1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, a monumental structure erected by the BAPS society.
2. PM Modi extended gratitude to UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed for his instrumental role in bringing the temple to fruition, acknowledging the UAE’s significant contribution.
3. The temple stands as a testament to the strong cultural ties between India and the UAE, symbolizing the spirit of unity and cooperation between the two nations.
Abu Dhabi, Feb 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, a grand edifice built by the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) society.
Here are the key highlights of the event:
1. Thanking UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed
PM Modi expressed gratitude to UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed for his pivotal role in making the temple a reality. He credited Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed for fulfilling the aspirations of millions of Indians and commended the UAE government for winning the hearts of not only Indians residing in the UAE but also all 1.4 billion Indians worldwide.
2. UAE’s Cultural Milestone
PM Modi hailed the temple as a significant addition to the UAE’s cultural landscape, noting that while the UAE was previously renowned for its modern architectural marvels like the Burj Khalifa and Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the BAPS temple now enriches its identity with a cultural chapter.
3. Architectural Marvel
Spanning 27 acres, the BAPS temple is the first Hindu stone temple in Abu Dhabi. Its architectural grandeur seamlessly blends Indian cultural elements with the UAE’s identity. Crafted by skilled artisans from Rajasthan and Gujarat, the temple boasts intricate marble carvings against a backdrop of pink sandstone.
4. Symbolism and Design
Standing tall at 108 feet, the temple features seven shikhars representing each of the UAE’s seven emirates. The entrance is adorned with eight idols symbolizing the core values of Sanatana Dharma. Meticulously crafted ghats and features of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers surround the temple.
5. Cultural Harmony
The temple’s architecture incorporates elements from various ancient civilizations, including Maya, Aztec, Egyptian, Arabic, European, Chinese, and African cultures. The structure also narrates tales from the Ramayan, further enhancing its cultural significance.
6. Environmental Sustainability
To reduce its carbon footprint, the temple’s construction incorporates fly ash as a replacement for cement. Additionally, advanced monitoring systems with 150 sensors ensure the structural safety and longevity of the temple.
7. Awards and Recognition
The BAPS temple has garnered several accolades, including the Best Mechanical Project of the Year 2019 and Best Interior Design Concept of the Year 2020. Its traditional Nagar-style architecture has been lauded for its aesthetic appeal and cultural significance.
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Inaugurating the BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, PM Modi emphasized the temple’s role in fostering cultural ties and promoting people-to-people connections between India and the UAE.
