ALL eyes were set on the inauguration of the BAPS temple, the Middle East's inaugural traditional Hindu stone temple, in Abu Dhabi in the UAE on Wednesday (14). Indian prime minister Narendra Modi was in the UAE to inaugurate the temple, less than a month after he presided over the opening of the Ram temple in Ayodhya in India.
The inauguration of the BAPS temple was happening on February 14, celebrated as Valentine's Day -- a date which is dedicated to the expression of love globally.
Is the much-awaited inauguration of the temple linked to Valentine's Day?
According to a top priest from the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, the spiritual organisation which is behind the temple's construction, it is not so.
Read: PM Modi’s superbusy Valentine’s Day: From Dubai global summit to BAPS temple
He told Khaleej Times that even though the temple represents love, peace and harmony which have been envisioned by Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj, the BAPS spiritual leader, the inauguration has nothing to do with Valentine's Day.
Rather, it is happening on the day of Basant Panchami, a Hindu festival that marks the onset of spring in India.
Read: PM Modi's UAE visit in pictures
On the day, Goddess Saraswati, revered as the deity of knowledge, wisdom, music and arts, is worshipped. The occasion is considered to be auspicious for new beginnings, especially introducing children to learning.
“Also, according to the lunar calendar, February 14 is the birth anniversary of Shastriji Maharaj,” the priest was quoted as saying by the news outlet.
Shastriji Maharaj was the founder of BAPS Sanstha.
“So, it is a special occasion for various reasons and an apt day, according to the Hindu lunar calendar, for the opening of the BAPS Hindu Mandir,” the priest said, according to the Khaleej Times report.
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