Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, currently visiting the United Arab Emirates, paid a visit to the BAPS Hindu Temple on Thursday, describing it as an “impossible miracle.” He praised the temple for its stunning beauty, creativity, and inclusiveness.
Pradhan expressed deep respect for the selfless service of BAPS saints and the Swaminarayan Sanstha, terming their efforts a “civilisational achievement” on foreign soil. He noted that the temple stands as a beacon of India’s timeless values of harmony, peace, and spirituality globally.
Highlighting the collective devotion behind the temple, he said it embodies the sacrifice of countless volunteers and devotees and will remain a symbol of India’s cultural pride and spiritual strength, connecting hearts across nations while inspiring younger generations.
Sharing his experience on X, Pradhan said it was a matter of pride for a Jagannath devotee to visit the Mandir. He added, “The BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi is an architectural marvel. It embodies India’s Shilpa Shastra and features intricate carvings, including Mahaprabhu Jagannath’s Rath Yatra, celebrating the timeless culture of Odisha. The spiritual values of Rath Yatra in the heart of UAE are a matter of great pride for every Jagannath devotee.”
Inaugurated in February 2024, the BAPS Mandir is the first Hindu temple built in the Gulf nation. Since then, it has hosted large gatherings of devotees, recording over 2.2 million visitors in the past year.
-IANS
