Abu Dhabi, April 20: With all the preparations in place for the 'Shilanyas Vidhi' (foundation stone laying ceremony) of the first traditional Hindu stone temple in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, thousands of Indians in UAE joined the Mahapuja for sanctifying each brick to be used for laying the foundation stone on Saturday. With this teh construction of the most awaited temple began in Abu Dhabi.

After the stone laying ceremony of the first Hindu Temple was completed in Abu Dhabi, India's Ambassador to UAE Navdeep Suri read out Prime Minister Narendra Modi's message, which said, "When complete, this Temple will symbolize the universal human values & spiritual ethos that has been a shared heritage of both India & UAE." Indians Celebrate Traditional New Years in UAE 

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Among the prominent spiritual leaders and political dignitaries present at the venue include Mahant Swami Maharaj, UAE Minister of Climate change & Environment Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Cabinet Member and MoS for Higher Education and Advanced Skills, Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili.

Earlier, UAE's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation - Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Minister of Tolerance - Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan - graced the occasion along with social and spiritual leaders from across the world.

It is to be known that BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha - the religious and social organisation - is building the temple in Abu Dhabi. All the stones, to be used in the preparation of the temple, are transported from the Indian state of Rajasthan. The temple is expected to be complete in a few years.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 20, 2019 07:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).