Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Mandir in Abu Dhabi on February 14th. The sprawling temple, built on 27 acres of land, stands as the first Hindu stone temple in Abu Dhabi, symbolising a unique blend of Indian culture and the identity of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
PM Modi Commences Festivities at BAPS Mandir
The inauguration ceremony witnessed Prime Minister Modi performing various rituals, including offering prayers and performing Aarti at the newly constructed temple. Notable among his actions was the offering of flower petals at the feet of Lord Swaminarayan, signifying reverence and devotion.
Akshay Kumar, Vivek Oberoi, Shankar Mahadevan Attend Inauguration
The event saw the presence of prominent Bollywood personalities, including Akshay Kumar, Vivek Oberoi, and Shankar Mahadevan, among others. Akshay Kumar, dressed in an ivory kurta pyjama, was captured amidst tight security as he arrived at the temple premises, reflecting the excitement surrounding the grand opening.
In an interview with IndiaToday.in, Vivek Oberoi expressed his delight at being part of the inauguration, emphasising the temple’s beauty and his previous involvement in its construction. Similarly, Grammy-winning musician Shankar Mahadevan hailed the event as a historic moment for India and Indians worldwide, thanking PM Modi and the Swaminarayan family for their efforts in making the temple a reality.
Symbol of Harmony
Dilip Joshi, another star on the guest list, highlighted the significance of the BAPS temple as a symbol of harmony and peace. He recalled witnessing the foundation stone-laying ceremony in 2019, emphasising the generosity of the Ruler of Dubai in facilitating the construction of the temple.
Historic Moment
Shankar Mahadevan echoed sentiments of joy and pride, remarking on the magnificence and spirituality of the temple. He credited PM Modi for executing such a monumental project and expressed gratitude to be included in the momentous occasion.
The temple, featuring traditional Nagara style architecture, stands at 108 feet tall, adorned with seven shikhars representing the seven emirates of the UAE. As Prime Minister Modi leads the dedication ceremony, the temple will open its doors to the public on March 1st, marking a significant milestone in the cultural landscape of Abu Dhabi.
