Abu Dhabi, UAE – February 14: The Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi is abuzz with excitement as crowds gather to witness the historic inauguration ceremony by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today. The temple, the first of its kind in Abu Dhabi, has become a focal point of cultural and spiritual significance, drawing devotees from various corners.
The atmosphere is charged with enthusiasm, resonating with the chants of “Modi-Modi” as the faithful eagerly await the ceremony. The Smruti shop in Abu Dhabi reflects the anticipation surrounding the temple, offering an array of souvenirs showcasing the essence of BAPS Mandir. Volunteers, like Amit Sejpal from Belgium, highlight the symbolic meaning of “Smruti” as memories, encouraging visitors to take home cherished moments from this monumental occasion.
“The Smruti shop represents all the souvenirs of the temple… Smruti means memory, and one should take good memories from here because this temple has been built after a lot of hard work,” Sejpal shared.
The inauguration marks a significant milestone in the cultural landscape of Abu Dhabi, drawing attendees in large numbers who are eager to witness the culmination of years of dedication and hard work in the construction of this magnificent temple.
Nemish Parmar, a resident of Gujarat, expressed gratitude, emphasizing the good fortune to be present for this historic occasion. “I want to express my gratitude to the UAE government. I feel fortunate that I have had the opportunity to be here,” he said.
Later in the evening, PM Modi is set to inaugurate the BAPS Hindu Mandir, following the consecration ceremony held earlier in the day. During his address at the ‘Ahlan Modi’ diaspora event, PM Modi thanked UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for approving the BAPS Hindu Mandir, citing it as a reflection of his love and respect for India.
The BAPS Hindu Mandir stands as a testament to architectural brilliance and cultural significance in the heart of the region, proudly holding the title of the largest Hindu temple in West Asia. The incorporation of advanced technology, including 300 sensors, elevates the temple to the status of a scientific marvel.
The construction of this divine sanctuary involved meticulous planning, with 1,800,000 bricks, 6,89,512 man-hours, and the grandeur of 40,000 cubic feet of marble and 1,80,000 cubic feet of sandstone. Standing tall at 108 feet, the BAPS Hindu Mandir is not only a symbol of spiritual devotion but also a marvel of engineering and craftsmanship.
The foundation stone, laid by Prime Minister Modi in 2017, symbolizes the collaborative effort to bring this vision to life. Sprawling across 27 acres of land, the temple stands as a beacon of cultural richness and architectural excellence, accommodating up to 10,000 people. The estimated cost of this magnificent construction is Dh400 million, a testament to the devotion and commitment of the community.
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