Consecration of UAE's first Hindu temple begins, PM Modi to inaugurate today

​The consecration ceremony of UAE'S first Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi is being done. ​The priests are performing rituals as the inauguration is scheduled in the evening by PM Modi.

UAE's BAPS temple is the largest Hindu temple in West Asia. It is also one of the largest temples outside India. Over 2,000 artisans from Rajasthan and Gujarat have carved the 402 white marble pillars for the temple during the last 3 years. (Image: Reuters)

The temple is dedicated to many deities such as Lord Swaminarayan, Lord Ram, Goddess Sita, Lord Krishna, and Lord Ayyappan. They will be placed beneath each of the seven spires of the temple.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha during his visit to UAE in 1999 envisioned the construction of a Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi. His goal was to promote unity among "countries, cultures and religions.

The foundation BAPS temple has been filled with fly ash, replacing 55 percent of the cement. This makes this Mandir environmental-friendly and also significantly reduces its carbon footprint. (Image: Reuters)

A delegation from BAPS, led by PM Narendra Modi, convened with Sheikh Mohamed at the Presidential Palace in 2018. A memorandum of understanding was signed for the temple project. PM Modi said that the temple would serve as a "holy place where humanity and harmony will unite." (Image: Reuters)

​

108 feet high BAPS Hindu Mandir is crafted entirely from stone and is spread across 27 acres. It has been constructed at an estimate cost of Rs 700 crores. (Image: PTI)