Weeks after PM Modi was conferred UAE’s highest civilian honour, the relation between the two countries have reached a new high. Indians in the middle eastern country rejoice at the laying down the foundation stone of Abu Dhabi’s first Hindu temple.
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The ceremony was ordained by Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual guru of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar-Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) which is building the temple.
PM Modi’s statement was read out by the Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Navdeep Suri. He quoted “On behalf of 130 crore Indians, it is my privilege to convey our greetings to my dear friend and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. When complete, this temple will symbolise the universal human values and spiritual ethos that form a shared heritage of both India and the UAE”.
The temple would be made of pink sandstone from Rajasthan along with marble, handcrafted by about 2000 craftsmen on a 14-acre piece of land. Reportedly, the seven emirates of the UAE would be represented by the seven towers of the temple. The cultural complex of the temple would have gyms, art galleries, halls and a library.
Swami Brahmavihari, during a conference in Abu Dhabi, said that the temple represents the spiritual harmony that exists within the country. He also said that the temple would be an auspicious location for the community to arrange their marriage ceremonies. The temple would also be a place for people of all faiths to experience the unique culture of the Hindus.
During Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the country in 2015, the plan to construct the first Hindu temple was approved by the Abu Dhabi government. The temple is expected to be ready by the next year.