BAPS Hindu Mandir Inauguration Highlights: PM Modi performs rituals at Abu Dhabi temple, lauds UAE's inclusivity

"The Vice-president of UAE has announced to give land in Dubai for the construction of a hospital for Indian workers," Prime Minister Modi said.

PM Modi, at the inauguration of BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, says, "...UAE, which till now was known for Burj Khalifa, Future Museum, Sheikh Zayed Mosque and other hi-tech buildings, has now added another cultural chapter to its identity. I am confident that a large number of devotees will come here in the coming times. This will also increase the number of people coming to UAE and people-to-people connections will also increase. On behalf of the entire India and millions of Indians living around the world, I express my heartfelt gratitude to President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the UAE Government."

The decision by BAPS, an organisation affiliated with the Swaminarayan sect, to construct a temple in the UAE in 2014-15 marked a significant undertaking. Their discussions with the ruling family of the UAE were supported by PM Modi and his government, who played a crucial role in facilitating this initiative. The provision of land for the temple in the UAE, an Islamic country, was an unexpected development that underscores the importance of diplomatic efforts and cooperation in fostering cultural and religious harmony on a global scale. Read more

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said India brings talent and innovation to the table and the International Energy Agency (IEA) will benefit if the world's fastest growing major economy plays a bigger role in the Paris-based organisation.

In a recorded message for the ministerial meeting of the IEA, he said India has surpassed its Paris climate targets ahead of schedule and remains firmly committed to addressing the global issue. Prime Minister Modi said India's carbon emissions account for only four per cent of the global total despite it being home to 17 percent of the global population and undertaking some of the world's largest energy access initiatives. (PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inscribes the message of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' on a stone, at BAPS Hindu temple, in Abu Dhabi.

PM Modi participated in 'Global Aarti', which was performed simultaneously at over 1,200 BAPS temples worldwide.

Indian singers Sonu Nigam and Shankar Mahadevan, actor Akshay Kumar have reached the premises of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. The temple will be inaugurated on Wednesday.

LIVE: Take a look at the temple's facilities

Facilities at the temple, include a large amphitheatre, prayer rooms, a gallery, a library, thematic gardens, water features, a food court, a gift shop, a children's play area, a majlis, and two community halls that can accommodate 5,000 people, are built in the temple complex.

In 2015, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, donated 13.5 acres of land for the temple.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 14 inaugurated 'Bharat Mart', a warehousing facility, in Dubai. Bharat Mart is a unified platform for exporters to showcase their diverse range of products under one roof. Read here

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated that India will become the third largest economy in the world during his third term. He was addressing the Indian diaspora at the Zayed Sports Stadium on February 13 for the 'Ahlan Modi' event. Read more

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the President of Madagascar Andry Rajoelina on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit in Dubai. This was the first meeting between the two leaders. Both leaders recognized the long-standing friendly relations and ancient geographical ties between the two countries. They discussed ways to advance bilateral ties and appreciated the close cooperation between the two countries in various multilateral fora, including the UN. Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s commitment to further strengthen India-Madagascar partnership and to Vision SAGAR - Security and Growth for All in the Region. He conveyed that as a fellow developing country in the Indian Ocean Region, India will remain a committed partner in the developmental journey of Madagascar," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a release.

- Prime Minister Modi also emphasised India's dedication to promoting women-led development and empowering the youth during the World Government Summit in Dubai.
- "We are prioritising the advancement of women through strengthened financial, social, and political conditions. Additionally, we have implemented reservations for women in Parliament. Our focus extends to creating fresh opportunities for the youth, emphasising their skill development. In the near future, India is poised to become the world's third-largest startup ecosystem," he stated.

- PM Modi also stated that India will be the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world soon.
- "Over the last few years, people's trust has increased over the Indian government. People have trust over the intent and commitment of the Indian government. This was possible only because we prioritised public sentiments in governance." he further noted.

- "We all have experiences of governance and with the help of this summit, all of us must come up with solutions," stated PM Modi.
- He also noted that we need to honour national sovereignty keeping in mind international rules and regulations.

- "Today, when India is transforming, shouldn't global governance institutions not undertake reforms," the prime minister remarked in his keynote address.

- "Till date, more than $400 billion worth of benefits transferred directly into people's bank accounts via the DBT scheme," asserted the prime minister.
- "Beyond carbon credit, we need to now focus on green credit going forward," he further emphasised.

- "The Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas mantra is aimed to ensure everyone benefits from Government's welfare schemes," highlighted PM Modi.

- "We need top-down and bottom-up approach along with a holistic governance," asserts the prime minister in his keynote address.
- "India is taking strides in fintech and digital payments, women-led development, even made a law for representation for women in Parliament," he further noted.

- People have trust in our government's intent and commitment because we prioritized people's needs, says PM Modi.
- Public participation has led to many huge transformations in India, further noted the PM.

- In his keynote address, PM Modi said, "World today needs govts that are inclusive, and take everybody along".
- "It will be 23 years for me to be acting as head of government, first in Gujarat, and now at the Centre. I believe there should neither be deficit nor excessive presence of governance in public life," further noted the prime minister.

- The Wall of Harmony, one of the largest 3D-printed walls in the UAE, includes a video highlighting significant milestones in the temple's building process.
- Additionally, the term 'harmony' has been inscribed in 30 diverse languages, spanning both ancient and modern linguistic expressions.

No iron-based materials have been used to preserve the sanctity of the religious environment. Nano tiles featuring designs have been installed to ensure a hospitable atmosphere in all weather conditions, including extreme heat.

- An accord establishing a trade corridor between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been signed, intending to link Europe and India via designated segments of the Middle East through maritime and rail channels.
- This pact, endorsed by the United States (US) and the European Union (EU), was unveiled during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Gulf state.
- While the Indian foreign ministry issued a statement on the framework agreement, the precise terms of the deal have not been made public.

- In the temple devoted to Lord Shiva, intricate carvings beautifully portray the lively verses of the 'Shiv Puran' and visually narrate the realms of the 12 'Jyotirlings'.
- The skilled craftsmanship captures the essence of the 'Jagannath Yatra' or 'Rathyatra' celebration within the sanctuary of Lord Jagannath.
- The sacred space dedicated to Lord Krishna vividly brings to life tales from the 'Bhagwat' and 'Mahabharat'.

In 2022, India and the UAE entered into a free trade agreement with the objective of increasing their bilateral trade to $100 billion. India continues to be a significant purchaser of oil from the UAE, while the UAE aspires to enhance its domestic industries. As part of their agreement, they have decided to enable India to make certain payments in rupees instead of dollars, thereby reducing transaction expenses.

- The temple comprises seven shrines, each devoted to distinct deities originating from the northern, eastern, western, and southern regions of India.
- Among these divine figures are Lord Ram and Sita, Lord Hanuman, Lord Shiva and Parvati with their offspring Ganesh and Karthik, Lord Jagannath, Lord Krishna and Radha, Shri Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj, Lord Tirupati Balaji, and Lord Ayyappa.

- The varied heritage of mankind takes pride in its presence within these sacred locations.
- Carved in stone, tales from ancient civilisations, such as Maya, Aztec, Egyptian, Arabic, European, Chinese, and African reflect the interconnected nature of global spirituality, all the while paying homage to the abundant spiritual legacy of India.

- The temple's entrance is distinguished by eight murtis (idols), representing the eight core values of Sanatana Dharma.
- Within the temple, a celebration of human harmony and coexistence with nature is eloquently portrayed through intricate carvings depicting earth, water, fire, air, and plant life on a dome.

- Meticulously designed ghats and elements of the sacred rivers Ganga and Yamuna encircle the temple.
- The temple is adorned with two central domes known as the 'Dome of Harmony' and the 'Dome of Peace.'

- Constructed using 180,000 cubic feet of pink Rajasthan sandstone, 50,000 cubic feet of flawless white Italian marble, and 1.8 million bricks, the temple proudly reaches a height of 108 feet.
- It is adorned with seven shikhars (spires), each symbolising one of the seven emirates of the UAE.

BAPS boasts a global network of approximately 1,550 temples, encompassing notable landmarks such as the Akshardham temples in New Delhi and Gandhinagar, as well as Swaminarayan temples in prominent cities like London, Houston, Chicago, Atlanta, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Nairobi.

- The consecration of the expansive temple commenced in the early morning hours today, in preparation for its inauguration by PM Modi.
- The primary highlight of his brief two-day trip to the Gulf nation is the inauguration of the BAPS Mandir.

Not just a religious sanctuary, an academic zone as well!

- In addition to its main worship area, the temple will include classrooms, exhibition centers, and designated play areas for children.
- The temple comprises seven shrines, each dedicated to distinct Indian deities representing the cardinal directions of north, east, south, and west.

- Approximately 100 sensors have been incorporated into its base, with additional sensors distributed in different areas to monitor seismic activity and other factors.
- Similar to the construction of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, this temple has abstained from using iron and steel in its building materials.

- The temple's inauguration ceremony will be marked as the "Festival of Harmony," featuring a range of programs and community events aimed at promoting unity, encouraging community service, and enhancing faith.
- Vinay Mohan Kwatra, the foreign secretary of the UAE, mentioned an anticipated attendance of 2,000-5,000 devotees on the opening day, as cited by PTI.

- Brahmaviharidas Swami, under the guidance of Swami Maharaj, has been supervising the Mandir project, as per a PTI report.
- "The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi stands as a spiritual sanctuary promoting global harmony, honoring the past while realigning the future. It serves as an enduring tribute to the spirituality of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj and reflects the generosity, sincerity, and camaraderie of the leaderships of the UAE, India, and BAPS," as cited by PTI.

Out of the 9 million residents in the UAE, India approximates that over 3.5 million consist of Indian expatriates, constituting the most significant demographic in the nation, surpassing even the number of Emirati citizens.

- The Abu Mureikha temple is among several temples constructed by the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a global religious and civic organisation affiliated with the Swaminarayan sect.
- PM Modi maintains strong connections with the organisation and one of its influential leaders, the late Pramukh Swami Maharaj, who passed away in 2016.

- The Hindu Mandir is a prominent structure amidst the desolation of Abu Mureikha, a location primarily recognised for the 1976 agreement among the UAE's sheikhdoms to establish a unified military, according to an AP report.
- Situated just off the main highway connecting Dubai to Abu Dhabi, the temple is constructed from sandstone sourced from India's Rajasthan state, while the interior boasts a gleaming finish of Italian marble, states the report.

- Provided generously by the leadership of the UAE, the temple occupies an expansive 27-acre plot of land.
- In 2015, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, contributed 13.5 acres for the establishment of the mandir.