Abu Dhabi: On his tour of the United Arab Emirates in September, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan visited the BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, describing it as an “impossible miracle” and a shining symbol of India’s civilisational values abroad. He praised its stunning beauty, inclusiveness, and the tireless service of BAPS saints and volunteers whose devotion made the Mandir possible.

Pradhan said the Mandir stands as a beacon of harmony, peace, and spirituality, while also serving as an inspiration for future generations. “This Mandir will remain a symbol of India’s cultural pride and spiritual strength, connecting hearts across nations and reminding the world of the enduring power of faith and service,” he affirmed.

On X, the Minister shared glimpses of his visit, noting his pride as a Jagannath devotee in seeing carvings of the Rath Yatra on the temple’s exterior walls. “The BAPS temple is an architectural marvel, an embodiment of India’s Shilpa Shastra,” he wrote.

The Mandir, the first Hindu temple built in the Gulf nation, was inaugurated in February 2024. Since then, it has welcomed an astonishing 2.2 million visitors, firmly establishing itself as a landmark of faith and culture in the UAE.