Built on a 27-acre plot provided by the UAE government, the Abu Dhabi temple is the first Hindu stone temple in the region. A symbol of humanity, togetherness, and tolerance, the Hindu temple is a prized possession and one of the most delightful things to do in Abu Dhabi this year. Founded by BAPS, the temple boasts striking architecture, as per a historic style of construction by the Shilpa and Sthapathya Shastras. Know more about this celestial spectacle here:
A. What is the cost of the Abu Dhabi Temple?
Built at an estimated cost of INR 700 crores (USD 84.2 million), the Abu Dhabi temple is made out of Hindu architectural methods blended with scientific techniques. This budget doesn’t include the value of the land.
B. Who made the Abu Dhabi Temple?
The Abu Dhabi temple was built by Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). It is a result of a monumental effort symbolizing religious harmony: the land was presented by a Muslim Sheikh, the architecture was co-designed by a Christian, and the project was headed by a Sikh.
The idea was seeded by Pramukh Swami Maharaj during his trip to the UAE in 1997. Years later, in August 2015, the UAE government approved the vision by announcing a big decision to offer land in Abu Dhabi for building a Hindu mandir (temple). The decision turned into paper when Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Force, gifted the land and later signed the MoU in the presence of the Indian PM, Narendra Modi.
Following the first stone consecration in 2018 and the stone-laying ceremony in 2019, the construction of the Abu Dhabi mandir began in December 2019.
C. When did Abu Dhabi Hindu Temple open?
The Abu Dhabi temple opening date is 1st March 2024. The opening time is from 9 am to 8 pm.
D. Is the new Abu Dhabi Temple open for everyone?
The BAPS Hindu Temple in the UAE is open for eveyone, irrespective of faith and religion.
E. Inside the Abu Dhabi Hindu Temple
1. Shrines
The temple has 7 shrines dedicated to different Gods and Goddesses. These shrines are punctuated by shikharas (spires) over each one of them. Interestingly, these 7 spires stand for the 7 emirates of the UAE. If you are visiting this temple, here are the prominent deities that you will find:
- Akshar-Purushottam: The heart of the temple complex is dedicated to Akshar-Purushottam, a concept within the Swaminarayan Sampradaya. Here, Akshar refers to Gunatitanand Swami, the first spiritual successor of Swaminarayan, and Purushottam represents Swaminarayan himself.
- Krishna and Radha: A beautiful shrine enshrines the captivating murtis of Krishna, the playful embodiment of divine love, and his consort, Radha.
- Rama, Sita, Lakshmana & Hanuman: The epic Ramayana comes alive with the presence of murtis depicting Lord Rama, the ideal king, his wife Sita, his loyal brother Lakshmana, and their devoted follower, the monkey god Hanuman.
- Shiva Parvati & Family: A dedicated space houses the murtis of Lord Shiva, the embodiment of transformation, along with his wife Parvati and their sons, the elephant-headed god Ganesha (remover of obstacles) and Kartikeya (the god of war).
- Tirupati Balaji: A black marble icon of Lord Venkateshwara, a form of Vishnu particularly revered in South India.
- Lord Ayyappa: A South Indian deity associated with pilgrimage and self-discipline.
2. Architecture
It is an engineering gem inspired by Vedic designs and sculptures. The masterpiece has been created without the use of iron and steel.
The 108-ft tall temple has two central domes, the Dome of Harmony and the Dome of Peace. Uncover the fascinating 15 tales from India, including the saga of Ramayan and Mahabharat. The structure sends out a global message of interconnectedness; it carves tales from Maya, Aztec, Egyptian, Arabic, European, Chinese, and African civilizations in a stone. The intricate carvings are a blend of all mythologies, with equal respect for everyone. For instance, the carvings of fauna include elephants and lions that belong to Indian mythology; on the other, there are also falcons, which are prominent in the UAE.
In the 402 pillars, there are different stories of shrines, such as Lord Ram and Lord Ayyappa, captured meticulously.
The complex of the temple includes prayer halls, a visitor center, exhibition centers, a community hall, and lush gardens. The eye-catching exhibits of ghats of the holy river Ganges surrounding the structure transport you to India. The desert of Rajasthan and other natural elements of India leave the visitors awestruck. The Saraswati river, a goddess of intellect, reflects a beam of light at the base of the temple. Moreover, the classrooms and play areas are specially designed for young minds. After a spiritual round of the temple, refuel yourselves for other exhibitions by snacking at the food court. You can also take back souvenirs from books and gift shops as memoirs.
3. Construction
A staggering amount of materials were used, including 180,000 cubic feet sandstone, 40,000 cubic feet of marble, 122 stone torans and over 1.8 million bricks. The pink-hued sandstones from Rajasthan and marbles from Italy were carved in India. They were then numbered, brought and assembled in the UAE. Over 2000 skilled artisans have pulled off this incredible architecture. The Abu Dhabi temple construction status is that it has been completed and opened for public visit.
4. Technology
It is a futuristically advanced temple with 100 sensors plonked in its foundation. These sensors help to detect earthquakes and other seismic activity. Not only that, it’s the first Hindu temple to undergo complete digital modeling.
5. Environmentally conscious
In an effort to reduce the carbon footprint of the temple construction, the temple’s foundation is stuffed with fly ash. This intelligent step has reduced cement usage in the concrete mix by over half. Featuring heat-resistant tiles and double-layered glass panels, the interior is made to withstand the strong temperatures of the UAE. These cold tiles will make walking on the floor a pleasant experience, even in summer.
F. How big is the Abu Dhabi Temple?
The temple stretches 262 feet in length and 180 feet in width, creating a truly grand presence.
G. What was the Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi inauguration date?
The grand consecration ceremony of BAPS Hindu Mandir was held on 14th February by Mahant Swami Maharaj. It was a long, eventful day, followed by the much awaited inauguration by Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi.
H. Can I visit the Abu Dhabi Hindu Temple?
Tourists and locals are now allowed to visit the beautiful BAPS temple in Abu Dhabi. It is open to the public since March 1.
I. What is the Abu Dhabi Temple location?
The Hindu temple is located at Abu Mureikhah, near Al Rahba, off the Dubai–Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway. About 50 kilometers away is the world’s largest mosque, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
J. What are Abu Dhabi Temple timings?
BAPS Abu Dhabi mandir is open to visitors from 9 am to 8 pm on each day, except on Mondays.
K. What is the entrance fee of Abu Dhabi Hindu Mandir?
There is no entrance fee to the Abu Dhabi Temple. However, you must register at the official app before visiting.
L. How to Reach Abu Dhabi Temple?
By Taxi: This is the most convenient option, especially if you have luggage or a group of people. Taxis are readily available at the Abu Dhabi International Airport and around the city. The ride to the temple from the airport takes approximately 25 minutes. To travel back from the mandir, you can get a cab at the taxi rank outside the premises.
By Car: If you are driving alone, follow the ‘Cultural District’ sign at exit 366 on route E11. It is also visible on the route E311.
By Bus: A new bus service has been recently launched to connect Abu Dhabi city to the BAPS Hindu temple. Bus number 203 departs from the Al Nahyan Abu Dhabi Bus Terminal and takes around 90 minutes to reach the temple. This is a budget-friendly option, costing around AED 6.5 (INR 150).
M. Rules to Follow in Abu Dhabi Temple
Dress Code:
It is a religious place, so make sure to maintain the code of conduct. Wear decent full-length clothes. Avoid any revealing, short, or transparent dresses.
Prohibited Items:
- Do not carry sharp objects or weapons.
- Acloholic drinks, drugs, food or beverages are not allowed.
- Keep your large bags or luggage in the hotel or transport, as they are not allowed on the premises.
- Do not bring your pets.
For Photographers:
- Personal photography and videography are allowed for non-commercial purposes only in the exterior of the temple. To maintain the sanctity and vibe of the temple, no photography, selfies, or calls are allowed inside the shrine. So, don’t forget to switch off your mobile phones.
- For commercial purposes, you must mail the authorized committee and seek permission. Also, drones are not allowed around the premises.
N. Abu Dhabi Temple Latest News
After the opening of the Abu Dhabi Hindu Temple, the first Sunday witnessed around 65000 visitors.
Conclusion
Abu Dhabi hindu Temple has already garnered several accolodaes, such as the Best Mechanical Project of the Year 2019, Best Interior Design Concept of the Year 2020, Best Architecture Style and Best Traditional Nagar Style. So, if you want to check out the most amazing architecture developed recently, visit the BAPS Abu Dhabi Temple.