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Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a historic moment on Wednesday by inaugurating Abu Dhabi’s first Hindu temple, a significant milestone for the Indian community in the Middle East. The temple, the largest in the region, covers an impressive 27 acres and was constructed at a cost exceeding ₹ 700 crore. Its establishment symbolizes the growing bonds between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
During his two-day visit to the UAE, PM Modi, who is set to travel to Qatar later today, expressed his gratitude to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at a large diaspora gathering on Tuesday. He recalled how the then crown prince had agreed to allocate land for the temple during their meeting in 2015.
“I consider the construction of BAPS temple here as a reflection of your love for India and your vision for the bright future of UAE. This would not have been possible without your support. During our first meeting, I had made a simple request for you to look into it and you took a prompt decision, telling me ‘put your finger on any piece of land, you will get it’,” PM Modi had stated.
In 2015, Al Nahyan allocated 13.5 acres of land for the temple’s construction, and three years later, PM Modi laid its foundation stone. The actual construction began in 2019 after an additional 13.5 acres were donated earlier that year.
The temple, constructed by the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), is located in Abu Mreikhah, near Al Rahba. The consecration ceremony of the idols commenced at the temple on Wednesday morning.
According to temple authorities, seven shikhars (spires) have been erected at the temple, symbolizing the seven emirates comprising the UAE.
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