Abu Dhabi is Opening New Hindu Temple in February

 

Diplomats from 42 nations explored the newly constructed Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, marking the progress of the Middle East's first traditional stone temple. The invitation extended by Sunjay Sudhir, the Indian Ambassador to the UAE, brought together more than 60 dignitaries, including ambassadors and diplomats. Scheduled for inauguration on February 14 by Mahant Swami Maharaj and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the temple welcomed guests with garlands and the traditional tying of a sacred thread.

Expressing his amazement at the temple's nearing completion, Sudhir remarked, "It seemed impossible, but the dream has truly become a reality." Pujya Swami Brahmaviharidas, head of the BAPS Hindu Mandir project, outlined the temple's historical significance, construction process, and global impact during his keynote address. He extended gratitude to the UAE and Indian leadership, emphasizing the temple's role as a catalyst for interfaith and intercultural harmony.

BAPS volunteers provided diplomats with a guided tour of the hand-carved temple, evoking admiration for its historical significance as a symbol of universal principles of tolerance and harmony. Ambassador Tej Bahadur Chhetri of Nepal highlighted the temple's role in imparting lessons of love, harmony, and tolerance for future generations. Ambassador Radha Krishna Panday of Canada commended the dedication to quality and the thoughtful representation of diversity and harmony in the temple's imagery.

Ambassador Sorayut Chasombat of Thailand termed the visit as one of his best experiences in the UAE, emphasizing the temple as a symbol of harmony transcending time. Jonathan Knight, Deputy Ambassador of the UK, praised the collaborative effort of diverse faiths contributing to a lasting legacy. Ambassador Alexander Schonfelder of Germany acknowledged the thriving religious tolerance in the UAE, referencing the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Abrahamic Family Houses.

Ambassador Kamal R Vaswani of Singapore hailed the temple as a marvel of leadership and vision, showcasing shared values among different religions and cultures. The distinguished diplomats who visited the site represented countries such as Argentina, Bangladesh, Canada, Germany, Italy, Singapore, the UAE, the US, and many others. As a commemoration of their visit, guests received a stone hand-painted by children, featuring an image of the temple.