In Pics: PM Modi inaugurates UAE’s first Hindu stone temple

The pink sandstone temple is an architectural marvel equipped with advanced technology, including 300 sensors,

PM Narendra Modi at the BAPS temple in Abu Dhabi. / PIB

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 14 inaugurated the historic Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi and took part in its consecration ceremony.

BAPS’ leader Mahant Swami Maharaj, Ishwarcharandas Swami, International Convenor of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) greeted the Prime Minister at the temple. / PIB

The Prime Minister offers water in the virtual Ganga and Yamuna rivers at the temple before proceeding to inaugurate the temple. / PIB

PM Narendra Modi inaugurates the temple alongside BAPS leader Mahant Swami Maharaj. / PIB

The Prime Minister participates in the rituals of the consecration ceremony. / PIB

The Prime Minister offering prayers at the idol's feet at the newly inaugurated BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi. / PIB

UAE's Minister of Tolerance Sheikh Nahyan Al Mubarak with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BAPS leaders at the inauguration event. / PIB

PM Modi lauded the temple as “a symbol of communal harmony and global unity for the entire world” and expressed his gratitude to the UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his government on behalf of Indians and its diaspora around the world. / PIB

The PM said UAE which is known for its iconic and majestic buildings like the Burj Khalifa, and the Sheikh Zayed Mosque has added another cultural landmark to its list. / PIB