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PM Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated Abu Dhabi’s first Hindu stone temple, describing it as a symbol of the shared heritage of humanity and thanking the UAE for scripting a new golden chapter of human history.
Speaking at the inauguration of the temple built by the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS).
The Prime Minister profusely thanked the President of UAE, Sheikh Mohammad Zayed Al Nahyan, for making the grand temple in Abu Dhabi a reality and said he has not only won the hearts of Indians living in the Gulf nation but also of 140 crore Indians.
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha Mandir is the official name of Abu Dhabi's first Hindu stone temple.
Location: The temple is located on a 27-acre site in Abu Dhabi's Al Mushrif area.
Architecture: The temple is built in the traditional Nagara style of Hindu temple architecture, with intricate carvings and sculptures.
Deities: The temple enshrines several Hindu deities, including Lord Swaminarayan, Shiva, Vishnu, Ganesh, and Parvati.
Facilities: The temple complex includes a prayer hall, community center, exhibition hall, library, children's park, and gardens.
Significance: The temple is a landmark of religious and cultural significance for the Hindu community in the United Arab Emirates.
It is also a symbol of interfaith dialogue and understanding.
The temple was built at a cost of approximately ₹700 crore (US$90 million).
Over 20,000 tonnes of sandstone were used in the construction of the temple, which was shipped from Rajasthan, India.
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