The UAE’s first traditional hand-carved Hindu temple, located in Abu Dhabi’s Abu Mureikha area, off the main motorway between Dubai and the capital. It will then open to the public on February 18. Construction on the much-anticipated religious site, featuring spectacular sculptures set in pink sandstone and white marble, continues to gather pace. On February 14 morning, there will be the murti pratishtha or invocation of the murtis (idols) and in the evening. There will have a public dedication ceremony in the presence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the temple on 14 February 2024. Mr Modi had launched the project in 2018 when he revealed the first model showing a monument with seven spires to reflect the Emirates. Swami Ishwarcharandas and Swami Brahmaviharidas extended the invitation on behalf of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Hindu Mandir, and it has been accepted by PM Modi.
Seven spires, seven emirates
Sculpting work began in 2020 and the temple’s striking shape, seven shikhars or spires and the carved pink stonework now rise up from the UAE desert landscape. The spires represent the Emirates and each section tells the story of the life and teaching of deities worshipped by Hindus across India. More than 2,000 artisans in India’s Rajasthan and Gujrarat states have carved 402 white marble pillars over the past three years.
A single pillar can take four artisans at least a year to complete due to the level of detail.No pillar is the same with stories from Indian scriptures and 1,000 statues representing deities and spiritual gurus moulded into columns and ceilings.
Exquisite sculptures capture peacocks, elephants, horses, camels, the phases of the moon and musicians beating the drum or playing the sitar.
One particularly elaborate pillar is decorated with carvings of more than 1,400 smaller pillars.