The BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Abu Dhabi's first Hindu temple, is on a vast 27-acre plot. It is a magnificent architectural wonder that Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated on February 14 during his visit to the UAE. The temple features a prayer hall with a seating capacity of 3,000 individuals, a community centre, an exhibition hall, and several other facilities. The temple will officially welcome the public on March 1.
BAPS is a Hindu denomination formed in 1905 by Yagnapurushdas within the Swaminarayan Sampradaya. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan mandirs worldwide celebrate Indian art and architecture through intricate mandirs and offer cultural and educational instruction. They provide opportunities to develop talents and share traditions.
Find out everything you need to know about Abu Dhabi's first Hindu temple, from its architecture to highlights and interesting facts.
The temple was built using 1.80 lakh cubic feet of pink Rajasthan sandstone, 50,000 cubic feet of white Italian marble, and 18 lakh bricks. It stands tall at 108 feet and has seven spires representing the seven emirates of the UAE. The temple features ghats and crafted features of the rivers Ganga and Yamuna. It has two central domes—"Dome of Harmony" and "Dome of Peace."
The temple's entrance has eight murtis and carvings showcasing earth, water, fire, air, and plant life carvings. The sacred space honours global spirituality, including stories from ancient civilizations such as Maya, Aztec, Egyptian, Arabic, European, Chinese, and African, while honouring India's spiritual heritage.
The temple complex covers an area of 13.5 acres and consists of seven shrines, each devoted to different deities from various regions of India. The shrines are adorned with beautiful carvings that reflect the life and teachings of their respective deities. Additionally, the temple complex features a visitors' centre, prayer halls, sports facilities, a food court, thematic gardens, and much more. The seven shrines of the temple are dedicated to Lord Ram, Lord Hanuman, Lord Shiva, Lord Jagannath, Lord Krishna, Shri Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj, Lord Tirupati Balaji, and Lord Ayyappa. Each shrine boasts intricate carvings depicting the respective deities' life and teachings. For example, Lord Shiva's shrine showcases splendid carvings that depict the Shiva Purana and the 12 'Jyotirlingas.' Lord Jagannath's shrine skillfully carves the Jagannath Yatra. The sanctum of Lord Krishna brings alive stories from Bhagwat Gita and Mahabharat.
Visitors to Lord Ram's shrine will find the Ramayana tales on temple walls. The complex combines modern architecture with timeless spiritual iconography. Monolithic structures surround the temples with 402 meticulously carved pillars.
The temple construction is sustainable, with fly ash replacing cement, reducing its carbon footprint. Around 150 sensors ensure structural safety. Non ferrous material has been used to keep the space pure. Nano tiles with designs keep visitors comfortable in all weather. Open to people of all faiths, the temple invites visitors to explore and learn about Hindu culture and spirituality.