Abu Dhabi, PTI
The first stone Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February, has seen over 350,000 devotees visiting within a month of opening to the public, as stated by temple authorities. Constructed on a 27-acre site near Al Rahba, the temple was built at a cost of approximately Rs 700 crore by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. It follows the Nagara style of architecture and is the largest Hindu temple in the Gulf region.
The temple’s design incorporates seven spires representing the UAE’s seven emirates, along with carvings of camels and the national bird, the falcon. It features tales from various civilizations, including Indian epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The temple’s interior, adorned with white Italian marble, showcases intricate designs and carvings.
Constructed with 18 million bricks and 1.8 lakh cubic meters of sandstone from Rajasthan, the temple integrates ancient architectural methods with modern techniques. Notable features include 300 high-tech sensors for monitoring, fly ash in the foundation for reduced carbon footprint, and no usage of iron or steel.
The temple’s facade boasts exquisite marble carvings against a backdrop of sandstone, crafted by skilled artisans from Rajasthan and Gujarat. With its unique architectural blend and significant diplomatic ties, the temple stands as a symbol of cultural unity in the region.
