Manama (Bahrain): It was a special day at the Bahraini capital of Manama as the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a redevelopment of the Lord Sri Krishna temple (Shreenathji Temple). The temple is 200 years old and the cost of redevelopment is $ 4.2 million.

The prime minister officially launched the redevelopment project of the iconic temple by unveiling a plaque on Sunday (August 25).

Raveesh Kumar, spokesperson of the ministry of external affairs said in a tweet, “Thank you Bahrain for the warmth and affection. PM @narendramodi concludes his historic visit with prayers at the 200 years old Shreenathji Temple in #Manama, the oldest temple in the region. The temple reflects the pluralism of Bahraini society.”

The facelift for the Shreenathji Temple in Manama is expected to kick off later this year.

Plans are afoot to take up the redevelopment project on a piece of land measuring 16,500 square feet and the new four-floor structure covering 45,000 square feet will have an overall height of 30 metres.

The redevelopment is being taken up to highlight the heritage and the 200-year-old legacy of the temple. The new iconic complex will house the sanctum sanctorum and prayer halls.

In what comes as a boost to tourism, facilities will be created for traditional Hindu marriage ceremonies and other rituals, in order to promote Bahrain as a wedding destination.

Incidentally, Modi is the first ever Indian prime minister to visit Bahrain.

Before his visit to Bahrain, Modi was in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to receive the highest civilian award ‘Order of Zayed’.

More about the Shreenathji Temple

As per TimesNow.com, the newly constructed temple will hold 80% more devotees. The temple is estimated to have been established around 1817 and was built by Thathai Bhatia Hindu community, and is still being managed by them.  As part of the renovated structure, the temple will have a knowledge centre and a museum