Akshay Kumar, Vivek Oberoi among other Bollywood celebs attend inauguration of BAPS Temple in Abu Dhabi

Several Bollywood celebrities Akshay Kumar, Vivek Oberoi, filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan among others attended the inauguration of Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. The temple was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 14.
Akshay Kumar, who missed attending the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya last month, was seen arriving at the BAPS Temple donning an ethnic kurta.He was also seen taking part in prayers.
Sharing his happiness about the opening of the Hindu Temple, Vivek Oberoi told ANI, "It is incredible and inspirational...The most beautiful thing was when PM Modi said that he worships Maa Bharti. It is a historic & important day. We are humbled & honoured to be a part of it."
Shankar Mahadevan said, "Epic event that's happened here in Abu Dhabi. Something that I think we can only dream of and dream has come true. A beautiful mandir has come up over here. And today was the inauguration at the hands of our prime minister. And it is such a beautiful temple and it's really great of the UAE government also to join hands with our culture. We have such a historical happening today."

Madhur Bhandarkar also paid a visit to the temple and expressed his happiness saying, "It was great & there was a lot of excitement. Everyone- the people of the Indian diaspora was very happy. It is a proud moment for all the Indians. I thank the ruler of UAE. It was a great moment."
TV and film actor Dilip Joshi, who has become household with his role of Jethalal in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, said, "Even after seeing this, it is difficult to believe that such a beautiful BAPS temple has been constructed. I was present here when the foundation stone of this temple was laid by PM Modi. The Ruler of Dubai has a big heart, he gave the land and permission to construct this temple. I pray that the message of harmony is spread across the world from this temple."

BAPS Mandir, the first traditional Hindu temple in the United Arab Emirates, sits on 27 acres of land that was generously gifted by the UAE leadership.
The BAPS Hindu Mandir is set to become the Middle East's first traditional Hindu stone temple. Situated in the Abu Mureikhah area, this majestic structure embodies the spirit of cultural peace and collaboration and is a testament to the enduring friendship between India and the UAE.
The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, donated 13.5 acres of land in 2015 for the construction of the mandir.
(With Agency Inputs)