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Updated 20:32 IST, January 1st 2024

In Pictures | PM Modi to inaugurate historic BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi on February 14

The BAPS Hindu Mandir is anticipated to be one of the largest and most exquisite Hindu temples outside of India.

Reported by: Isha Bhandari
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PM Modi to inaugurate historic BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi on February 14
PM Modi to inaugurate historic BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi on February 14 | Image: X

New Delhi: Days after the consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi on February 14. This momentous occasion marks the first Hindu temple in the United Arab Emirates, situated in the capital’s Abu Mureikha area.

The BAPS Hindu Mandir is anticipated to be one of the largest and most exquisite Hindu temples outside of India, additionally claiming the title of the largest Hindu temple in West Asia.

Temple Construction Journey

During PM Modi's inaugural visit to the UAE in 2015, the UAE pledged to allocate land for constructing the temple in Abu Dhabi. This diplomatic stride was significant as Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the strategic Gulf nation in 34 years.

In February 2018, PM Modi initiated the temple project, and construction commenced in December 2019. Spanning over 5.4 hectares of land, the temple comes with a price tag of Rs 700 crore.

Architectural Marvel

The expansive complex features a large amphitheatre, a gallery, a library, a food court, a majlis, and two community halls accommodating 5,000 people. Intricately designed with pink sandstone and marble façade, the temple boasts seven spires representing each of the Emirates of the UAE. The construction materials include 40,000 cubic metres of marble, 1,80,000 cubic metres of sandstone, and over 1.8 million bricks.

Drawing inspiration from Vedic architecture and sculptures, many statues and carvings were crafted by artisans in India and transported to Abu Dhabi. The consecration ceremony is scheduled for February 14, 2024, coinciding with the auspicious Basant Panchami.

About BAPS Organization

The Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), behind the temple, is a socio-spiritual Hindu faith rooted in the Vedas. Pioneered by Bhagwan Swaminarayan in the late 18th century and established by Shastriji Maharaj in 1907, BAPS claims over 3,850 centers worldwide, including 1,100 temples. 

Notably, BAPS also orchestrated the world’s largest Hindu temple outside of India, the Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey.

Published 20:32 IST, January 1st 2024