'Reflects a vision of future'; Modi inaugurates first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi. Baps Hindu Mandir is the largest Hindu stone temple in West Asia. The main deities are Swami Narayan, Akshara Purushottam, Radha-Krishnan, Rama-Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman, Shiva-Parvati, Ganapati, Karthikeyan, Padmavati-Venkateswara, Jagannathan and Ayyappa.

"The construction of BAPS reflects the UAE's love for India and its vision for the future. The temple has received great support," Modi said. The BAPS Hindu Mandir was built in the Abu Murreekha area near Al Rahba on the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway. It is the first Hindu temple to be built in the Middle East. UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan 27 acres of land was donated for the construction of the temple in 2015. The foundation stone of the temple was laid on 20 April 2019. Many activists from the Hindu community also participated in the construction of the temple. Another 13.5 acres of land was allotted in 2019. Total 27 acres.

Modi laid the foundation stone of the temple through video conferencing during his second visit to Dubai Opera House in 2018. This is Modi's seventh visit to the UAE between two terms.The idols are made of white marble and limestone and carved by artisans from villages in Makrana, Rajasthan. It is reported that there are idols of many Hindu gods like Rama, Ganesha and others in the temple. The front of the temple has beautiful marble carvings. A lot of pink sandstone was also brought from northern Rajasthan for construction.