Around 5,000 devotees and well-wishers attended the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the BAPS Mandir in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on April 20. This ceremony signifies the beginning of the construction of the Mandir. The Vedic ceremony was performed by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. The occasion was also graced with the presence of Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development and Member of the Executive Council, Dr Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and Dr Ahmad Bin Abdullah Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Cabinet Member and Minister of State for Higher Education and Advanced Skills. Also present were Navdeep Suri, Indian Ambassador to UAE, Vipul, the Consul General of India, and Dr. B.R. Shetty, Chairman of Mandir Ltd. After laying the foundation stones, water from the three main holy rivers of India was showered on the stones by His Holiness and on the distinguished guests.
Prior to the function, Mahant Swami Maharaj and the Ministers unveiled a Gift of Gratitude, an intricate piece of artwork comprising a base made of pink sandstone – the stone that will be used for building the Mandir and metal fins of various sizes forming an image of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The artwork is a gift to The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on behalf of the Indian community in appreciation of the support of the rulers and people of the UAE.
During the assembly, Pujya Brahmavihari Swami, a senior BAPS sadhu who is overseeing the construction of the Mandir stated, “I would like to thank the King HH Khalifa Bin Zayad Al Nahyan and Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and all rulers and leaders who have shown so much love and extended their complete support.”
Navdeep Suri said, “It is an absolute honour to be in the midst of this journey which happens only once in a millennium.” He then read out a letter on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which said, “When complete, this Mandir will symbolize the universal human values, and spiritual ethos
that form a shared heritage of both India and UAE…. UAE is celebrating the Year of
Tolerance. This Mandir, is an expression by the United Arab Emirates, of their love,
friendship and faith in India and the Indian community.”
Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili said: “It is my honour to stand here with you today to celebrate this day by laying the foundation of the Hindu Mandir. This constitutes a great relation between the two countries, nations and cultures. Our presence here today shows the really strong relationship between the two nations. This Mandir reflects the greatness of tolerance.” Dr. B.R. Shetty then thanked Sheikh Mohammed, Sheikh Nahyan, and Sheikh Zayed as well as the government and community for their whole-hearted support of the Mandir.
After the conclusion of the ceremony, over 17,000 devotees and well-wishers from numerous spiritual and social organizations, including Art of Living, Chinmay Mission, Jain Samaj, Dubai Gurudwara, Brahma Kumaris, Iskcon, Ayappa Samaj, Tamil Samaj and all others, visited to offer their respects and devotion.
Mahant Swami Maharaj visits the Grand Mosque
His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj was warmly received by His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Cabinet Member and the Minister of State for Tolerance, at his royal Majlis in Abu Dhabi, where they discussed interfaith harmony and cultural inclusiveness. Mahant Swami Maharaj, who is overseeing the concept and construction of the BAPS Mandir in Abu Dhabi highlighted the love and warmth that both the places of worship uphold and share. Mahant Swami Maharaj also conveyed his gratitude to His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan for his wholehearted support for the Mandir. Accompanying Mahant Swami Maharaj were 50 BAPS sadhus and Dr B.R. Shetty. At the end of the meeting, Mahant Swami Maharaj presented an auspicious golden Amrut Kalash (Vessel of Immortality) to His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, as a token of appreciation for the love and kindness bestowed by him upon the Indian community. Then, His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan personally greeted each of the 50 sadhus.
