Over the years, the UAE has become home to a large Hindu community, many of whom have resided in the country over generations. These residents have chosen to make UAE their home for its opportunities, security and religious tolerance. While there are Hindu temples in Dubai, the UAE has now taken it a step further by permitting the construction of the very first Hindu stone temple in Abu Dhabi! Known as the BAPS Hindu Mandir, this temple will be a unique structure that will combine traditional architectural styles to create a serene place of worship and community centre, along with landscaping and water features. Read on to find out more about the upcoming Abu Dhabi Hindu Temple, including location, completion date, facilities and architecture!
Why is the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi important?
As the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, the BAPS Hindu Mandir is a reflection of the UAE’s religious tolerance and multi-cultural population. It will consist of a beautiful marble-and-sandstone shrine, and a surrounding community centre complex. In September 2019, the temple became the first Hindu place of worship to receive an official license in Abu Dhabi.
The construction of the upcoming temple is being led by a religious organisation known as BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, a group which has erected more than 1,100 Hindu temples across the globe. The landmark project was launched by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, during a visit to the UAE in 2018.
What is the Abu Dhabi Hindu Temple location?
The upcoming BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi will be located in the Abu Mureikha area, along Al Taf Road (E16) and accessible from the Abu Dhabi – Ghuweifat Highway (E11). The location of the new temple in Abu Dhabi will be approximately 30 minutes away from the main island by car, and around 40 minutes from Jebel Ali, Dubai.
The land was gifted by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. for the construction of Abu Dhabi’s first Hindu temple. An additional 55,000 sq.m plot of land was also provided near the Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi location for parking.
When will the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi be completed?
According to reports, the construction of the Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi is currently underway. The first phase will be completed and open to the public by 2020 and will include community centres, halls and exhibition centres, all located in the complex surrounding the temple. However, while there is no exact date reported for the Hindu temple’s opening in Abu Dhabi, it is expected to be completed and start welcoming worshippers by 2022.
What will the upcoming Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi look like?
The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi will be a magnificent traditional temple, that will be an architectural marvel to behold. Built on 55,000 sq.m of land, the Abu Dhabi Hindu mandir will be constructed according to ancient Sanskrit scriptures on architecture and design.
Taking inspiration from Hindu temples across the globe, the BAPS Hindu Mandir will feature seven spires representing each of the emirates and five grand domes. The BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi will be constructed using pink sandstone from Rajasthan. This material was also selected for its durability and ability to withstand temperatures as high as 50°C.
The sandstone spires and marble pillars are currently being carved and sculpted by artisans in India to include intricate designs of nature and stories from ancient scriptures that will adorn the interior of the temple. Once the stone pieces are ready, they will be shipped to the UAE and assembled there, similar to a jigsaw puzzle.
What are the other facilities near the new Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi?
Another interesting fact about the temple is that not only will it serve as a place of worship, but also as a massive community and cultural centre for Hindu residents in the UAE. There will be a plethora of facilities in the complex that will surround the traditional temple, including prayer halls, classrooms, play areas and sports courts and even a food court that will serve vegetarian food.
It will also be a cultural centre for people of other faiths to learn more about Hinduism and will house a visitor’s centre and book and gift shop, along with exhibitions held at the complex.
What else is happening at the Abu Dhabi Hindu Temple site?
While the construction of the temple is not complete, the site of the BAPS Hindu Mandir is already a hub for activities and events, drawing massive crowds from the Hindu community. The site has already celebrated various occasions and festivals such as Diwali, Janmashtami and Women’s Day, and will continue to host a variety of events in the future.
A historic foundation stone-laying ceremony was also held in April 2019, where the main foundation stones were blessed with a traditional Vedic ceremony. The leader of the BAPS organisation, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, performed the ceremony.
That concludes MyBayut’s guide to the Hindu temple project in Abu Dhabi, a truly historic landmark. Stay tuned to MyBayut for more updates on the BAPS Hindu Mandir, like the exact opening date for the first phase!
Older areas in Dubai such as Bur Dubai are also home to various Hindu temples, that have served the Hindu community since 1958. Take a look at our in-depth post for more information on timings and location of these Hindu temples in Bur Dubai. You can also discover some of the other temples and churches in Dubai that are frequented by various communities.
While the Hindu festival of Diwali has just passed, many popular jewellers like Joy Alukkas, Bafleh and Liali are still offering Dhanteras deals, that Dubai residents can still take advantage of!
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Note: Cover image is credited to BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi Facebook page
