February 14, New Delhi — The Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi is celebrating its second anniversary on February 14, two years after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the landmark and opened it to the public.
As the first traditional stone temple in West Asia, it has become a significant space for worship, cultural exchange, and community gatherings since its opening in 2024.
Built entirely of stone without steel in its superstructure, the temple was constructed using traditional Hindu architectural methods, employing hand-carved pink sandstone from Rajasthan and Italian marble.
Thousands of artisans worked on the project, meticulously carving intricate pillars, domes, and facades following centuries-old temple-building practices. The construction required years of planning and coordination between Indian craftsmen and local authorities.
"As we celebrate the second anniversary of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, it is a matter of deep spiritual delight," said Pujya Brahmavihari Swami, head of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi.
"In February 2024, when our honourable prime minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the temple, he said that the UAE had added a golden chapter to the history of humanity. The mandir conveys a single message to the world – one of harmony, spiritual harmony, and human harmony."
He added that millions have visited over the past two years. "People come here to find peace. They forget their differences and return with a greater spirit to strive for a better world. The mandir helps people become better human beings."
As it enters its third year, the temple continues to draw devotees from across the UAE and beyond for daily prayers, festivals, and religious ceremonies.
The landmark has become a spiritual home for the UAE's Indian community while welcoming visitors of all backgrounds, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a global hub for interfaith dialogue and cultural tolerance.