In authorised school buses, drivers and nannies are trained to conduct thorough checks of the bus before locking and leaving it
uae18 hours ago
A wave of religious fervour and a festive atmosphere has gripped the Abu Dhabi BAPS Hindu Mandir (temple) ahead of its inauguration on February 14. Hundreds of community members and devotees lined up at the temple to greet the spiritual leader His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj.
The prominent personality is the current spiritual leader of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and arrived as a state guest in Abu Dhabi on a special flight. Mahant Swami Maharaj will be leading the Vedic ceremony to inaugurate the Middle East’s first traditional stone temple.
After arriving at the Al Bateen Executive Airport from the Indian state of Gujarat, Mahant Swami Maharaj was greeted by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Pujya Swami Brahmaviharidas, who has been overseeing the temple project under Mahant Swami Maharaj's guidance, and other temple representatives were also present.
“Welcome to the UAE. Our nation is blessed with your presence. We are touched by your kindness and we feel your prayers,” Sheikh Nahyan said.
A troupe of dancers, drummers, and chanters performed the traditional Al-Ayyala at the airport. Appreciating the warm reception, Mahant Swami Maharaj noted: “We are touched by your love and respect. The leaders of the UAE are great, good, and large-hearted.”
Yusuffali MA, the second Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) and chairman of LuLu Group International, was also present on the occasion.
Once at the temple, hundreds of people, saints, and volunteers greeted Mahant Swami Maharaj with heartfelt cheers, showering flowers, and chanting slogans and hymns. Some of the community members were visibly emotional seeing the global Hindu spiritual leader, known for inspiring millions worldwide through his virtues of devotion, humility, and service.
A brief welcome ceremony was organised for Mahant Swami Maharaj at the temple, where last-minute preparations are underway for the opening.
Pujya Swami Brahmaviharidas underlined the temple serves as a “spiritual oasis for global harmony that celebrates the past and recalibrates the future”.
“The BAPS Hindu Mandir is a timeless testament to the spirituality of Pramukh Swami Maharaj and the generosity, sincerity, and friendship of the leaderships of the UAE, India, and BAPS.”
This ambitious project was envisioned by Sanstha’s late spiritual leader Pramukh Swami Maharaj during his visit to the UAE in 1997. The project has been made possible through the graciousness and generosity of the UAE government and its rulers.
The inauguration will be celebrated through the ‘Festival of Harmony’ – a series of engaging programmes and community events from February 10 to 21 focussing on strengthening faith, mobilising community service, and inspiring harmony among people of all generations and backgrounds.
The general public who are yet to register have been urged to visit the temple next month as there is heavy demand from registered overseas visitors. For more information and registrations, visit the official website or app.
ALSO READ:
In authorised school buses, drivers and nannies are trained to conduct thorough checks of the bus before locking and leaving it
uae18 hours ago
The trial, the first-of-its-kind in the region, involved a small-sized drone, which can carry two passengers for up to 35km
uae18 hours ago
The mission urged them to avoid crowded places and follow safety instructions
uae19 hours ago
The country also stresses the need to ensure the safe and unhindered flow of humanitarian aid and delivery of life-saving supplies
uae20 hours ago
Being built on an island of almost 62 hectares, the resort will have 20 restaurants, some of which will be helmed by top chefs from worldwide
uae20 hours ago
He said that his son Rohan, a pilot, often jokes about the reactions he gets when making announcements as the First Officer
uae21 hours ago
The parents empasised that their relationship with their children has grown stronger and more affectionate since the incident
uae21 hours ago
Regulations will be applied across public buildings, streets, parks, beaches, private spaces, among others, and violators shall be granted a grace period to adjust their lighting accordingly
uae22 hours ago