Mandir for All Faiths in Abu Dhabi
N K Tripathi
Modi will inaugurate this beautiful temple in the picture, called Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha ( BAPS) temple, in Abu Dhabi on Basant Panchami, 14th February, 2024. I was fascinated to know about this temple.
The temple is built on the land allotted by UAE government in 2015. The temple is situated in Abu Mureikhah, Al Rahba area in Abu Dhabi, close to the Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway. The temple is built according to the precepts of the ancient Hindu shilpashastras and will be a unique architectural feat and serve as a centre of art, culture and values. The exterior of the mandir is made of pink sandstone from Rajasthan and the interior from white marble handcrafted by artisans in India. More than 2,000 artisans in Indian states of Rajasthan and Gujarat have carved white marble pillars over the past three years. Adhering to the practice of ancient shrines, no iron or steel reinforcements have been used in the construction of this mandir.
Importantly, this grand temple will have seven towers representing the seven emirates in the UAE. It is noteworthy, that this temple is intended to draw people from all faiths and nationalities. To cater to the needs of devotees and visitors, the complex will have a visitors’ centre, prayer halls, exhibitions, learning areas, sports area for children and youth, thematic gardens, water features, a food court, book and gift shop and other facilities. Really, a wonderful place worth visiting.
