In Pics: BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi

On the 14th of February, when the rest of the world was busy celebrating Valentine’s Day, Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates added a feather to its vibrant culture by allowing a Hindu temple to open. The event was so significant that India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present in person to inaugurate the BAPS Hindu Mandir. The first of its kind in Abu Dhabi, this Hindu temple is spread across 27 acres of land and was built at a cost of INR 700 crores.

There are seven spires, signifying the union between the seven Emirates of the UAE. Now, these seven spires also house seven deities and their families. They are Shri Akshar-Purushottam Bhagwan, Shri Radha-Krishna Bhagwan, Shri Sita-Rama Bhagwan & Parivar, Shri Parvati-Shankar Bhagwan & Parivar, Shri Jagannath Bhagwan & Parivar, Shri Padmavati-Shrinivas Bhagwan, and Shri Ayyappa Swami.

BAPS Mandir is the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Connected to India.
The BAPS Hindu Mandir is the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Connected to India.
Idols of Shri Akshar-Purushottam Bhagwan. Photo: Connected to India.
Shri Akshar-Purushottam Bhagwan. Photo: Connected to India.
Goddess Sita, Lord Rama & family. Photo: Connected to India
Shri Sita-Rama Bhagwan & Parivar. Photo: Connected to India
Goddess Radha and Lord Krishna. Photo: Connected to India
Shri Radha-Krishna Bhagwan. Photo: Connected to India
Lord Jagannath, Lord Balaram and Goddess Subhadra. Photo: Connected to India
Shri Jagannath Bhagwan & Parivar. Photo: Connected to India
Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati & family. Photo: Connected to India
Shri Parvati-Shankar Bhagwan & Parivar. Photo: Connected to India
Lord Ayyappa Swami. Photo: Connected to India
Shri Ayyappa Swami. Photo: Connected to India