UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan Visits Swaminarayan Akshardham, New Delhi

His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, visited Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi.


On behalf of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the Spiritual Head of Swaminarayan Akshardham and the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, senior sadhus and BAPS devotees and representatives from the UAE welcomed His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

In the Akshardham Mandir, His Highness offered his respects by placing flowers at the central shrine of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. On viewing the Akshardham Mandir, His Highness was fascinated by the intricate carvings, amazing artwork and challenging stone engineering. Commending the spirit of the volunteers, Sheikh Abdullah said, “Incredible. In this age and time, volunteerism itself makes Akshardham special.”

Inspired by the Gajendra Pithika (Elephant Plinth)’s stone crafted messages of harmony, patience, strength, Sheikh Abdullah commented, “Everyone in this world needs to understand each other and cooperate with one another.”

After His Highness performed the abhishek, he enjoyed the experiential boat ride through 10,000 years of Indian culture and the state-of-the-art Sahaj Anand Water Show that depicts a timeless message from the Upanishads. He reflected, “We must build a future better than our past.”

His Highness also took this opportunity to openly express his support for the historic BAPS Hindu Mandir to be built in Abu Dhabi.

Sharing his sentiments about Akshardham, His Highness wrote,“With much pride, I express my gratitude and appreciation to all those who took part in erecting this historical, cultural and religious monument, which reflects the power of the man upon whom God bestowed the mind in order to be blessed in doing this good.”