{"id":77263,"date":"2019-04-26T20:05:08","date_gmt":"2019-04-27T03:05:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/?p=77263"},"modified":"2020-07-04T13:27:11","modified_gmt":"2020-07-04T20:27:11","slug":"a-moment-in-history-stone-laying-ceremony-for-the-first-ever-hindu-mandir-in-uae-by-baps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/a-moment-in-history-stone-laying-ceremony-for-the-first-ever-hindu-mandir-in-uae-by-baps\/","title":{"rendered":"A Moment in History: Stone-laying Ceremony for the First Ever Hindu Mandir in UAE by BAPS"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"bp-page-1\" class=\"page\" data-page-number=\"1\" data-loaded=\"true\">\n<div class=\"textLayer\">\n<p><em>Mahant Swami Maharaj meeting Sheikh Al Nahyan. (All photos: BAPS)<\/em><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>According to a release, thousands gathered to witness the auspicious ceremony marking a significant moment in the history of the UAE, around 5,000 devotees and well-wishers thronged to participate in and witness the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the BAPS Hindu Mandir.<\/p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\n#foogallery-gallery-153994.fg-justified .fg-item { margin-right: 2px; margin-bottom: 2px; }\n#foogallery-gallery-153994.fg-justified .fg-image { height: 200px; }<\/style>\n\t\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n#foogallery-gallery-153994_1.fg-justified .fg-item { margin-right: 2px; margin-bottom: 2px; }\n#foogallery-gallery-153994_1.fg-justified .fg-image { height: 200px; }<\/style>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"foogallery foogallery-container foogallery-justified foogallery-lightbox-foogallery fg-justified fg-ready fg-light fg-shadow-medium fg-loading-default fg-loaded-slide-down fg-hover-zoomed fg-caption-always fg-hover-fade fg-hover-eye\" id=\"foogallery-gallery-153994_1\" data-foogallery=\"{&quot;item&quot;:{&quot;showCaptionTitle&quot;:true,&quot;showCaptionDescription&quot;:false},&quot;lazy&quot;:true,&quot;state&quot;:{&quot;enabled&quot;:true,&quot;mask&quot;:&quot;foogallery-{id}&quot;},&quot;template&quot;:{&quot;rowHeight&quot;:200,&quot;maxRowHeight&quot;:300,&quot;margins&quot;:2,&quot;align&quot;:&quot;center&quot;,&quot;lastRow&quot;:&quot;smart&quot;}}\" data-foogallery-lightbox=\"{&quot;theme&quot;:&quot;fg-dark&quot;,&quot;thumbs&quot;:&quot;bottom&quot;,&quot;thumbsCaptions&quot;:false,&quot;thumbsBestFit&quot;:false,&quot;thumbsSmall&quot;:false,&quot;thumbsCaptionsAlign&quot;:&quot;default&quot;,&quot;info&quot;:&quot;bottom&quot;,&quot;infoVisible&quot;:true,&quot;infoOverlay&quot;:true,&quot;infoAlign&quot;:&quot;default&quot;,&quot;transition&quot;:&quot;fade&quot;,&quot;hoverButtons&quot;:false,&quot;fitMedia&quot;:false,&quot;noScrollbars&quot;:true,&quot;preserveButtonSpace&quot;:true,&quot;buttons&quot;:{&quot;fullscreen&quot;:true,&quot;info&quot;:true},&quot;video&quot;:{&quot;autoPlay&quot;:true}}\" style=\"--fg-title-line-clamp: 0; --fg-description-line-clamp: 0;\" >\n\t<div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-18.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#039;s message to mark the occasion.\" data-caption-desc=\"Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#039;s message to mark the occasion.\" data-attachment-id=\"153995\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-18\" title=\"Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#039;s message to mark the occasion.\" height=\"300\" width=\"195\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2020\/07\/page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-18\/632487430.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22195%22%20height%3D%22300%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20195%20300%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's message to mark the occasion.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-17.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"A rendition of the temple.\" data-caption-desc=\"A rendition of the temple.\" data-attachment-id=\"153996\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-17\" title=\"A rendition of the temple.\" height=\"300\" width=\"810.81081081081\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-17.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22810.81081081081%22%20height%3D%22300%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20810.81081081081%20300%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">A rendition of the temple.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-16.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Decoration welcoming guests to the Shilanyas (First stone laying ceremony) of the first Hindu Mandir in UAE\" data-caption-desc=\"Decoration welcoming guests to the Shilanyas (First stone laying ceremony) of the first Hindu Mandir in UAE\" data-attachment-id=\"153998\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-16\" title=\"Decoration welcoming guests to the Shilanyas (First stone laying ceremony) of the first Hindu Mandir in UAE\" height=\"300\" width=\"449\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2020\/07\/page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-16\/3314700868.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22449%22%20height%3D%22300%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20449%20300%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Decoration welcoming guests to the Shilanyas (First stone laying ceremony) of the first Hindu Mandir in UAE<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-15.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Members of the community participate in the Shilanyas Ceremony\" data-caption-desc=\"Members of the community participate in the Shilanyas Ceremony\" data-attachment-id=\"153999\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-15\" title=\"Members of the community participate in the Shilanyas Ceremony\" height=\"300\" width=\"449\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2020\/07\/page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-15\/2004367690.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22449%22%20height%3D%22300%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20449%20300%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Members of the community participate in the Shilanyas Ceremony<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-14.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Guests stand to pay respects during the UAE and Indian national anthems\" data-caption-desc=\"Guests stand to pay respects during the UAE and Indian national anthems\" data-attachment-id=\"154000\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-14\" title=\"Guests stand to pay respects during the UAE and Indian national anthems\" height=\"300\" width=\"449\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2020\/07\/page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-14\/2179120164.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22449%22%20height%3D%22300%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20449%20300%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Guests stand to pay respects during the UAE and Indian national anthems<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-13.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Members of the community participate in the Shilanyas Ceremony.\" data-caption-desc=\"Members of the community participate in the Shilanyas Ceremony.\" data-attachment-id=\"154001\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-13\" title=\"Members of the community participate in the Shilanyas Ceremony.\" height=\"300\" width=\"449\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2020\/07\/page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-13\/3074611664.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22449%22%20height%3D%22300%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20449%20300%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Members of the community participate in the Shilanyas Ceremony.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-12.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Dr B.R. Shetty addresses the assembly\" data-caption-desc=\"Dr B.R. Shetty addresses the assembly\" data-attachment-id=\"154002\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-12\" title=\"Dr B.R. Shetty addresses the assembly\" height=\"300\" width=\"449\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2020\/07\/page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-12\/1061645433.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22449%22%20height%3D%22300%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20449%20300%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Dr B.R. Shetty addresses the assembly<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-11.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Mahant Swami Maharaj, Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Dr Ahmad bin Abdullah Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi and Dr Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi unveil the Gift of Gratitude\" data-caption-desc=\"Mahant Swami Maharaj, Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Dr Ahmad bin Abdullah Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi and Dr Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi unveil the Gift of Gratitude\" data-attachment-id=\"154003\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-11\" title=\"Mahant Swami Maharaj, Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Dr Ahmad bin Abdullah Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi and Dr Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi unveil the Gift of Gratitude\" height=\"300\" width=\"449\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2020\/07\/page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-11\/2376927095.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22449%22%20height%3D%22300%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20449%20300%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Mahant Swami Maharaj, Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Dr Ahmad bin Abdullah Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi and Dr Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi unveil the Gift of Gratitude<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-10.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Pujya Brahmavihari Swami addresses the assembly\" data-caption-desc=\"Pujya Brahmavihari Swami addresses the assembly\" data-attachment-id=\"154005\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-10\" title=\"Pujya Brahmavihari Swami addresses the assembly\" height=\"300\" width=\"200\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2020\/07\/page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-10\/3361238407.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22200%22%20height%3D%22300%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20200%20300%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Pujya Brahmavihari Swami addresses the assembly<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-09.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development and member of the Executive Council, addresses the assembly\" data-caption-desc=\"Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development and member of the Executive Council, addresses the assembly\" data-attachment-id=\"154008\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-09\" title=\"Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development and member of the Executive Council, addresses the assembly\" height=\"300\" width=\"200\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2020\/07\/page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-09\/902225055.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22200%22%20height%3D%22300%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20200%20300%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development and member of the Executive Council, addresses the assembly<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-08.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Senior swamis and distinguished guests participate in the Shilanyas Ceremony in the foundations\" data-caption-desc=\"Senior swamis and distinguished guests participate in the Shilanyas Ceremony in the foundations\" data-attachment-id=\"154009\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-08\" title=\"Senior swamis and distinguished guests participate in the Shilanyas Ceremony in the foundations\" height=\"300\" width=\"449\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2020\/07\/page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-08\/3305746668.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22449%22%20height%3D%22300%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20449%20300%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Senior swamis and distinguished guests participate in the Shilanyas Ceremony in the foundations<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-07.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Mahant Swami Maharaj, senior sadhus and distinguished guestspour holy waters into the foundation\" data-caption-desc=\"Mahant Swami Maharaj, senior sadhus and distinguished guestspour holy waters into the foundation\" data-attachment-id=\"154010\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-07\" title=\"Mahant Swami Maharaj, senior sadhus and distinguished guestspour holy waters into the foundation\" height=\"300\" width=\"449\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2020\/07\/page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-07\/3331413037.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22449%22%20height%3D%22300%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20449%20300%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Mahant Swami Maharaj, senior sadhus and distinguished guestspour holy waters into the foundation<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-06.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Mahant Swami Maharaj, senior sadhus and distinguished guests participate in the foundation stone ceremony\" data-caption-desc=\"Mahant Swami Maharaj, senior sadhus and distinguished guests participate in the foundation stone ceremony\" data-attachment-id=\"154011\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-06\" title=\"Mahant Swami Maharaj, senior sadhus and distinguished guests participate in the foundation stone ceremony\" height=\"300\" width=\"449\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2020\/07\/page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-06\/912144478.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22449%22%20height%3D%22300%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20449%20300%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Mahant Swami Maharaj, senior sadhus and distinguished guests participate in the foundation stone ceremony<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-05.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Mahant Swami Maharaj and Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili. Chairman of the Department of Community Development and member of the Executive Council exchange greetings\" data-caption-desc=\"Mahant Swami Maharaj and Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili. Chairman of the Department of Community Development and member of the Executive Council exchange greetings\" data-attachment-id=\"154012\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-05\" title=\"Mahant Swami Maharaj and Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili. Chairman of the Department of Community Development and member of the Executive Council exchange greetings\" height=\"300\" width=\"450\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2020\/07\/page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-05\/4236151434.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22450%22%20height%3D%22300%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20450%20300%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Mahant Swami Maharaj and Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili. Chairman of the Department of Community Development and member of the Executive Council exchange greetings<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-04.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"(L-r): Dr Ahmad bin Abdullah Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Mahant Swami Maharaj, Dr Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi and Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami on stage during the assembly\" data-caption-desc=\"(L-r): Dr Ahmad bin Abdullah Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Mahant Swami Maharaj, Dr Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi and Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami on stage during the assembly\" data-attachment-id=\"154014\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-04\" title=\"(L-r): Dr Ahmad bin Abdullah Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Mahant Swami Maharaj, Dr Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi and Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami on stage during the assembly\" height=\"300\" width=\"449\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2020\/07\/page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-04\/3112951930.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22449%22%20height%3D%22300%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20449%20300%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">(L-r): Dr Ahmad bin Abdullah Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Mahant Swami Maharaj, Dr Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi and Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami on stage during the assembly<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-03.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Mahant Swami Maharaj, Dr Ahmad bin Abdullah Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Dr Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Navdeep Suri, Dr B.R. Shetty and senior sadhus place sanctified stones in the foundation\" data-caption-desc=\"Mahant Swami Maharaj, Dr Ahmad bin Abdullah Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Dr Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Navdeep Suri, Dr B.R. Shetty and senior sadhus place sanctified stones in the foundation\" data-attachment-id=\"154015\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-03\" title=\"Mahant Swami Maharaj, Dr Ahmad bin Abdullah Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Dr Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Navdeep Suri, Dr B.R. Shetty and senior sadhus place sanctified stones in the foundation\" height=\"300\" width=\"449\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2020\/07\/page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-03\/2401994126.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22449%22%20height%3D%22300%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20449%20300%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Mahant Swami Maharaj, Dr Ahmad bin Abdullah Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Dr Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Navdeep Suri, Dr B.R. Shetty and senior sadhus place sanctified stones in the foundation<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-02.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Mahant Swami Maharaj pours cement into the foundation during the Vedic rituals of the Shilanyas Ceremony of the first Hindu Mandir in UAE\" data-caption-desc=\"Mahant Swami Maharaj pours cement into the foundation during the Vedic rituals of the Shilanyas Ceremony of the first Hindu Mandir in UAE\" data-attachment-id=\"154016\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-02\" title=\"Mahant Swami Maharaj pours cement into the foundation during the Vedic rituals of the Shilanyas Ceremony of the first Hindu Mandir in UAE\" height=\"300\" width=\"200\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2020\/07\/page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-02\/120467495.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22200%22%20height%3D%22300%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20200%20300%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Mahant Swami Maharaj pours cement into the foundation during the Vedic rituals of the Shilanyas Ceremony of the first Hindu Mandir in UAE<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-01.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Mahant Swami Maharaj addresses the assembly\" data-caption-desc=\"Mahant Swami Maharaj addresses the assembly\" data-attachment-id=\"154017\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-01\" title=\"Mahant Swami Maharaj addresses the assembly\" height=\"300\" width=\"449\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2020\/07\/page-uae-baps-hindu-temple-01\/3049544489.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22449%22%20height%3D%22300%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20449%20300%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Mahant Swami Maharaj addresses the assembly<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<p>Volunteers began to arrive at the site location as early as 6:00 a.m., with participants arriving at 8:00 a.m. The Shilanyas Ceremony, which is an ancient Vedic ritual performed to bless and sanctify the main foundation stones, commenced at 9:00 a.m.<\/p>\n<p>This ceremony signifies the beginning of the construction of the Mandir. The Vedic ceremony was performed by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. The occasion was also graced with the presence of Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development and Member of the Executive Council; Dr Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment; and Dr Ahmad Bin Abdullah Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Cabinet Member and Minister of State for Higher Education and Advanced Skills. Also present were Navdeep Suri, Indian Ambassador to UAE; Vipul, the Consul General of India; and Dr. B.R. Shetty, Chairman of Mandir Ltd.<\/p>\n<p>After laying the foundation stones in position, water from the three main holy rivers of India was showered on the stones by His Holiness and the distinguished guests. \u00a0The enthusiasm and devotion of all participants and volunteers was evident as they arrived for the Vedic ceremony.<\/p>\n<p>Prior to the celebration assembly, Mahant Swami Maharaj and the Ministers unveiled a Gift of Gratitude, an intricate piece of artwork comprising a base made of pink sandstone \u2013 the stone that will be used for building the Mandir and metal fins of various sizes forming an image of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The artwork is a gift to the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on behalf of the Indian community in appreciation of the support of the rulers and people of the UAE.<\/p>\n\n<div data-mode=\"normal\" data-oembed=\"1\" data-provider=\"youtube\" id=\"arve-youtube-t2znad6eglg\" style=\"max-width:400px;\" class=\"arve aligncenter\">\n\t<div class=\"arve-inner\">\n\t\t<div style=\"aspect-ratio:158\/89\" class=\"arve-embed arve-embed--has-aspect-ratio\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"arve-ar\" style=\"padding-top:56.329114%\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<iframe allow=\"accelerometer &apos;none&apos;;autoplay &apos;none&apos;;bluetooth &apos;none&apos;;browsing-topics &apos;none&apos;;camera &apos;none&apos;;clipboard-read &apos;none&apos;;clipboard-write;display-capture &apos;none&apos;;encrypted-media &apos;none&apos;;gamepad &apos;none&apos;;geolocation &apos;none&apos;;gyroscope &apos;none&apos;;hid &apos;none&apos;;identity-credentials-get &apos;none&apos;;idle-detection &apos;none&apos;;keyboard-map &apos;none&apos;;local-fonts;magnetometer &apos;none&apos;;microphone &apos;none&apos;;midi &apos;none&apos;;otp-credentials &apos;none&apos;;payment &apos;none&apos;;picture-in-picture;publickey-credentials-create &apos;none&apos;;publickey-credentials-get &apos;none&apos;;screen-wake-lock &apos;none&apos;;serial &apos;none&apos;;summarizer &apos;none&apos;;sync-xhr;usb &apos;none&apos;;web-share;window-management &apos;none&apos;;xr-spatial-tracking &apos;none&apos;;\" allowfullscreen=\"\" class=\"arve-iframe fitvidsignore\" credentialless data-arve=\"arve-youtube-t2znad6eglg\" data-lenis-prevent=\"\" data-src-no-ap=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/T2ZNAD6EgLg?feature=oembed&amp;iv_load_policy=3&amp;modestbranding=1&amp;rel=0&amp;autohide=1&amp;playsinline=0&amp;autoplay=0\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"225.3164556962\" loading=\"lazy\" name=\"\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-presentation allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/T2ZNAD6EgLg?feature=oembed&#038;iv_load_policy=3&#038;modestbranding=1&#038;rel=0&#038;autohide=1&#038;playsinline=0&#038;autoplay=0\" title=\"Foundation-laying ceremony of the first ever Hindu BAPS temple in UAE\" width=\"400\"><\/iframe>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t\n\t<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"http:\\\/\\\/schema.org\\\/\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/siliconeer.com\\\/current\\\/a-moment-in-history-stone-laying-ceremony-for-the-first-ever-hindu-mandir-in-uae-by-baps\\\/#arve-youtube-t2znad6eglg\",\"type\":\"VideoObject\",\"embedURL\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/embed\\\/T2ZNAD6EgLg?feature=oembed&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&autohide=1&playsinline=0&autoplay=0\",\"name\":\"Foundation-laying ceremony of the first ever Hindu BAPS temple in UAE\",\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/siliconeer.com\\\/current\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2019\\\/04\\\/PAGE-UAE-BAPS-Hindu-Temple-07.jpg\",\"description\":\"Foundation-laying ceremony of the first ever Hindu BAPS temple in UAE\"}<\/script>\n\t\n<\/div>\n<p>During the assembly, Pujya Brahmavihari Swami, a senior BAPS sadhu who is overseeing the construction of the Mandir in Abu Dhabi stated, \u201cI would like to thank the King HH Khalifa Bin Zayad Al Nahyan and Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and all rulers and leaders who have shown so much love and extended their complete support.\u201d He added that this Mandir will be \u201ca spiritual oasis for global harmony in the middle of the desert.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Indian Ambassador to the UAE His Excellency Navdeep Suri addressed the assembly, \u201cIt is an absolute honor to be in the midst of this journey which happens only once in a millennium.\u201d He then read out a letter on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which said, \u201cWhen complete, this Mandir will symbolize the universal human values, and spiritual ethos that form a shared heritage of both India and UAE&#8230;. UAE is celebrating the Year of Tolerance. This Mandir, is an expression by the United Arab Emirates, of their love, friendship and faith in India and the Indian community.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili addressed the gathering: \u201cIt is my honor to stand here with you today to celebrate this day by laying the foundation of the Hindu Mandir. \u00a0This constitutes a great relation between the two countries, nations and cultures. Our presence here today shows the really strong relationship between the two nations. This Mandir reflects the greatness of tolerance.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Dr. B.R. Shetty, Chairman of Mandir Ltd then thanked Sheikh Mohammed, Sheikh Nahyan, and Sheikh Zayed as well as the government and community for their whole-hearted support of the Mandir.<\/p>\n<p>In conclusion, Mahant Swami Maharaj blessed the assembly, \u201cRight now, peace, love and harmony are all over this campus. We cannot buy peace with money or intelligence. Peace comes to those who love peace. May goodness and peace spread further from here.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The event was meticulously planned by volunteers of all walks of life living within and outside of the UAE. Small children could be seen serving the community by meticulously organizing shoes, lady volunteers were helping with decorations, food distribution and ushering the public to the venue.\u00a0 Additionally, the contribution of youths from the UAE, the U.S., UK and other countries illustrated the significance of this landmark community project and the spirit of service embedded within the BAPS fellowship.<\/p>\n<p>After the conclusion of the ceremony and assembly, throughout the day over 17,000 devotees and well-wishers from numerous spiritual and social organizations, including Art of Living, Chinmay Mission, Jain Samaj, Dubai Gurudwara, Brahma Kumaris, Iskcon, Ayappa Samaj, Tamil Samaj and all others, visited to offer their respects and devotion.<\/p>\n<p>This historic event was attended by devotees, volunteers and well-wishers from India, USA, UK, Europe, Japan, Africa, China, South East Asia, Australia and many other countries.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Mahant Swami Maharaj meeting Sheikh Al Nahyan. (All photos: BAPS) According to a release, thousands gathered to witness the auspicious ceremony marking a significant moment in the history of the UAE, around 5,000 devotees and well-wishers thronged to participate in and witness the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the BAPS Hindu Mandir. Volunteers began to arrive&#8230;<\/p>\n<div class=\"read-more-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/a-moment-in-history-stone-laying-ceremony-for-the-first-ever-hindu-mandir-in-uae-by-baps\/\">Read More<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":77326,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[275,13,11744,23,1848,19,24],"tags":[2008,7323,26405,49,147,2675],"class_list":["post-77263","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","category-culture","category-india-south-asia","category-photos","category-society","category-topics","category-videos","tag-baps","tag-abu-dhabi","tag-first-hindu-temple-in-uae","tag-narendra-modi","tag-siliconeer","tag-uae"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/77263","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=77263"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/77263\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/77326"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=77263"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=77263"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/siliconeer.com\/current\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=77263"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}