Photos: Sheikh Abdullah reviews progress on Hindu temple set to rise in Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, recently met the top representatives of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, the community-based social and spiritual organisation building the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi.

During a meeting held in Al Ain, Sheikh Abdullah held discussions with Pujya Brahmavihari Swami, leader of the Hindu community and head of BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. He reviewed an update on the temple's construction.

The foundation stone of the temple was laid in April last year and work started from December.

Brahmavihari Swami highlighted how the project team and the entire Hindu community were dedicated to making this long-term contribution to the UAE. "It is a unique chance to not just preserve ancient art and architecture, but to create new art and a new legacy that will last for thousands of years."

 

 

 

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A Dialogue on Harmony with HRH Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan 12 October 2020 - Abu Dhabi, UAE. His Royal Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation met with Pujya Brahmavihari Swami of BAPS and HE Pavan Kapoor, the Ambassador of India for a special dialogue on global harmony, universal values and the historic BAPS Hindu Mandir upcoming in the UAE for the entire Hindu community. In these challenging times of the Covid Pandemic, such a project of global harmony will regenerate faith and hope, celebrating the unique friendship of India and the UAE and their dedication to progress and peace. In conclusion, while His Royal Highness thanked Swamiji for his spiritual love and prayers, Pujya Brahmavihari Swami expressed his deepest gratitude for the warm friendship and continued support extended by the Royal Leadership. On behalf of HH Mahant Swami Maharaj, an exquisite golden memento of the Mandir's Shikhar was gifted to His Highness. This one hour meeting lit by sunset in the deserts of Al Ain speaks volumes about The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, HRH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan's vision and commitment for a more inclusive, more peaceful and harmonious future.

A post shared by BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi (@abudhabimandir) on Oct 15, 2020 at 9:48am PDT

The construction of the temple follows the traditional ancient stone architecture used for religious stone buildings in India.

"In these challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic, such a project of global harmony will regenerate faith and hope, and celebrate the unique friendship between India and the UAE and their dedication to progress and peace," he added.

Pavan Kapoor, Ambassador of India to the UAE, who was part of the discussions, noted how the temple would serve a sizeable population of the UAE and the Gulf.

Brahmavihari Swami added that Sheikh Abdullah appreciated the work that had been done to date and expressed the UAE's commitment to the temple project and the values of tolerance and harmony it represents.

On behalf of BAPS spiritual head Mahant Swami Maharaj, Brahmavihari Swami presented Sheikh Abdullah with a golden memento representing the temple's tower.

He also expressed his gratitude for the UAE leadership's continued support.

The first traditional Hindu temple in the country is expected to be completed in 2022.

ashwani@khaleejtimes.com