Celebrating a momentous occasion for the Indian community in the Middle East, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unveiled Abu Dhabi's inaugural Hindu temple, marking it as the largest in the region.
Covering a sprawling 27-acre expanse and erected with an investment exceeding ₹ 700 crore, the BAPS Hindu temple signifies the strengthening ties between India and the United Arab Emirates.
Expressing his sentiments in Hindi during the inauguration, PM Modi remarked, "UAE has written a golden chapter in human history today. A grand and holy temple has been inaugurated in Abu Dhabi today. Years of hard work have gone into this temple and a long-cherished dream has come true. Bhagwan Swaminarayan's blessings are also with this temple.”
Reflecting on the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22, PM Modi jubilantly proclaimed,"A centuries-old dream was fulfilled. All of India and every Indian is still cherishing that feeling. My friend Brahmavihari Swamy was saying, 'Modi ji s the biggest priest'. I don't know if I have the qualifications of a temple priest but I am proud to be a priest of Maa Bharti (Mother India)."
Affirming his unwavering dedication to Mother India, the Prime Minister avowed, "Every moment of my existence, every fiber of my being is devoted to Ma Bharti. The jubilation experienced in Ayodhya finds resonance in Abu Dhabi today. It is a privilege to have borne witness to the consecration in Ayodhya last month and now to this momentous occasion in Abu Dhabi."
In his effusive praise for his "brother", UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whom he lauded as a "stalwart supporter of the Indian community" at the 'Ahlan Modi' event, PM Modi attributed a pivotal role to him in the realization of the grand temple in Abu Dhabi.
"He has won the hearts of 140 crore Indians. It is my privilege that I have been a part of this temple from the time it was conceptualised to its inauguration. This is why I know that even 'thank you' is too small a phrase for his generosity and contribution. I want the world to see the depth of the India-UAE relationship," PM Modi said.
Recalling their discussion about the temple during their encounter in 2015, PM Modi praised Sheikh Al Nahyan's prompt approval and allocation of land.
In 2015, Sheikh Al Nahyan donated 13.5 acres for the temple, with PM Modi laying the foundation three years later. Subsequently, construction commenced in 2019 following an additional donation of 13.5 acres earlier that year.
Crafted by the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), the temple stands in Abu Mreikhah, near Al Rahba. The consecration rituals commenced at the temple on Wednesday morning.
Temple authorities revealed the presence of seven shikhars (towers) symbolizing the seven emirates comprising the UAE.
PM Modi participated in a 'global aarti (prayer)', synchronized across over 1,200 BAPS temples. Prior to the inauguration, he symbolically poured water into virtual representations of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, and met representatives of various faiths involved in the temple's construction.
Swami Brahmaviharidas, head of international relations for BAPS, elaborated on the temple's significance, stating, "The seven spires have idols of deities, including Lord Ram, Lord Shiv, Lord Jagannath, Lord Krishna, Lord Swaminarayan (considered a reincarnation of Lord Krishna), Tirupati Balaji and Lord Ayappa. The seven shikhars represent the seven emirates of UAE."
PM Modi's visit marks his seventh to the UAE since 2015, and his third in eight months. Addressing the World Government Summit in Dubai earlier on Wednesday, he extolled Dubai's emergence as a global economic hub and commended UAE President Al Nahyan as "a visionary leader of resolute resolve."
Following the inauguration, PM Modi will depart for Doha to engage in bilateral discussions with Qatari leadership. His visit follows Qatar's release of eight Indian navy veterans from detention, viewed as a significant diplomatic triumph for India.
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