1 / 14There's an architectural wonder being built just outside of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), but no, it's not another building or a race car arena nor is it something that is being constructed to attract tourists. It's in fact the BAPS Hindu Temple, which when inaugurated, will attract millions of devotees to the desert nation. This will be the first stone Hindu temple in the region and will be the largest in West Asia. It is being constructed at a cost of Rs 700 crore and will incorporate intricately designed pink sandstone and marble façade with seven spires that represent each of the Emirates of the country. The BAPS Hindu Temple is a true architectural marvel in the making. Let's explore 10 fascinating details of this awe-inspiring project that transcends borders and celebrates unity, spirituality, and community in the heart of the UAE. (Image: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha)
2 / 14No 1. Inception of the BAPS Temple, cost and material being used | The mandir or temple is a massive logistical undertaking. It will require 40,000 cubic metres of marble, 1,80,000 cubic metres of standstone and over 1.8 million bricks. Until now 4 lakh hours of labour have been pumped in and many more hours remain, until the completion of the temple complex. (Image: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha)
3 / 14No 2. Historic first | As the first stone Hindu temple in the UAE, the BAPS temple is paving the way for the cultural integration of diverse communities in the region. When completed, the sprawling temple complex will stand at a towering 108 feet. (Image: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha)
4 / 14No 3. Record: Envisioned to be the biggest Hindu temple in West Asia, the temple's scale and grandeur set it apart as a landmark in the region's architectural and cultural history. (Image: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha)
5 / 14No 4. Inspirational design | The temple's design draws inspiration from Vedic architecture and sculptures. Many of the statues and carvings have been done by artisans in India and have been shipped to Abu Dhabi. (Image: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha)
6 / 14No 5. PM Modi's Vision | 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. (Image: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha)
7 / 14No 6. Global artisan collaboration | Skilled artisans in India are crafting carvings and statues for the temple, highlighting a global collaboration in the creation of this architectural masterpiece. (Image: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha)
8 / 14No 7. Logistical Marvel | Over 50,000 people have laid bricks in the construction of the mandir, including Minister of External Affairs India S Jaishankar, actors Sanjay Dutt and Akshay Kumar. (Image: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha)
9 / 14No 8. Symbolic spires | There will be seven spires integrated into the temple's design, each symbolising an Emirate of the UAE. The aim of the spirals is to promote unity and harmony in the multicultural landscape. (Image: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha)
10 / 14No 9. BAPS Hindu Sect | The BAPS Hindu sect, known for its reverence for Swaminarayan as an avatar of Lord Krishna, is spearheading the construction, bringing their rich traditions to the UAE. (Image: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha)
11 / 14No 10. Global temple presence | With a legacy of constructing 1,100 Hindu temples worldwide, including the renowned Akshardham Temple in Delhi and the largest Hindu Temple outside of India in New Jersey, BAPS continues to be a global cultural ambassador. (Image: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha)
12 / 14No 11. Educational and recreational Facilities | Beyond its religious functions, the temple complex will house classrooms, exhibition centers, and play areas for children, creating a multifaceted cultural hub. (Image: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha)
13 / 14No 12. Community participation | Multiple people have made donations towards the construction of the Rs 700 crore temple, while multiple individuals have actively contributed to the construction, symbolically laying a brick to become part of the historic and iconic BAPS Hindu Temple. (Image: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha)
14 / 14No 13. Festival of Harmony | The Temple will be inaugurated in a grand ceremony, scheduled to begin on February 10, 2025, and culminating in the official inauguration on February 14. It is aptly named the "Festival of Harmony," signifying the convergence of cultural, spiritual, and communal celebrations. (Image: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha)
