[ Asian Image ] The story behind Abu Dhabi’s ‘breathtaking’ Hindu temple 25th April

The article discusses the story behind the construction of the **BAPS Hindu Mandir** in Abu Dhabi. This temple is the first traditional Hindu mandir in the history of the United Arab Emirates and is also the largest in West Asia.

The temple, built in Abu Dhabi’s desert, is described as a ‘new symbol of cross-cultural cooperation’ that aims to inspire hope of tolerance and harmony. The project began with a profound policy shift toward cultural and religious integration in the UAE.

The UAE President, **Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan**, played a key role in the project by gifting a 27-acre site for the temple. The project was also supported by **Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan**, the UAE minister of tolerance and coexistence.

The temple was inaugurated with much pomp and ceremony, with Indian Prime Minister **Narendra Modi** and BAPS current spiritual head and creator of the mandir, **His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj**, in attendance. The temple stands as a testament to the perseverance and dedication of those involved and is seen as a shining example of interfaith harmony and the inclusive policies embraced by the UAE government.

Source: Conversation with Bing
The story behind Abu Dhabi’s ‘breathtaking’ Hindu temple.
https://www.asianimage.co.uk/news/24279396.story-behind-abu-dhabis-breathtaking-hindu-temple/.