Prime Minister Modi Inaugurates Abu Dhabi's First Hindu Stone Temple — IN PICS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a historic moment on Wednesday as he inaugurated Abu Dhabi’s first Hindu stone temple, hailing it as a symbol of shared heritage and global unity.

PM Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated a temple, constructed by the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Expressing gratitude towards the UAE and its President, Sheikh Mohammad Zayed Al Nahyan, Prime Minister Modi remarked, "I hope that the BAPS Mandir will become a symbol of communal harmony and global unity for the whole world."

PM Modi praised the UAE's efforts in diversifying its cultural landscape, noting that the addition of the temple represents a new chapter in the nation's identity.

Prime Minister Modi, dressed in traditional attire, participated in rituals symbolising the temple's dedication to the people.

"We do not see hatred in diversity, we consider diversity as our specialty! In this temple, we will see a glimpse of diverse faiths at each and every step," Modi added, emphasising the inclusive spirit of the project.

The temple, built at a cost of approximately Rs 700 crore, represents a milestone in Indo-UAE relations, fostering cultural exchange and strengthening people-to-people connections between the two nations.

PM Modi offers prayers to a symbolic stream of the Ganga.

"The Government of UAE has wholeheartedly worked to fulfill the aspirations of crores of Indians," PM Modi stated, acknowledging the pivotal role played by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed in realizing the temple's construction.

PM Modi bows to the idols consecrated at the BAPS temple earlier in the day.

As per Prime Minister Modi, the BAPS temple stands as a testament to the shared heritage of humanity, embodying the ideals of unity, tolerance, and mutual respect.