). The ceremony included Hindu rituals to prepare the temple for its official opening.
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The BAPS Hindu Mandir, located in Abu Mureikhah, near Al Rahba off the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway, is a focal point of harmony, aiming to bring together cultures and communities, embodying the spirit of tolerance ingrained in the nation.
The inauguration of the temple is a significant event for the Indian community in the UAE, as it provides them with a place of worship and a connection to their cultural roots. The temple is set to open to the public on February 18, and it is recommended for residents to visit from March 1 due to high overseas visitor registration demand.