Indian PM Modi Inaugurates First Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. It marked a significant milestone for the large Indian community residing in the United Arab Emirates. The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha temple is the first traditional stone-built Hindu temple in the Arabian land.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made headlines as he inaugurated a grand Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi during his two-day visit to the Muslim-majority nation. This event marked a significant moment given that the UAE is home to approximately 3.5 million Indians.

Modi’s visit to the UAE comes as he gears up for India’s upcoming general election, seeking a rare third term. His presence has highlighted the strengthening ties between India and one of its largest trading partners in the Middle East.

However, Modi’s leadership has faced criticism at home, with concerns over rising religious polarization since he assumed office in 2014. Critics argue that Indian Muslims, who account for 14% of the population, are facing marginalization.

The inauguration of the temple in a Muslim-majority country has sparked widespread attention in India, especially following the recent opening of a massive temple in India itself, built on the site of a mosque demolished by a Hindu mob in 1992.

The UAE government generously provided the land, spanning 27 acres. However, the grand temple was constructed at a cost of approximately $95 million by the Hindu BAPS organization, founded in Modi’s home state of Gujarat over a century ago.

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Accompanied by Hindu religious leaders and monks, Modi performed prayers and rituals during the temple tour, attended by UAE government officials, Bollywood actors, and members of the Indian community.

“This temple is a symbol of the shared heritage of humanity and reflects the deep connection between India and the UAE,” Modi expressed amidst waving UAE and Indian flags.

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UAE Minister of Tolerance, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, lauded Modi for strengthening relations, emphasizing the UAE’s commitment to openness towards different religions and ethnicities.

The opening of the temple, the first traditional stone-carved Hindu temple on the Arabian Peninsula, symbolizes the close partnership between India and the UAE. However, Modi expressed gratitude to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for granting permission for the temple’s construction.

India’s relationship with the UAE has expanded significantly, with the signing of several agreements during Modi’s visit, including a framework for developing a sea and rail trade corridor spanning from India to Europe through the Middle East, including Israel.

The Abu Dhabi temple, constructed with sandstone from India’s Rajasthan and marble from Italy, showcases Hindu deities alongside representations of other religions, including Islam, the official religion of the UAE.

Pujya Brahmavihari Swami, a Hindu religious leader associated with the temple, described it as a symbol of harmony among all religions, emphasizing its role in promoting universal spiritual values.