In a heartwarming display of creativity and cultural significance, over 100 Indian school children in the UAE are meticulously painting ‘tiny treasure’ stones. These painted stones will serve as cherished mementoes for guests attending the inauguration of the UAE’s first traditional Hindu stone temple in Abu Dhabi.
Inauguration of the BAPS Hindu Temple
Scheduled for inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Hindu temple marks a significant milestone in the UAE’s religious landscape. Situated in Abu Mureikhah, near Al Rahba, off the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway, this majestic temple has been under construction since 2019. Generously donated land by the UAE government facilitated the temple’s establishment. Set on approximately 27 acres of land, the temple embodies traditional Hindu architecture and is poised to become the largest of its kind in the Gulf region.
Prime Minister Modi’s Visit
Prime Minister Modi’s two-day visit to the UAE, commencing on Tuesday, will culminate in the grand inauguration of the BAPS Hindu Mandir on February 14. As a symbolic gesture of unity and community, Modi will address the Indian diaspora at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi during his visit. With over 3.5 million Indians comprising a significant portion of the Gulf’s workforce, the temple holds immense cultural and spiritual significance for the Indian community in the UAE.
Architectural Marvel and Artistry
Crafted by skilled artisans from Rajasthan and Gujarat, the temple’s facade boasts intricate marble carvings set against a backdrop of sandstone. More than 25,000 pieces of stone have been meticulously assembled to create this architectural marvel. Notably, a substantial quantity of pink sandstone was transported from northern Rajasthan to Abu Dhabi for the temple’s construction. The interiors, adorned with 40,000 cubic feet of marble, exemplify exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail.
As preparations for the temple’s inauguration reach their culmination, the collaborative efforts of Indian school children, temple authorities, and artisans reflect a profound celebration of art, tradition, and community. The BAPS Hindu Mandir stands as a testament to the enduring bonds between India and the UAE, embodying the spirit of cultural harmony and shared heritage.
Cover Image Courtesy: BAPS Mandir/ Website
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