Watch | First Hindu temple in the United Arab Emirates to be inaugurated today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan (BAPS) Hindu temple, the first in the United Arab Emirates, on February 14, Wednesday. The significance of this cultural milestone also lies in its architectural grandeur.

Watch a brief glimpse of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in UAE here:

The BAPS Hindu temple is the largest in West Asia, spread over a 27-acre area donated by the Abu Dhabi government. Let us explore some of the fascinating details of this cultural project that transcends borders.

BAPS Hindu temple is made from pink Rajasthan sandstone and white Italian marble stone. It has been carved in India and then transported to the UAE for assembly.

Following the donation of land by the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 2015, the foundation stone for the temple was laid by PM Modi in February 2018. The UAE government allocated an additional land of 13.5 acres to make it a total of 27 acres. The construction began in December 2019.

The temple has been constructed at a budget of ₹700 crore. It required more than four lakh labourers, including skilled artisans from India to make the masterpiece.

The design of the temple draws inspiration from the Vedic architecture and sculptures. Besides, the temple houses seven spires, each symbolising an Emirate of the UAE. The primary aim of the spirals is to promote unity and harmony amongst the multicultural landscape.

The temple’s complex includes a visitor centre, prayer hall, thematic gardens, and more. Additionally, it has around 100 sensors installed in the foundation to check the seismic activity and temperature changes.

Formed in 1905, Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan (BAPS) Sanstha is a Hindu organisation. It aims to preserve the Indian culture and Hindu ideals of faith, unity, and selfless service in various communities across the world.

According to the BAPS’ official site, there are more than 1,100 temples and 3,850 permanent centres of peace and reformation across the world. It invites people of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs to the centres and temples.