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North The Indian Eye

AMERICANNewsline

16 FEBRUARY 23, 2024

BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi is

inaugurated by Mahant Swami Maharaj in

the presence of PM Narendra Modi

“The UAE has written a golden chapter in the history of humanity by supporting this Mandir”: PM Modi

OUR BUREAU
Abu Dhabi/New York

he iconic new BAPS Hindu
Temple in Abu Dhabi was in-
Taugurated on 14 February by
His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj
in the presence of the Prime Minister
of India, Narendra Modi, and the
Minister of Tolerance and Coexis-
tence for the UAE, Sheikh Nahayan
Mabarak Al Nahyan.
The new Mandir, constructed on
land generously gifted by the UAE
president and ruler of Abu Dhabi,
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Na-
hyan, was guided and inspired by His
Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj,
the spiritual leader of BAPS Swam-
inarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a global
Hindu fellowship.
The BAPS Hindu Mandir in
Abu Dhabi is the first traditional
Hindu stone temple in the Middle
East, and stands as a testament to the
enduring friendship between India
and the UAE, embodying the spirit
of cultural inclusivity, interfaith har-
mony, and community collaboration. Inauguration Ceremony at BAPS Hindu Mandir
After arriving at the Mandir,
Prime Minister Modi was warmly
welcomed by community members the seven Hindu deities enshrined temple, Prime Minister Modi carved all of humanity. So, I have every faith
from across India and the UAE as under the seven spires of the Mandir, ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ into a that the Mandir will usher in a new
well as religious leaders from diverse themselves reflecting the unity of the piece of stone. The message of ‘the age of faith and hope, bringing the
faith communities. seven emirates of the UAE. world is one family’ has been the whole world together in harmony
During an extensive interactive His Holiness and Mr Modi then foundational principle of the Mandir, and collaboration.”
tour of the temple campus, Prime conducted the first grand arti (cere- guided by the life and work of His “The magnificent Mandir that we
Minister Modi learned about some of mony of light) of the deities – which Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj. see today in Abu Dhabi is because it
the inspiring features of the Mandir was simultaneously performed by Prime Minister Modi then ar- was first envisioned years ago [in 1997]
that promote universal compassion, thousands at BAPS temples and rived in the assembly where thou- by Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Today,
respect, charity, and learning. homes across the world, with mil- sands had gathered to celebrate the Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s heart will
Inside the Mandir, upon seeing lions more watching online through opening of the Mandir. In his key- be glowing with joy at its fruition.”
His Holiness Mahant Swami Ma- the live webcast. note address, Prime Minister Modi “We must also thank my brother
haraj, the Prime Minister bowed re- After meeting volunteers, chil- said: “Today, the UAE has written a Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Na-
spectfully to the global Hindu lead- dren, artisans and others from all golden chapter in the history of hu- hyan [the President of the UAE and
er, before participating in a short over the world who have supported manity through this Mandir.” Ruler of Abu Dhabi], because it is
Vedic ceremony paying homage to the construction of this magnificent “The BAPS Hindu Mandir is for Continued on next page... >>

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