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Dedication Assembly | Inauguration of BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi, UAE

14 Feb 2024

Dedication Assembly

BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi

An aerial view of BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi

The Indian Prime Minister's convoy arrived at the BAPS Hindu Mandir around 4.40pm

The Honorable Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi warmly embraced Brahmaviharidas Swami upon meeting him

In appreciating the new Mandir, Prime Minister said to Brahmaviharidas Swami, “Indian culture and humanity will forever be grateful.”

Anandswarupdas Swami welcomed the Prime Minister with a garland

Thousands of Indians living in the UAE had gathered to welcome the Prime Minister

The Prime Minister waved to the thousands who had come from all over the UAE to welcome him

Diasporic Indians of every state had gathered to greet the Prime Minister

Indians from Rajasthan living in the UAE greeted the Prime Minister in traditional dress with messages of welcome

Indians from Maharashtra living in the UAE welcomed the Prime Minister with traditional Marathi devotional music

Performers from Mumbai living in the UAE greeted the Prime Minister with a traditional Maharashtrian welcome

Indians from Odisha living in the UAE welcomed the Prime Minister with traditional Odishan music

Indians from Andhra Pradesh living in the UAE greeted the Indian Prime Minister with the classical Kuchipudi dance

Indians from Kerala welcomed the Indian Prime Minister with a traditional Kathakali dance and musical performance

Prime Minister Modi acknowledged the thousands who had gathered to meet him

Prime Minister Modi made his way towards the Welcome Centre with Anandswarupdas Swami and Brahmaviharidas Swami

At the Welcome Centre, the Prime Minister met with several senior swamis of BAPS

Prime Minister Modi also met the Board of Directors of BAPS UAE

Prime Minister Modi also met BAPS directors from around the world, including North America, UK & Europe, Africa, and India

Brahmaviharidas Swami introduced the ‘Wall of Harmony’ to Prime Minister Modi

Prime Minister Modi observed the ‘Wall of Harmony’, the UAE's largest 3D-printed concrete structure, with ‘Harmony’ written in various classical and modern languages and featuring iconic buildings from around the world

Prime Minister Modi met Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of the UAE's DP World and Chairman of the Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation of UAE, thanking him for his support of the Mandir

Prime Minister met His Excellency Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the UAE's Department of Community Development, thanking him for his support of the Mandir

Prime Minister Modi met Ramesh Ramakrishnan, Chairman of Transworld Group, who, along with the South Indian community in the UAE, has been a keen supporter of the Mandir

Prime Minister Modi met Michael Magill, Creative Director of the Mandir, and thanked him for his sincere work

Prime Minister Modi met Badri Lacewala, who, along with the Dawoodi Bohra community in the UAE, has been a keen supporter of the Mandir

Prime Minister Modi met Atul Mittal, who, along with the Namdhari Sikh community in the UAE, has been a keen supporter of the Mandir

Prime Minister Modi met Shapoorji Mistry, who has been instrumental in the building of the complex

Prime Minister Modi met Zubin Karkaria, who, along with the Zoroastrian community in the UAE, has been a keen supporter of the Mandir

Prime Minister Modi met Rev. Lalji Philip, vicar of the neighbouring Church of South India, and who, along with the Christian community in the UAE, has been a keen supporter of the Mandir

Prime Minister Modi met Balaskandan Raghunathan, who has been a keen supporter of the Mandir

At the ‘Wall of Harmony’, Prime Minister Modi met with various religious and community leaders who have supported the Mandir, reflecting its ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – ‘the World is One Family’

Sadguru Ishwarcharandas Swami warmly welcomed the Prime Minister with a garland atop the ‘Prayer Dune’

Brahmaviharidas Swami outlined the 27-acre campus to the Prime Minister, appreciating the UAE Government for their generous gift of the land

At the ‘Prayer Dune’, symbolising the Sharjah desert where Pramukh Swami Maharaj first prayed in 1997 for a mandir in Abu Dhabi, Prime Minister Modi offered a tribute of fresh flower petals

Prime Minister Modi with Ishwarcharandas Swami and Brahmaviharidas Swami at the ‘Prayer Dune’ in front of the Mandir

Prime Minister Modi began an interactive tour of the Mandir campus guided by Brahmaviharidas Swami

In the orientation theatre, Prime Minister Modi watched an immersive show retelling the story of the Mandir's creation, beginning with the prayer of Pramukh Swami Maharaj in the Sharjah desert

The immersive experience also paid tribute to the UAE leadership for generously gifting the land for the Mandir and promoting tolerance, respect and harmony among faiths and cultures

The immersive show recreates Qasr Al Watan, the Presidential Palace, where the traditional stone mandir was approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan

The immersive show is narrated in English with text in multiple languages, including Hindi and Arabic

Prime Minister Modi observed the Mandir through the ‘Divine Eye’, an artistic depiction symbolising the confluence of contemporary art and ancient aspirations, with the universal message of ‘Harmony’ inscribed in various languages around its plinth

Prime Minister Modi appreciated the Mandir through the ‘Divine Eye’

Brahmaviharidas Swami explained to the Prime Minister how Mahant Swami Maharaj has described the Mandir as a ‘lotus in the desert’

Prime Minister Modi and Brahmaviharidas Swami proceeded from the Divine Eye towards the Mandir

Prime Minister Modi paid homage to the sacred waters of the River Ganga brought to the Mandir in Abu Dhabi from India

Prime Minister Modi also paid homage to the sacred waters of the River Yamuna brought to the Mandir in Abu Dhabi from India

His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj waited at the Mandir sanctum to greet the Prime Minister

Prime Minister Modi climbed the mandir steps to meet Mahant Swami Maharaj

Prime Minister Modi expressed his joy and humility as he approached Mahant Swami Maharaj

Prime Minister Modi offered his deep respects to Mahant Swami Maharaj

Prime Minister Modi honoured Mahant Swami Maharaj with a garland of fresh flowers

Mahant Swami Maharaj reciprocated by offering a garland to Prime Minister Modi

Prime Minister Modi stood atop the steps of the Mandir with Mahant Swami Maharaj and Brahmaviharidas Swami

The Prime Minister and His Holiness shared a light moment before entering the Mandir sanctum

Prime Minister Modi and Mahant Swami Maharaj untied the sacred nadachhadi at the entrance, ceremoniously opening the Mandir to the world

Prime Minister Modi observed the 'Dome of Harmony' featuring a depiction of the five meta-elements of nature

Mahant Swami Maharaj pointed out to the Prime Minister some of the intricate carvings and the profound symbolism in the dome

Prime Minister Modi also observed the central 'Dome of Peace'

Prime Minister Modi joined Mahant Swami Maharaj for a brief ceremony in front of the central shrine

Mahant Swami Maharaj applied a chandlo to the Prime Minster's forehead

Prime Minister Modi received the blessings of Mahant Swami Maharaj

Prime Minister Modi participated in the dedication ceremony of the Mandir with Mahant Swami Maharaj

Mahant Swami Maharaj and the Prime Minister performed the arti of the murtis

Thousands of devotees at BAPS mandirs and centres around the world also joined in the arti, including in North America

Mandirs in North American joined in the global arti to celebrate the opening of the new Mandir in Abu Dhabi

Mandirs and centres in the UK and across Europe joined in the global arti to celebrate the opening of the new Mandir in Abu Dhabi

Mandirs across Africa joined in the global arti to celebrate the opening of the new Mandir in Abu Dhabi

Mandirs across India joined in the global arti to celebrate the opening of the new Mandir in Abu Dhabi

Mandirs across the Asia Pacific joined in the global arti to celebrate the opening of the new Mandir in Abu Dhabi

Mahant Swami Maharaj and the Prime Minister performed the pushpanjali by reverentially offering flower petals to the murtis

Prime Minister Modi offered the flower petals at the holy feet of Shri Akshar-Purushottam Bhagwan

Prime Minister Modi prayed before the murtis of Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan and Shri Gunatitanand Swami

Prime Minister Modi held onto Mahant Swami Maharaj's hand in appreciation and respect

Prime Minister Modi shared a light moment with Mahant Swami Maharaj and Brahmaviharidas Swami after being honoured with a decorative garland featuring classical Indian motifs of swans and lotuses

Prime Minister Modi embraced Mahant Swami Maharaj, thanking him for such an inspiring mandir dedicated to Hindu worship and global harmony

Prime Minister Modi paid his respects at the shrine of Bhagwan Shri Krishna and Shri Radhaji

At the ‘Sankalp Jarukho,’ Prime Minister Modi paid his respects to His Holiness Shastriji Maharaj, the founder of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha

Prime Minister Modi paid his respects at the shrine of Bhagwan Shri Jagannath & Parivar

Prime Minister Modi paid his respects at the shrine of Bhagwan Shri Shankar & Parivar

Prime Minister Modi paid his respects at the shrine of Bhagwan Shri Rama & Parivar

Prime Minister Modi paid his respects at the shrine of Swami Shri Ayyappaji

At the ‘Siddhi Jarukho,’ Prime Minister Modi paid his respects to Pramukh Swami Maharaj, thanking him for his vision of the seemingly impossible

Prime Minister Modi paid his respects at the shrine of Bhagwan Shri Shrinivas & Shri Padmavatiji

Prime Minister Modi observed some of the intricately carved features of the Mandir, such as the ‘Pillar of Pillars,’ comprising 1400 smaller pillars

Prime Minister Modi observed the marble pillars of the central sanctum featuring delicately sculpted narratives from the divine life of Bhagwan Swaminarayan

Along the tour, Prime Minister Modi met many of the volunteers and well-wishers who had supported the Mandir

Gajapati Maharaj Dibyasingha Deb, the Maharaja of Puri, greeted Prime Minister Modi at the shrine of Bhagwan Shri Jagannathji

Prime Minister Modi enjoyed a view of the campus and surrounding desert from atop the steps of the Mandir

Along the exterior of the Mandir, Brahmaviharidas Swami pointed out a stone depiction of Pramukh Swami Maharaj's prayer in the Sharjah desert in 1997 when he first envisioned a mandir in Abu Dhabi

The stone sculpture captures the moment when Pramukh Swami Maharaj prayed for a mandir in Abu Dhabi that would bring people of all countries, cultures and religions closer together

Pramukh Swami Maharaj in the desert of Sharjah, on 5 April 1997, when he prayed for peace among all religions, prosperity for all countries, and a mandir in Abu Dhabi that would bring together people of all countries, cultures and religions

Brahmaviharidas Swami explained the various value tales and Indian scriptural narratives depicted in stone around the exterior of the Mandir

Prime Minister Modi observed the twelve Jyotirlingas – the most sacred places of pilgrimage for Shaivite devotees, mentioned in the Shiva Puran – sculpted in stone along the exterior of the Mandir

The twelve Jyotirlingas are sculpted along the exterior of the spire enshrining the murtis of Bhagwan Shri Shankar and Parivar

The Prime Minister admired the profusely carved exterior of the Mandir

Prime Minister Modi observed many stone friezes, including the Rath Yatra festival of Jagannath Puri in Odisha, eastern India, sculpted along the southern exterior wall of the Mandir under the spire enshrining the murtis of Bhagwan Shri Jagannath

Brahmaviharidas Swami explained to Prime Minister Modi how the divine narratives of each Hindu deity have been sculpted into the exterior of the Mandir

Bhagwan Shri Krishna lifting Mount Govardhan, as narrated in the Shrimad Bhagwat Puran, is sculpted in stone along the exterior of the spire enshrining the murtis of Shri Radha-Krishna Bhagwan

Prime Minister Modi stood in front of the exterior of the Mandir's central spire

Prime Minister Modi and Brahmaviharidas Swami looked out to the rear of the Mandir campus where the Ganga and Yamuna rivers culminate their journey in a symbolic representation of the sea

Prime Minister Modi observed the full-length exterior of the central spire, enshrining Bhagwan Swaminarayan, profusely covered with stone depictions of his divine narratives as well as devotees

One of the narratives from the life of Bhagwan Swaminarayan shows him ordaining Gunatitanand Swami, his first spiritual successor, revealing him as the personification of Aksharbrahma

Brahmaviharidas Swami pointed out some of the value tales from ancient civilizations that have been incorporated into the stone carvings

Etched hieroglyphically, the story of Osiris, the ancient Egyptian God of the Deceased, emphasises the value of purity – upon death, only a heart lighter than a feather is allowed to cross over to the Paradise of Reeds

Brahmaviharidas Swami pointed out a stone depiction of Mahant Swami Maharaj's visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi with HE Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan in 2019

The stone depiction of Mahant Swami Maharaj's visit with the Sheikh features the Arabian desert and UAE skyline, including the Grand Mosque and BAPS Hindu Mandir in the background

Mahant Swami Maharaj visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi on 21 April 2019 upon the invitation of His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, the Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence for the UAE

Click here to see the news report with photo gallery and video highlights of the visit

Prime Minister Modi performed the abhishek of Bhagwan Swaminarayan in the abhishek mandap

Prime Minister Modi offered his respects to the Guru Parampara

Prime Minister Modi met Navdeep Singh Suri, who served as the Indian Ambassador to the UAE when the Mandir project commenced

Prime Minister Modi met several other directors of the Mandir who had contributed to the Mandir's construction, including Sagoon Patel, Madhusudan Patel and Ullas Shukla

Prime Minister Modi met Adel Hassan Mohammed Ahmed Alali, a keen supporter of the Mandir

Prime Minister Modi met Surender Singh Kandhari, Chairman of the Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Temple in Dubai

After exiting the abhishek mandap, Brahmaviharidas Swami showed Prime Minister Modi the plaques introducing the Mandir

The plaques on the southern side of the Mandir, available in English and Arabic, provide a historical overview of the Mandir's vision, creation and inauguration

On the northern side of the Mandir, the plaques record the purpose of the Mandir as “an abode of love, peace and harmony,” as revealed by its creator, Mahant Swami Maharaj

Along the amphitheatre, Prime Minister Modi met young volunteers who had artistically crafted inspiring messages of the Mandir on waste stones as mementoes for visitors

Learn more about these ‘Tiny Treasures’ here

Prime Minister Modi took time to observe and appreciate the children's artwork

Further along the Ganga Ghat, Prime Minister Modi met some of the volunteers who had convened from different parts of the world to serve in building the Mandir

At the centre of the amphitheatre, Prime Minister Modi applied a few strokes to a stone block engraved with the ancient Hindu message of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the whole world is one family)

The stone block will form part of a larger installation emphasising the central theme of the Mandir as a ‘spiritual oasis for global harmony’

Prime Minister Modi and Brahmaviharidas Swami stood with Vipul Sompura and Sanjay Parikh, two lead volunteers who oversaw the design and construction of the stone mandir

His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence for the UAE, arrived at the Mandir to a jubilant welcome from the Indian diasporic community

His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan joined Prime Minister Modi and Brahmaviharidas Swami on their tour of the Mandir campus

Prime Minister Modi and HE Sheikh Nahayan met more volunteers who had played an integral role in the creation of the Mandir

Prime Minister Modi thanked the volunteers for their invaluable service to the Mandir and contributing towards sustaining Indian culture and fostering global harmony

Prime Minister Modi was pleased to meet more children who had devoutly served in the making of the Mandir, including the ‘Tiny Treasure’ mementoes

Prime Minister Modi penned a personal message on a stone memento crafted by the children

Prime Minister Modi wrote 'Jay Jagat' ('Victory to the World') on the stone memento, echoing the Mandir's message of peace, progress and prosperity for the whole of humanity

Prime Minister Modi was accompanied by a delegation of senior government officials and diplomats, including Minister of External Affairs Dr S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Kumar Doval KC PPM, and Indian Ambassador to the UAE His Excellency Sunjay Sudhir

Dr Jaishankar was warmly greeted by Ishwarcharandas Swami

Dr Jaishankar offered his respects at the various shrines in the Mandir

Mr Doval offered his respects to Shri Akshar-Purushottam Bhagwan as well as at the various other shrines in the Mandir

Aksharatitdas Swami offered further insights to the Mandir to the External Affairs Minister

Aksharatitdas Swami welcomed the esteemed guests to the Dedication Assembly in the auditorium

Prime Minister Modi, HE Sheikh Nahayan and Brahmaviharidas Swami stood with Mahant Swami Maharaj for the national anthems of India and the UAE

The guests on the stage stood to sing the Indian and UAE national anthems

The audience stood for the Indian and UAE national anthems

Aksharvatsaldas Swami conducted the proceedings of the dedication assembly

Mahant Swami Maharaj presided at the centre of the assembly, flanked by Prime Minister Modi and HE Sheikh Nahayan

His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, Spiritual Leader of the worldwide BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu fellowship

Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India

His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence for the UAE

Prime Minister Modi was warmly welcomed to the assembly

Brahmaviharidas Swami honoured and welcomed the Prime Minister with a bouquet of fresh flowers

His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan was warmly welcomed by the assembly

Brahmaviharidas Swami honoured and welcomed HE Sheikh Nahayan with a bouquet of fresh flowers

Ishwarcharandas Swami appreciated the esteemed guests in his welcome address

Ishwarcharandas Swami spoke of the vision of Pramukh Swami Maharaj in creating the Mandir as a haven of harmony and sanctuary of spirituality

More than 140 swamis from around the world had gathered to serve in and celebrate the Mandir's dedication

Thousands had gathered from all over the world to celebrate the Mandir's opening

Brahmaviharidas Swami, who had overseen the Mandir project under the guidance and wisdom of Mahant Swami Maharaj, addressed the assembly with words of gratitude, love and inspiration

Thousands of well-wishers of diverse faiths, nationalities and backgrounds had gathered to celebrate the Mandir's dedication

Brahmaviharidas Swami paid tribute to the UAE leadership and the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, and applauded the friendship between the two that helped make the Mandir possible

Mahant Swami Maharaj and Sheikh Nahayan listened attentively to the proceedings

In his address, Sheikh Nahayan said, “Today marks the beginning of something special. The new Mandir will serve both as a place of worship and also as a community centre.”

HE Sheikh Nahayan said to Mahant Swami Maharaj, “Your visit, Your Holiness, is an opportunity for us to marvel at your example in working cooperatively to resolve conflicts between different communities and to build a spirit of tolerance as a gateway to understanding, mutual respect, and peace.”

Leading members of the UAE and Indian governments had been present in the assembly, including (from the right) Vinay Mohan Kwatra, Foreign Secretary of India; HE Sunjay Sudhir, Indian Ambassador to the UAE; and HE Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development for the UAE

In his keynote address, Prime Minister Modi said, “Today, the UAE has written a golden chapter in the history of humanity through this Mandir.”

Prime Minister Modi added: “The BAPS Hindu Mandir is for all of humanity. So I have every faith that the Mandir will usher in a new age of faith and hope, bringing the whole world together in harmony and collaboration.”

Renowned actors Akshay Kumar and Vivek Oberoi were also present for the Mandir's dedication

Prime Minister Modi received a rousing response when he stated, “I may not be qualified to serve as a pujari [attendant priest] at any mandir, but I do know that I am a pujari of Mother India.”

The audience applauded the Prime Minister's uplifting message of service, harmony and collaboration

Prime Minister Modi: “We must also thank my brother Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan [the President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi], because it is his generosity that has made possible a mandir so beautiful and magnificent.”

Prime Minister Modi called for a standing ovation for the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in appreciation for his support of the Mandir

In his blessings, Mahant Swami Maharaj emphasised the importance of the new Mandir as “an abode of love, peace and harmony”

His Holiness explained, “Harmony is the power of God, and humility is the way of God. With this understanding, we can serve humanity.”

Mahant Swami Maharaj inaugurated <i>A Millennial Moment</i>, a book authored by Bikram Vohra, a veteran journalist, and published by Penguin India, about the story behind the BAPS Hindu Mandir

Mahant Swami Maharaj inaugurated A Millennial Moment, a book authored by Bikram Vohra, a veteran journalist, and published by Penguin India, about the story behind the BAPS Hindu Mandir

Mahant Swami Maharaj gifted the inaugural copy to Prime Minister Modi

Prime Minister Modi leafed through the book

Mahant Swami Maharaj gifted a model of the Mandir to the Prime Minister

Mahant Swami Maharaj gifted a model of the Mandir to the Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence

The Prime Minister chose to meet the audience as he exited the assembly hall

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan met and thanked Mahant Swami Maharaj and Brahmaviharidas Swami before departing from the Mandir

BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi