Dubaiuncovered

Abu Dhabi’s First Hindu Stone Temple Nearing Completion

The highly anticipated opening of Abu Dhabi’s first traditional Hindu stone temple is just 100 days away. The construction of the iconic BAPS Hindu Mandir in the UAE Capital, which began in December 2019, is nearing completion and is set for a grand opening on February 14, 2024.

Recently, Sadguru Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami, the global convener of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, performed a ceremony of showering flower petals over the spires. Ishwarcharan Swami, along with Pujya Brahmaviharidas Swami, head of the BAPS Hindu Mandir, went up in a crane-lifted box to perform the ritual of blessing the seven spires, each representing an emirate of the UAE.

The day marked a momentous occasion for the temple, serving as a symbol of worldwide unity, tranquillity, and inclusivity. Artisans, volunteers, devotees, and Ishwarcharan Swami all shared a profound sense of pride and joy as they witnessed the majestic and groundbreaking progress of Abu Dhabi’s inaugural temple.

Brahmaviharidas Swami elaborated on the construction of the temple, which is made of pink sandstones and white marble on 27 acres of land in Abu Mureikha, off the Dubai-Abu Dhabi highway.

Meanwhile, India’s Minister of Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan, was at the temple last week during his three-day official visit to the UAE. He placed a brick on the temple, terming it as a legacy of Indian civilization that will create global peace and harmony.

The temple, hailed as a ‘spiritual oasis for global harmony’, is expected to last more than 1,000 years and will be made open to the world on February 14 with a ‘Festival of Harmony’. Further details regarding the opening ceremony and registration can be found by downloading the app Festival of Harmony or visiting the website.