The Ram Mandir inauguration in Ayodhya in January 2024 is followed by the BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi inauguration on February 14, 2024. To be opened by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who also did the honours for the Ayodhya temple, the Abu Dhabi temple will be the largest Hindu mandir in West Asia (aka Middle East).
A day before the BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi opening, Indians in the United Arab Emirates will attend the ‘Ahlan Modi’ gathering on February 13. At this event, PM Modi will address expats at the Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Registration is ongoing at the Ahlan Modi UAE 2024 Registration portal.
Temple ode to the seven emirates
BAPS, which stands for Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, began working on plans for the magnificent Hindu mandir in 2018. The land was given to the spiritual organisation, which has a global presence, by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
In 2019, the temple’s Shilanyas (laying of the foundation stone) ceremony was held by BAPS, with the participation of several Arab dignitaries, including Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Co-existence.
Now ready for its grand inauguration, BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi stands on a 27-acre parcel of land. Its design pays tribute to the seven emirates that form the UAE, represented by seven temple spires.
On January 29, 2024, a group of ambassadors and diplomats from 42 countries had a preview of the temple. The visit was organised by Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to the United Arab Emirates.
Greeting the group, Swami Brahmaviharidas, head of the BAPS Hindu Mandir project, took them through the temple’s historical significance, construction, and its global role in promoting interfaith harmony.
BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi fact file
- Construction budget: Estimated INR 700 crore (USD 84.37 million)
- Land area covered: 27 acres (1.18 million square feet)
- Location: Abu Mureikhah, near Al Rahba, along Dubai-Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway
- Materials: Italian marble and sandstone from Rajasthan for heat tolerance
- Tech elements: Sensors, digital modelling, and seismic simulation
- Design elements: 2 ghumats (domes); 7 shikhars (spires); and 402 pillars
- Temple façade: Marble carvings against a sandstone backdrop
- Indian stories: Carvings on each spire are based on stories from the Indian epics and scriptures
- Dome of Harmony: Brings together earth, water, fire, air, and space
- Various sections: Visitor centre; prayer halls; exhibition spaces; learning areas; children’s play area; thematic gardens; water features; food court; bookstore and gift shop