Abu Dhabi - The foundation stone of the temple was laid in April last year and work started from December.
By Staff Reporter
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Published: Fri 16 Oct 2020, 7:36 PM
Last updated: Sat 17 Oct 2020, 7:09 PM
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."
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
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