PM Modi Inaugurates ‘Bharath Mohabbat’: UAE’s First Hindu Temple
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Baps Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi, a landmark event anticipated to strengthen the bilateral ties between India and the UAE. Situated atop Abu Mureikha hill, the temple, wholly constructed using stone, marks a historic milestone as the first Hindu temple in the United Arab Emirates. Open to the public from March 1, the temple is a testament to the collaborative efforts between the two nations.
Discussions for the construction of the temple commenced soon after Modi assumed office in 2014. The UAE government, during Modi’s first visit in 2015, allocated 13.5 acres for the temple. Notably, this visit was the first by an Indian Prime Minister to a Gulf nation in 34 years since Indira Gandhi’s historic visit. In 2019, an additional 13.5 acres were allotted, bringing the total temple area to 27 acres. Modi, during his second visit in 2018, laid the foundation stone via video conferencing, making this his seventh visit to the UAE since 2014.
The Baps Hindu Temple features idols of various deities, including Swami Narayan, Akshara-Purushottam, Radha-Krishna, Rama-Sita, and others, representing the rich diversity of Hinduism. The construction cost amounts to 400 million dirhams (approximately 700 crore rupees), with 402 white marble pillars crafted by 2,000 artisans from Rajasthan and Gujarat. The temple complex includes prayer halls, visitor centers, thematic gardens, classrooms, exhibition centers, and children’s playgrounds.
What sets this architectural marvel apart is its incorporation of about 100 sensors in the foundation, providing earthquake indication—a testament to modern engineering. The design showcases Arabian and Islamic architecture, distinguishing it from the Ayodhya Ram Temple, where steel was used. The inauguration symbolizes a cultural and diplomatic milestone, reinforcing the deep-rooted connections between India and the UAE.
