Abu Dhabi: The city is set to witness the inauguration of its first Hindu temple in February, highlighting the values of tolerance and harmony. Constructed by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, the temple, made of pink sandstone and white marble, comes with a hefty price tag of over 700 crore rupees. Scheduled for inauguration on February 14, the ceremony will be graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Symbol of Openness and Inclusion: BAPS Hindu Mandir's Mission in UAE:

Emphasizing the significance of the temple as a symbol of openness and inclusion in the UAE, Swami Brahma Biharidas, the head of international relations at BAPS, stressed that harmony and tolerance are fundamental to the nation's identity. He expressed gratitude towards UAE leaders for permitting the construction, describing the temple as a place of worship for Hindus while highlighting its broader mission of fostering goodwill on Earth.

Acknowledging Generosity: UAE Leaders' Support for Temple Construction:

Swami Brahma Biharidas acknowledged the generosity of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE, and praised President Sheikh Mohammed for continuing the spirit of acceptance. The President, as the Crown Prince, had allocated the land for the temple. Swami lauded him as a compassionate leader with a generous heart, recounting an interaction with PM Modi in 2018 where the President chose a design resembling a traditional temple over a regular building.

Majestic Structure: Details of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in UAE:

Spanning 5.4 hectares initially and later expanded to 11 hectares, the temple incorporates a community hall and parking areas. Craftsmen from India carved the sandstone and marble components, which were then assembled in the UAE without the use of iron and steel, adhering to the construction methods of ancient temples. As the inauguration date approaches, preparations are underway, with cranes and machinery removed from the main temple site.