Team Blitz India
PRIME Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi on February 14, in the presence of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj.
PM Modi was also present in the UAE at the Shila Pujan (first stone consecration) ceremony of the temple on February 11, 2018.
It is the Middle East’s first traditional hand-carved stone temple. In the last three years, more than 2,000 artisans from Rajasthan and Gujarat have carved the 402 white marble pillars for the temple.
The opening is a monumental achievement born from years of devoted prayers and selfless volunteer efforts. And on August 2, 2023, in Robbinsville, New Jersey, following His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj’s morning puja, Pujya Brahmavihari Swami presented a beautiful garland to him along with a heartfelt invitation.
The garland was devoutly crafted with meticulous care by female volunteers of the UAE. Each of its components held symbolic meaning: the rose gold palm leaves had hand-written etching of the 108 names of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and each leaf held a date-shaped saffron ball adding a fragrant touch. In the centre, the logo of the Festival of Harmony stood as a unifying emblem.
His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj then shared his thoughts about this project as a part of his morning discourse, stating: “The Mandir is like a lotus blossoming in the desert.”
