New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi accepted the invitation to inaugurate the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi.
Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a socio-spiritual Hindu faith with its roots in the Vedas. It was revealed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781-1830) in the late 18th century and established in 1907 by Shastriji Maharaj (1865-1951).
"On behalf of BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, Pujya Swami Ishwarcharandas and Swami Brahmaviharidas, along with the board of directors, extended a heartfelt invitation to the Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the inauguration ceremony scheduled for 14 February 2024", BAPS said in its statement on December 27.
Delighted by this gesture, Prime Minister Modi graciously accepted the invitation, expressing his enthusiastic support for the historic and iconic temple, BAPS said.
Pujya Swami Ishwarcharandas traditionally honored the Prime Minister by adorning him with a garland and draping a saffron shawl over his shoulders, acknowledging his significant contributions to our nation and the world.
The Prime Minister was specially commended for the remarkable renovation and development of pilgrimage sites across India, a feat unparalleled in recent centuries.
The almost an hour long, warm and informal meeting held at the Prime Minister’s residential office at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg from 6:30 to 7:25 PM, was a moment of significant dialogue. Discussions revolved around Abu Dhabi temple's significance for global harmony and Modi's vision for India's spiritual leadership on the global stage.
The BAPS delegation prayed for the Prime Minister's health and acknowledged his exceptional global achievements, notably strengthening relationships with the UAE and other Middle Eastern countries.
They also discussed the pride and inspiration Modi’s leadership has instilled in Indians worldwide.
Recalling his personal and immortal memories of Pramukh Swami Maharaj and his glorious centenary celebrations, the Prime Minister was deeply moved and expressed prayers for Mahant Swami Maharaj's health.
He also appreciated the efforts of key individuals, volunteers and supporters, involved in the BAPS Hindu Mandir project in Abu Dhabi, including those present before him such as Chairman Ashok Kotecha, Vice Chairman Yogesh Mehta and Director Chirag Patel, recognizing their contributions as significant sources of pride for India.
In a light hearted exchange, the Prime Minister asked Chirag Patel about his love for tennis and his father Rohitbhai Patel and grandfather P D Patel; and also encouraged his children to continue working hard and achieve success in the sport.
"Swami Brahmaviharidas showcased the latest update of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, emphasizing its intricate carvings and all-inclusive grandeur, saying that "the inauguration ceremony will be a great event, a millennial moment of celebration for time to come." To which PM Modi added, "It will reflect the ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam - an ideal spiritual space, not merely rooted in beliefs and traditions, but a confluence of diverse cultures and civilizations. The essence of spiritual harmony, symbolizing the path forward"", BAPS said.
In the concluding moments of the meeting, Prime Minister Modi shared his personal vision for greater spiritual growth and India’s emergence as a global leader. Despite his packed schedule, he spent 20 more minutes alone with the Swamis sharing a personal bond of over 40 years. Pujya Swami Ishwarcharandas and Swami Brahmaviharidas both offered prayers for the Prime Minister's health and great leadership and the country's continued well-being, BAPS also mentioned.
BAPS also mentioned that the Swamis conveyed the love and spiritual intent embedded in Mahant Swami Maharaj's personal invitation, describing Modi as "Pramukh Swami na Priya Putra Modi Saheb" or "The most beloved son of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, Modiji", speaking volumes about the Prime Minister’s spiritual dedication, and the genuine grace and affection he has garnered from saints and sages.
On Sunday, 11 February in 2018, the land generously gifted by a royal decree for a Hindu Temple, an auspicious Vedic Shila Pujan (foundation-stone sanctification ceremony) was performed by Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami, a senior swami of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha – the organization entrusted by the Crown Prince and Government of India to build the temple.
This auspicious ceremony at the temple site in Abu Dhabi was streamed live to the special assembly at the Dubai Opera, where the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narenda Modi, in the presence of over 1,700 Indian and Emirati dignitaries from all walks of life, unveiled a model of the traditional stone temple that will be built. In his address, the Prime Minister thanked the Crown Prince H.E. Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan for providing the land and permission for building a traditional temple. He further added, "The first traditional temple in Abu Dhabi will act as a catalyst for the fluorishment of humanitarian values and harmony between the two countries. The temple will become a medium for India’s identity."
