Indian prime minister Narendra Modi embraces Mahant Swami Maharaj of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha during the inauguration of the BAPS temple in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on Wednesday, February 14, 2024. (ANI Photo)
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.
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.
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.
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: