- Tuesday, February 25, 2025
In a keynote address, the Indian PM said the UAE has written a golden chapter in the history of humanity through the temple.
By: Shubham Ghosh
ON February 14, the much awaited new BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi, UAE, was inaugurated by His Holiness (HH) Mahant Swami Maharaj, in the presence of Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, and the minister of tolerance and coexistence for the host nation, Sheikh Nahyan Mabarak Al Nahyan.
This structure, built on land provided by the UAE president and ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, was guided and inspired by HH Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, a global Hindu fellowship.
Marking a significant milestone, the BAPS Mandir in the UAE capital stands as the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East. It symbolizes the enduring bond between India and the UAE, reflecting principles of cultural inclusivity, interfaith harmony, and collaborative community spirit.
Read: Is Valentine’s Day the reason for BAPS temple opening on Feb 14? Priest says no
Upon his arrival at the temple, Modi received a warm welcome from community members representing India and the UAE, along with religious leaders from various faiths.
During an extensive tour of the temple campus, the visiting leader was introduced to several remarkable features of the Mandir that promote values of universal compassion, respect, charity, and learning.
Read: PM Modi’s UAE visit in PICS
Modi then paid his respects to HH Mahant Swami Maharaj inside the temple before participating in a brief Vedic ceremony honouring the seven Hindu deities enshrined under the temple’s seven spires, symbolizing the unity of the seven emirates of the UAE.
They then led the first grand aarti for the deities. The event was simultaneously observed by thousands at BAPS temples and homes worldwide, with millions more joining through the live webcast.
After meeting volunteers, children, artisans and others from all over the world who have supported the construction of this magnificent temple, the Indian PM carved ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ into a piece of stone. The message of ‘The world is one family’ has been the foundational principle of the Mandir, guided by the life and work of HH Mahant Swami Maharaj.
Modi then arrived in the assembly where thousands had gathered to celebrate the opening of the Mandir.
In a keynote address, he said: “Today, the UAE has written a golden chapter in the history of humanity through this Mandir.”
“The BAPS Hindu Mandir is for all of humanity. So I have every faith that the Mandir will usher in a new age of faith and hope, bringing the whole world together in harmony and collaboration.”
“The magnificent Mandir that we see today in Abu Dhabi is because it was first envisioned years ago [in 1997] by Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Today, Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s heart will be glowing with joy at its fruition.”
“We must also thank my brother Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan [the president of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi], because it is his generosity that has made possible a mandir so beautiful and magnificent. On behalf of all Indians, I thank Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and the UAE Government.”
The Prime Minister then requested a standing ovation from the audience as an expression of heartfelt gratitude to the UAE president.
In his blessings, HH Mahant Swami Maharaj emphasised the importance of the new Mandir as “an abode of love, peace and harmony.”
“Harmony can be achieved when we do not expect harmony from others, but instead when we strive for harmony ourselves. For that, we must ask ourselves: ‘What can I do, what can I say, and what can I think to nourish harmony?’” he said.
“Harmony is the power of God, and humility is the way of God. With this understanding, we can serve humanity,” he added.
He then went on to pray for the prosperity, progress, and peace of the UAE, India, and the world.
Sharing his sentiments on this momentous occasion, Sheikh Nahyan Mabarak Al Nahyan first thanked Modi for visiting the UAE. “We are proud to welcome a great friend from a great and friendly country.”
The tolerance and coexistence minister also thanked HH for building the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. He said, “Today marks the beginning of something special. The new Mandir will be a place of worship and also a community centre.” He concluded, “I share in your optimism. I share in your pride.”
In his address earlier in the assembly, Brahmaviharidas Swami, who has been leading the Mandir project from conception to completion, also thanked the generosity of the UAE leadership and the leadership of Modi, and applauded the friendship between the two that helped make the Mandir possible.
In the morning, HH Mahant Swami Maharaj performed the Vedic consecration ceremony that ritually infused the sacred images with the divine presence of God.
Together, the consecration ceremony and dedication assembly formally opened the BAPS Hindu Mandir to the world as a gift to generations, to nations, and to the future.
