Middle Easts first traditional Hindu stone temple - BAPS Hindu mandir, will be inaugurated in Abu Dhabi this evening

It has taken a long time and many significant turning points and memorable experiences to build the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East. The construction of this architectural wonder in Abu Mureikhah has continued nonstop since the foundation stone was laid five years ago.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to UAE on August 9, 2015, became a remarkable achievement, it being the first Indian prime minister's visit to the UAE in thirty-four years. At the same time, the United Arab Emirates decided to donate a piece of land for the construction of a Hindu temple.

BAPS representatives presented two designs during the meeting with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed and visiting Indian PM Modi at the Presidential Palace on February 10, 2018. Sheikh Mohamed chose a grand traditional stone temple and also generously gifted land to build the temple and a cultural complex.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the Indian community at Dubai Opera on February 11, 2018 and formally opened the BAPS Hindu Mandir project. Prior to the start of building, the Abu Mureikhah temple site hosted a Hindu ceremony known as "Bhoomi Poojan," which is a way of honouring the Earth.

On April 20, 2019, with thousands of devotees in attendance with senior Emirati ministers and government officials participating, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj conducted the Vedic rite of laying the foundation stone, known as the "Shilanyas Vidhi."

With His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj's blessings, the long-awaited building of the BAPS Hindu Mandir commenced on December 14, 2019.

On October 1, 2021, the India Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai featured a magnificent three-dimensional representation of the temple.

The temple staged a week-long ritual known as the "Pratham Shila Sthaapan Saptah" on November 9, 2021 to sanctify the bricks that were being used in buildings. Attendees at the unique event included over a thousand volunteers, supporters, and supporters.

On May 27, 2022, a ritual known as the "Mahapeeth Pujan Vidhi" was held to set the first carved sandstone on the temple's first floor. After the 14-layer ground floor construction was finished, it signalled the beginning of the next phase of building.

500 devotees, well-wishers, and building industry professionals attended a special ceremony led by Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami and Pujya Brahmaviharidas Swami to bless the temple's first marble pillars on September 8, 2022.

Using a box raised by a crane, Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami and Pujya Brahmaviharidas Swami carried out the ceremony October 20, 2023 to bless the seven spires, each of which stands for an Emirate in the United Arab Emirates.

His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj carried out the flagstaffs, flags, and "Amrut Kalashes" Vedic rites for the spires on November 11. Then the sacred "kalashes" were placed on top of the spires on November 29.

The much-anticipated and momentous February 14, 2024, day of the temple's grand opening, will feature a spectacular "Festival of Harmony" and other festivities that will unite communities and disseminate messages of love, peace, and harmony.