By- Naiteek Bhatt
The spiritual leader Mahant Swami Maharaj arrived in Abu Dhabi on Monday ahead of the inauguration of the temple. He is the guru of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS ), an International community-based Hindu Fellowship Affiliated with the United Nations.
Mahant Swami Maharaj
A sprawling Hindu temple around 108 feet tall just outside Abu Dhabi, the BAPS Hindu Mandir is the first stone Hindu Temple in the UAE and will be inaugurated by PM Modi on February 14.
First Stone Hindu Temple
In 2015, during Prime Minister Modi's visit to the UAE, Abu Dhabi allocated over 17 acres of land for the temple project on the Dubai- Abu Dhabi highway. The Foundation stone for the mandir was laid by PM Modi in 2017.
Foundation
With a construction budget of Rs 700 crore, the temple will showcase a meticulously designed facade, featuring seven spires representing each Emirate of the Country.
Construction Budget
The Artisans from villages in Rajasthan's Makrana have been engaged in the carving of the temple since 2019, which they continued even during the pandemic
Indian Connection
In each shikar, detailed carvings narrate stories from the Ramayana, Shiva Purana, Bhagavatam, Mahabharata, and tales of Jagannath, Swaminarayan, Venkateshwara, and Ayyappa. The 'Dome of Harmony' uniquely showcases the balance of the five natural elements: earth, water, fire, air, and space.
Intricate Carvings
The complex includes a visitor centre, prayer halls, exhibitions, learning areas, a children's sports zone, themed gardens, water features, a food court, and a books and gift shop.
What you can explore
Using an Eco-Conscious approach, fly ash was added to the foundation concrete mix to minimise the carbon footprint. This project is notable for being the first Hindu traditional mandir to undergo digital modelling and seismic simulation.
Eco-Conscious Initiatives
Ambassadors and spouses from 42 countries were recently treated to a preview of the temple, organised by Ambassador Sunjay Sudhir.
Tour of the Temple