Actor Akshay Kumar attended the opening ceremony of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Mandir in Abu Dhabi. Expressing his gratitude on Instagram, he described it as a “historic moment” and felt blessed to be part of the inauguration.
Actor Dilip Joshi and singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan also visited the temple, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Dilip Joshi expressed astonishment at the temple’s beauty and praised the generosity of the Ruler of Dubai in providing land for its construction. Mahadevan shared his happiness, calling it a historic moment for India and Indians worldwide, crediting Prime Minister Modi for the initiative.
The BAPS Mandir, the first traditional Hindu temple in the UAE, sits on 27 acres of land donated by the UAE leadership. Its significance lies not only in its architectural magnificence but also in promoting cultural harmony between India and the Gulf region.
Prime Minister Modi’s involvement since 2015 reflects the shared commitment to cultural exchange and mutual respect. The BAPS Hindu Mandir, set to become the Middle East’s first traditional Hindu stone temple, symbolizes cultural peace and collaboration, showcasing the enduring friendship between India and the UAE.
The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, donated 13.5 acres of land in 2015 for the temple’s construction. Further land was allocated by the UAE Government in 2019, totaling 27 acres, during the Year of Tolerance, emphasizing the country’s commitment to fostering cultural understanding and harmony.
