Ambassadors from over 30 nations visit Hindu temple site in Abu Dhabi

The Baps Hindu Mandir hosts reception to celebrate tolerance and harmony

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  The ambassadors of more than 30 countries visited the construction site of a Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi on Thursday. All photos: Baps Hindu Mandir

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  The visit was part of an initiative to promote intercultural understanding

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  More than 40,0000 people from different nations and faiths have gathered in recent months to pray over and bless the bricks at the site

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  The 32m-high temple is being built in Abu Mureikha district

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  The Baps Hindu Mandir project, which features a cultural complex, sits on a 10.9-hectare site

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  Planners studied the architecture of old Hindu temples built without the use of steel, iron or reinforced concrete

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  More than 70 craftsmen and specialist builders from India’s Rajasthan state are at work on the site

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  Upon completion, the temple will have seven spires to represent each of the UAE's emirates

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  The temple will welcome people from all cultures and religions

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  More than 1,000 carvings of deities will be added to brackets across the temple’s exterior

Ambassadors from more than 30 nations met at the construction site of the Baps Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi on Thursday to promote intercultural understanding and inspect the progress of the region's first traditional Hindu mandir.

On 55,000 square metres of land, the stone mandir and cultural complex provided the ambassadors with a comprehensive overview of its historical significance, the construction process and the expected impact of the development.

Directors and volunteers overseeing the mandir's construction welcomed more than 85 guests with a traditional tying of a sacred thread, a revered Hindu gesture symbolising friendship and goodwill.

A deep history between countries

Sunjay Sudhir, the Indian ambassador to the UAE, highlighted the long-standing friendship between India and the UAE, rooted in history, culture, and trade.

“This mandir represents the collective aspirations of faith of the broad Indian community living in the UAE, especially the saints and volunteers of BAPS who are serving tirelessly and selflessly to build this mandir of tolerance and harmony,” he said.

Guests were given a guided tour and shown the intricate carvings and delicate designs. Ensuring the mandir lasts for centuries, craftsmen from India created the artworks without any steel reinforcements and pieced them together like a giant stone jigsaw.

Through a video presentation, India's Minister of External Affairs Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar shared his hopes of what the mandir would mean for UAE and the world.

“Real change is when different cultures connect with each other respectfully encompassing equality and fairness,” he said.

Swami Brahmaviharidas, a spiritual leader associated with the Baps Swaminarayan Sanstha, delivered the welcome address.

“Celebrating the past, addressing the present and recalibrating the future, Baps Hindu Mandir amalgamates ancient art and architecture, modern science and technology, universal values and spirituality,” he said.

“Your presence here sends a hopeful message of harmony and is a testament to the belief that dialogue, exchange and engagement can bring us all closer together and make this world a happier place”.

Each ambassador was given a miniature model of the mandir.

The Baps Hindu Mandir, which will open in less than a year, will add a new landmark to Abu Dhabi’s collection of culture, art and values, which includes the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre and Abrahamic Family House.

The complex will include prayer halls, learning areas, gardens, water features, a visitor centre, exhibitions, a food court and a gift shop.

Hindu temple in Jebel Ali Dubai: in pictures

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  Worshippers visit the new Hindu temple at Jebel Ali, Dubai. All Photos: Khushnum Bhandari

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  A musical ensemble at the official October opening of the new Hindu temple in Jebel Ali, Dubai. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

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  The new Hindu temple is decorated with colourful flower arrangements for the opening.

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  The main entrance of the new Hindu temple in Jebel Ali, Dubai.

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  Hindu priests chant prayers in the main prayer hall.

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  The intricate ceiling lotus design in the main prayer hall.

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  The new Hindu temple, decorated in colourful flowers, is a contemporary spiritual hub.

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  The new Hindu temple in Jebel Ali.

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  Srinivasan Ramanujam (extreme left) marks his 80th birthday with a prayer ceremony at the Hindu temple in Jebel Ali, Dubai. The family invited about 50 guests to mark their father’s birthday at the temple. Photo: Srinivasan family

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  Srinivasan Ramanujam celebrates his 80th birthday with a prayer ceremony at the Hindu temple in Jebel Ali, Dubai. The new temple has opened for bookings by families for weddings, birthdays and naming ceremonies. The Srinivasan family were among the first to book a private prayer ceremony for their father’s birthday to test the facilities. Photo: Srinivasan family

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  Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, is given a tour in October of the new Hindu temple in Jebel Ali by Raju Shroff, trustee of the Sindhi Guru Darbar. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

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  Sheikh Nahyan cuts the ribbon to mark the opening of the new Hindu temple in October this year.

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  Sunjay Sudhir, India’s ambassador to the UAE, Sheikh Nahyan and Mr Shroff at the official opening.

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  Interfaith leaders, diplomats and government officials were invited to the official opening.

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  Raju Shroff, temple trustee, said the 'temple will stand as a true emblem that cultures can unite'.

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  Priests of all faiths attended the official opening.

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  Vasu Shroff, who has been a driving force behind the temple's construction, sits with Sheikh Nahyan and Mr Sudhir.

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  A shrine where the Sikh holy book is placed at the new Hindu temple.

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  The main prayer hall includes 16 Hindu deities.