Today's Edition
A SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)
Hectic preparations are on for the grand opening of the first ever Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi on February 14. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be present at the inaugural ceremony.
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), which is building the temple, is an international community-based Hindu fellowship affiliated with the United Nations.
The place of worship, which will be the first ever traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East, is magnificent structure located in the Abu Mureikhah district of Abu Dhabi. It is replete with intricate hand-carved sculptures created by several accomplished sculptors over the last few years.
The project has been made possible through the graciousness and generosity of the UAE government and its rulers, a statement from the temple management said.
In 2015, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan donated 13.5 acres of land for the construction of the temple. The UAE government, during Year of Tolerance, allocated an additional 13.5 acres of land in January 2019 – culminating in a total of 27 acres of land gifted for the temple.
His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the guru of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha who will preside over the temple opening ceremony, arrived in Abu Dhabi on Monday. Swami Maharaj, who was accorded the status of a state guest, was received in traditional Arabic style with a troupe of dancers, drummers, and chanters performing Al Ayyala. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, warmly greeted Swami Maharaj at the airport. On the occasion, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak said: "Welcome to the UAE. Our nation is blessed with your presence. We are touched by your kindness and we feel your prayers."
In response, Swami Maharaj replied: "We are touched by your love and respect. The leaders of the UAE are great, good, and big-hearted."
Brahmaviharidas Swami, who has been overseeing the temple project, explained: "The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi serves as a spiritual oasis for global harmony that celebrates the past and recalibrates the future. It is a timeless testament to the spirituality of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj and the generosity, sincerity, and friendship of the leaderships of the UAE, India, and BAPS."
Vishal Patel, a UAE resident associated with the temple management, told Aletihad that the opening ceremony that will be attended by the Indian Prime Minister is closed to the normal public. However, the event will be live-streamed on the web. The temple will be open for public visits starting March 1, and prior registration for the visits is not required, he said.
The temple stands as a testament to the enduring friendship between the UAE and India, embodying the spirit of cultural harmony and collaboration, the temple management said.
