Upon his arrival, the PM was welcomed by the BAPS Swaminarayan sect sadhus and dignitaries. He later offered prayers and participated in the aarti.The PM was also presented with a lotus and a swan garland by the sadhus. The inauguration took place on the auspicious day of Vasant Panchami.
The PM thanked the president of UAE Sheikh Mohamad bin Zayed Al Nahyan for making the temple a reality and said he had won the hearts of Indians living in the Gulf nations and 140 crore Indians.
“I hope the BAPS Mandir will become a symbol of communal harmony and global unity for the whole world,” Modi said, addressing a gathering that included UAE’s tolerance minister Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan and leaders of all faiths.
“We do not see hatred in diversity, we consider diversity our specialty! In this temple, we will see a glimpse of diverse faiths at every step.”
The PM described the temple as an addition to the UAE’s landmarks such as Burj Khalifa, Future Museum and Sheikh Zayed Mosque among others. “I am confident that a large number of devotees will come here. This will increase the number of people coming to the UAE and increase people-to-people connect between the two countries,” he said.
“Our immense pleasure in Ayodhya has been further enhanced by the wave of happiness received in Abu Dhabi today. It is my good fortune that I have been a witness to the grand Shri Ram temple first in Ayodhya, and then to this temple,” the PM added.
The consecration ceremony of the temple took place in the morning, while the PM inaugurated the temple and participated in ceremonies in the evening. Later, he toured the temple premises and met key people associated with it.
UAE’s tolerance minister Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan thanked PM Modi for his visit to the UAE and strengthening ties between the two countries.
“We are proud to welcome you as a great friend, representative of the great and friendly country India. Your visit to the UAE is a clear indication of the depth of friendship, trust and cooperation that has long existed between India and the UAE, and strengthened by your Excellency,” he said. He added that the UAE is home to many faiths whose followers live and work there.