Exploring the First Hindu Stone Temple in the Middle East: Abu Dhabi’s BAPS Hindu Mandir

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi during his 2018 visit to the United Arab Emirates. It is the first Hindu house of worship in Abu Dhabi to be granted an official licence. The Honourable Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, gave Prime Minister Narendra Modi the land for the temple’s construction and an extra 55,000 square metres of ground nearby for parking spaces.

To the delight of numerous Hindus throughout the nation, although not the first Hindu temple in the city, the stone temple is the first to receive an official licence and will soon reflect the sands throughout the city. A stunning marble and sandstone shrine set within a community centre complex is anticipated to be the centrepiece of the temple, which will offer more to Dubai’s diverse population.

On February 14, 2024, the BAPS Hindu Mandir is scheduled to open its doors to devotees. The nation’s Indian population will participate in the festivities through a public dedication assembly that will bless Swami Maharaj’s presence. However, advance registration is required to take part in this historic ceremony.

May 2022 saw the MahaPeeth event, which commemorated the placement of the temple’s foundation stone. As has the foundation, all fourteen layers of stone that make up the ground level have been completed.

The inner sanctum of the temple, known as the Garbhagruha, is now being built as part of the first floor.

The brand-new BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi will be an amazing example of traditional architecture. It will be built on a 55,000-square-metre plot of land and designed and built in accordance with ancient Sanskrit texts.

There will be intricate sculptures narrating stories from Hindu texts within the Hindu temple built in Abu Dhabi. Inspired by Hindu temples worldwide, the BAPS Hindu Mandir will have five large domes and seven spires, one for each emirate. The BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi will be built using pink sandstone from Rajasthan. This material is well-liked for its toughness and capacity, making it perfect for temperatures up to 50°C.

The temple’s interior will be embellished with complex motifs of nature and stories from old scriptures carved into the sandstone spires and marble pillars by Indian artisans. When the stone pieces are prepared, they will be transported to the United Arab Emirates and assembled like a jigsaw puzzle.

The temple will provide Hindu locals with a place of worship and a community centre. Around the building, there will be several amenities, such as food courts, play areas, sports courts and prayer halls.

Along with housing a visitor’s centre, bookstore, and gift shop, it will serve as a cultural hub for non-Hindus to learn more about Hinduism. Exhibitions will also be held at the complex.

On April 20, Abu Dhabi’s first Hindu temple opened its doors to people of all religions. With the construction of this temple, Abu Dhabi’s over 60,000 Hindu citizens will no longer have to deal with the inconvenience of having to go to another area to pray to their deities.

Here are some of the most crucial details regarding the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, which was built in the style of the Akshardham Temple in New Delhi.

• In 1987, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha president Pramukh Swami Maharaj was brought to a desert near Sharjah. He had several wishes, one of which was to construct an Abu Dhabi temple. Over the years, government officials and BAPS community members have requested permission to acquire land on which to erect this temple.
• The year 2015 saw the donation of 13.5 acres of land to the BAPS organisation by Zayed Al Nahyan, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi.
• Following the signing of eight Memorandums of Understanding by PM Narendra Modi and the Crown Prince, the temple was formally named Golden Amrut Kalash at the Presidential Palace in the presence of Sadhus from the BAPS group.
• Modi laid the foundation stone for the temple in 2018.
• Rumours circulate that this temple duplicates the Akshardham Hindu and BAPS temples in New Jersey.
• This new temple was constructed by Hindu scriptures and had every characteristic of a traditional temple. The five elaborate domes and the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates are also present in this temple.
• Indian artisans have painstakingly carved pink stones from Rajasthan and marble from Macedonia into every nook and cranny. These temples were then sorted and assembled in the UAE.
• Tassembled cultural and spiritual hub features six or seven prayer rooms, kid-friendly play areas, vegetarian food courts, a library, exhibition spaces, and more.

Just a few months from its grand opening in February 2024, Abu Dhabi’s BAPS Hindu temple is entering its final construction phase. The first of seven magnificent spires, each representing an emirate, has begun to embellish the imposing building.

Built on 27 acres of land, the imposing structure will be the Middle East’s first traditional Hindu stone temple. It will be constructed of magnificent white marble and pink sandstone. This project, announced in 2019, will soon be completed in Abu Dhabi’s Abu Mureikha neighbourhood after four years of painstaking labour by artisans in the UAE and India.

What is the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi?

The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi is a traditional Hindu temple constructed entirely from stone and is in the United Arab Emirates. It serves as a place of worship for followers of Hinduism in the region.

When was the BAPS Hindu Mandir inaugurated?

The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi was inaugurated in April 2019. It was the culmination of years of planning and construction and symbolized the UAE’s cultural diversity and tolerance.

Why is the BAPS Hindu Mandir significant?

The BAPS Hindu Mandir is significant as the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East. It represents religious tolerance and cultural diversity in the UAE, reflecting the country’s commitment to inclusivity.

Who can visit the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi?

The BAPS Hindu Mandir is open to people of all faiths and backgrounds. Visitors can explore the temple grounds, participate in prayers and rituals, and learn about Hinduism’s teachings and traditions.

Are there any entry fees for visiting the BAPS Hindu Mandir?

No, there are no entry fees to visit the BAPS Hindu Mandir. Admission is free for all visitors, regardless of their religious affiliation.