INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (14) inaugurated the grand Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) temple in Abu Dhabi, UAE, marking a historic moment.
Welcomed by the BAPS's Pujya Brahmaviharidas Swami and Pujya Ishwarcharandas Swami, the Indian leader offered prayers and performed aarti, at the majestic new temple on the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchmi.
The temple, spread over 27 acres, is the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, symbolising cultural and spiritual significance. Earlier, a consecration ceremony was held before the inauguration, attended by priests performing rituals.
Read: People gather at BAPS Hindu temple in large number, chant 'Modi, Modi'
Modi's two-day visit to the UAE underscores strong ties between New Delhi and Abu Dhabi. On Tuesday (13), first day in the UAE in this visit, the Indian PM expressed gratitude to UAE president Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for supporting the temple.
Indian prime minister Narendra Modi greets Pujya Brahmaviharidas Swami (to his right), the project chief of the temple, and Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami, ahead of the inauguration of BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on Wednesday, February 14, 2024. (VIDEO GRAB VIA PMO WEBSITE) (PTI Photo)
Several members of the Indian diaspora attended the event and chanted Modi's name.
Last month, the Indian ambassador to UAE, Sunjay Sudhir, visited the temple to see the progress of its construction.
Read: Modi's visit to UAE, in PICS
In December, Swami Ishwarcharandas of the BAPS called on Modi at his residential office in Delhi and extended him an invitation to inaugurate the temple.
Here are some more pictures from the inauguration of the temple:
VIDEO GRAB VIA PMO WEBSITEIndian prime minister Narendra Modi with spiritual guru of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha Mahant Swami Maharaj (to his right), Pujya Brahmaviharidas Swami (to Modi's left), and Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami (extreme left) at the inauguration of the BAPS Hindu temple, in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on February 14, 2024. (VIDEO GRAB VIA PMO WEBSITE) (PTI Photo)
Members of the Indian diaspora in traditional attire at the inauguration ceremony of the newly constructed BAPS Hindu Mandir, in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on February 14, 2024. (PTI Photo/Gunjan Sharma)
Indian prime minister Narendra Modi with spiritual guru of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha Mahant Swami Maharaj (to his right) and other priests during the inauguration of the BAPS Hindu Mandir, in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Wednesday, February 14, 2024. (VIDEO GRAB VIA PMO WEBSITE) (PTI Photo)
An Indian woman at the inauguration ceremony of the newly constructed BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on Wednesday, February 14, 2024. (PTI Photo/Gunjan Sharma)
Indian prime minister Narendra Modi with spiritual guru of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha Mahant Swami Maharaj during the inauguration of the BAPS Hindu Mandir, in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Wednesday, February 14, 2024. (VIDEO GRAB VIA PMO WEBSITE) (PTI Photo)
Indian prime minister Narendra Modi performs rituals while offering prayers at the newly inaugurated BAPS temple, in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on February 14, 2024. (ANI Photo)
A view of the newly inaugurated BAPS temple in Abu Dhabi, UAE. (ANI Photo)
A view of the newly inaugurated BAPS temple in Abu Dhabi, Dubai. (ANI Photo)
Indian prime minister Narendra Modi offers prayers at the newly inaugurated BAPS temple in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on February 14, 2024 (ANI Photo)
