Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, during his visit to the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, described the BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi as an “impossible miracle.” He praised the Mandir’s breathtaking design, creative expression, and message of inclusivity, calling it a shining example of India’s spiritual heritage flourishing abroad.
Pradhan expressed his admiration for the tireless service of BAPS saints and the Swaminarayan Sanstha, noting that their dedication represents a “civilizational milestone” on foreign soil. He emphasized that the temple is not merely a place of worship but a symbol of India’s timeless values of peace, unity, and spirituality, radiating its message to the world.
He further highlighted that the temple’s existence is the result of collective devotion, sacrifice, and effort by countless volunteers and devotees. For him, the Mandir stands as a cultural bridge connecting hearts across nations while inspiring younger generations to embrace India’s traditions with pride.
Sharing his reflections on X, Pradhan wrote that as a Jagannath devotee, visiting the BAPS Temple was deeply moving. He described it as an architectural wonder, intricately crafted according to India’s Shilpa Shastra. Among its detailed carvings is a depiction of Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra, a festival that celebrates Odisha’s enduring culture. He remarked that seeing the values of Rath Yatra celebrated in the heart of the UAE was a matter of immense pride for devotees worldwide.
The temple, inaugurated in February 2024, has earned recognition as the first traditional Hindu temple in the Gulf nation. Since its opening, it has become a major cultural and spiritual hub. Over the past year alone, the Mandir has welcomed more than 2.2 million visitors, reflecting its wide-reaching appeal among devotees and tourists alike.
Pradhan’s tribute underscores the BAPS Temple’s role as not just a religious site but also a testament to India’s cultural diplomacy. Its beauty, inclusiveness, and spiritual essence have made it a symbol of India’s enduring influence and a landmark achievement in strengthening bonds between nations.
