The capital of the United Arab Emirates Abu Dhabi is all set for the inauguration of the city's first Hindu temple on Wednesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the temple, while Mahant Swami Maharaj will preside over the inauguration ceremony.
Back in 2015, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who was the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, allocated 13.5 acres in Abu Mureikhah, Al Rahba area, along the Abu Dhabi-Sweihan-Al Ain Road, near the Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway to construct a temple. Later more plots were acquired to expand the temple premises. The governments of India and UAE handed the responsibility of the development project to the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and Mandir Limited.
The foundation for the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi was laid on April 20, 2019. Now, after nearly five years, PM Modi will inaugurate the grand temple. Spanning 27 acres, the temple features seven spires (shikhars), symbolizing the seven emirates in the UAE. Millions of Indians across the globe can watch the grand ceremony online and be part of the proceedings. Here's where and how to watch the inauguration of the BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi.
The consecration or 'pran pratishtha' ceremony of Abu Dhabi's first Hindu temple will begin at 8.45 AM on Wednesday.
1. Devotees can log on to https://www.mandir.ae/ to catch the live stream of the event.
2. Devotees can also watch the live webcast of the temple inauguration at https://live.baps.org/
3. One can also watch the consecration ceremony on the BAPS UAE YouTube Channel
Distinguishing itself from contemporary construction methods, the mandir abstains from using iron or steel, adhering to the ancient tradition of crafting temples exclusively from stone. The entire structure is sculpted from stones, emphasizing the sanctity of the religious space.
Ahead of the inauguration of the temple, a special ‘Day of Devotion’ event was held at the Abu Dhabi temple on February 10.