Abu Dhabi: On India’s 79th Independence Day, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and social worker K. Annamalai paid a reverent visit to the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, describing it as a living testament to India’s values of inclusivity, tolerance, and spiritual heritage.

Upon arrival, Annamalai was received with a traditional garland by Swami Brahmaviharidas under the Mandir’s iconic Dome of Harmony. He was deeply impressed by “The Fairy Tale,” the award-winning immersive audio-visual experience that conveys messages of harmony, tolerance, and universal moral values through storytelling and visuals.

Walking through the serene temple grounds, Annamalai was especially moved by the Mandir’s Tolerance Trees—6,500-year-old subfossils symbolizing harmony in diversity. Inside, he offered prayers at all seven shrines, admired the intricately designed Pillar of Pillars, and reflected on the spiritual legacy of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, whose vision inspired the Mandir.

Calling the temple “a living example of India’s values of tolerance, non-violence, and harmony,” Annamalai encouraged people of all faiths to visit. “When anything is done with purity and the blessings of the soul, miracles happen,” he said.

He praised the sadhus and volunteers whose dedication brought the project to life, noting the tireless efforts of Swami Brahmaviharidas and his team. “It is their faith, persistence, and selfless service that made this miracle possible. Seeing it in person, I feel proud to be a Hindu today,” he added.

Annamalai also lauded the temple’s craftsmanship, saying: “This Mandir revives the legacy of India’s intricate carvings. It is living proof of what Bharat achieved centuries ago, brought alive once again in modern times.”

Reflecting on the global collaboration behind the Mandir, he described it as “one of the greatest collaborations of the 21st century — between a BAPS sadhu who opened his heart and rulers of another faith who responded with generosity.”

Concluding his visit, Annamalai offered prayers for the prosperity of India and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who once said, “HH Pramukh Swami is like my father,” as well as to HH Mahant Swami Maharaj and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for their roles in realizing the Mandir.

“This masterpiece will stand in history as a symbol of shared values, bridging hearts and cultures across the world,” he affirmed.