The first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, the Swaminarayan Temple, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on February 14, 2024. PM Modi had accepted the invitation to inaugurate the temple in December 2023.
The construction of this temple was undertaken by the resident of Bochasan Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). According to the organization’s website, BAPS operates more than 3,850 centers worldwide, including locations like New Jersey and Los Angeles, and encompasses more than 1,100 temples.
The vision for constructing this temple was conceived in 2015. During PM Modi’s visit to the UAE in 2015, the UAE government allocated land for the construction of the temple. This visit was significant as PM Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the UAE after Indira Gandhi.
Features of the temple:
1. The temple is spread over approximately 55,000 square meters of land and was built by Indian craftsmen. PM Modi laid the foundation stone in February 2018, and construction began in December 2019.
2. The design of the temple is inspired by Vedic architecture and sculptures. The idols installed in the temple were crafted by Indian artisans, and 40,000 cubic feet of marble was used in the interior construction.
3. White marble and pink sandstone were used in the construction, with intricate carvings depicting stories from Hindu scriptures. Additionally, 7 spires representing the 7 Emirates of the UAE and 402 pillars were erected.
4. The temple’s facade features elaborate marble carvings, crafted by artisans from Rajasthan and Gujarat, using more than 25,000 stones.
5. The construction cost of the temple is approximately 700 crore rupees. The temple complex includes a large amphitheater, a gallery, a library, a food court, and two community halls with a capacity of 5,000 people each. Facilities for children’s activities are also being provided.
6. The Swaminarayan Sampraday has temples in major cities across India and abroad, including Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Gujarat, and Karnataka, as well as in the United States, Australia, Canada, and Fiji.
7. The BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi, situated on a 27-acre plot of land donated by the UAE President, is one of the largest Hindu temples in West Asia, constructed at a cost of approximately 700 crore rupees.
8. The temple combines traditional architectural techniques with modern scientific methods. Over 300 high-tech sensors are installed at every level of the temple to measure temperature, pressure, and motion, providing live data. The temple is also earthquake-resistant.
9. One notable aspect of this temple is its inclusivity, with Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis, and Jains contributing to its construction, symbolizing religious harmony and representing all faiths. The Akshardham Temple in Delhi was also constructed by the same organization.
Overall, the construction of this temple represents a significant milestone in promoting religious diversity and harmony in the UAE.
The author is a senior officer of Rajasthan Administrative Service. He is currently working as Registrar in Rajasthan Civil Services Appellate Tribunal.