Baps Hindu temple - in pictures

  • A 12-minute film titled The Fairy Tale tells the story of the creation of Abu Dhabi's first Baps Hindu temple. All photos: Baps Hindu Mandir
    A 12-minute film titled The Fairy Tale tells the story of the creation of Abu Dhabi's first Baps Hindu temple. All photos: Baps Hindu Mandir
  • The Fairy Tale touches on how the idea of the temple was conceived by a spiritual guru of the Baps Swaminarayan Sanstha on the sand dunes in Sharjah in 1997
    The Fairy Tale touches on how the idea of the temple was conceived by a spiritual guru of the Baps Swaminarayan Sanstha on the sand dunes in Sharjah in 1997
  • The film weaves photographs, graphics, animation and 3D illustration to chart the history of the temple
    The film weaves photographs, graphics, animation and 3D illustration to chart the history of the temple
  • The temple opens its doors visitors of all faiths and aims to reflect the UAE's example of respect, harmony and tolerance
    The temple opens its doors visitors of all faiths and aims to reflect the UAE's example of respect, harmony and tolerance
  • Temple authorities are bracing for a surge in visitor numbers over the next couple of months
    Temple authorities are bracing for a surge in visitor numbers over the next couple of months
  • The film can be viewed in a small theatre on the temple grounds and is free to children under the age of 12 and people with special needs
    The film can be viewed in a small theatre on the temple grounds and is free to children under the age of 12 and people with special needs
  • More than 65,000 people were there on the first Sunday in March when the temple opened to the public. There was an inauguration in February by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Pawan Singh / The National
    More than 65,000 people were there on the first Sunday in March when the temple opened to the public. There was an inauguration in February by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The seven spires of the represent the Seven Emirates of the UAE. Pawan Singh / The National
    The seven spires of the represent the Seven Emirates of the UAE. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Sculptors in Indian villages hand-carved the pink sandstone used to build the temple. Pawan Singh / The National
    Sculptors in Indian villages hand-carved the pink sandstone used to build the temple. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The temple has a central dome representing harmony to show co-existence with carvings of earth, water, fire, air and plants. Pawan Singh / The National
    The temple has a central dome representing harmony to show co-existence with carvings of earth, water, fire, air and plants. Pawan Singh / The National