The making of the Hindu Temple sculptures - in pictures

  • About 2,000 artisans in India are making statues that will be fitted in the UAE's first hand-carved Hindu temple. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
    About 2,000 artisans in India are making statues that will be fitted in the UAE's first hand-carved Hindu temple. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
  • The work depicts Hindu deities and captures life in ancient times. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
    The work depicts Hindu deities and captures life in ancient times. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
  • Skills, artistry and knowledge are passed down, with three to four generations of a family involved in sculpting. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
    Skills, artistry and knowledge are passed down, with three to four generations of a family involved in sculpting. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
  • Families in Rajasthan have, over several generations, sculpted intricate work for Indian temples. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
    Families in Rajasthan have, over several generations, sculpted intricate work for Indian temples. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
  • Marble pillars are divided into four sections and then refitted at the temple site in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
    Marble pillars are divided into four sections and then refitted at the temple site in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
  • It takes four artisans up to a year to work on a single marble pillar due to the detailing and accuracy required. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
    It takes four artisans up to a year to work on a single marble pillar due to the detailing and accuracy required. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
  • Swami Brahmavihari, head of international relations for Baps Swaminarayan Sanstha, the organisation building the temple in Abu Dhabi, checks the stone work in India. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
    Swami Brahmavihari, head of international relations for Baps Swaminarayan Sanstha, the organisation building the temple in Abu Dhabi, checks the stone work in India. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
  • One section will contain tales of faith and harmony from other ancient civilisations from the Arab region to Africa and China. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
    One section will contain tales of faith and harmony from other ancient civilisations from the Arab region to Africa and China. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
  • It takes years of practice and dedication to master the skill to work on temple architecture. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
    It takes years of practice and dedication to master the skill to work on temple architecture. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
  • Engraved with flower and nature motifs, the pillars are among hundreds that will feature in the temple in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
    Engraved with flower and nature motifs, the pillars are among hundreds that will feature in the temple in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
  • Pink sandstone is being used in the construction as it can withstand the scorching summer heat in the desert. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
    Pink sandstone is being used in the construction as it can withstand the scorching summer heat in the desert. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
  • The pillars carved in Indian villages are numbered as per a unique identification system and matched with a corresponding code when set in place at the temple site. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
    The pillars carved in Indian villages are numbered as per a unique identification system and matched with a corresponding code when set in place at the temple site. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
  • Elaborate carvings will decorate spaces below each of the seven spires of the temple to represent the emirates of the UAE and retell special stories of faith. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
    Elaborate carvings will decorate spaces below each of the seven spires of the temple to represent the emirates of the UAE and retell special stories of faith. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
  • People from all faith and nationalities will be welcome at the temple in Abu Dhabi that aims to be a centre for interfaith harmony and dialogue when it opens in February 2024. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
    People from all faith and nationalities will be welcome at the temple in Abu Dhabi that aims to be a centre for interfaith harmony and dialogue when it opens in February 2024. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
  • The first marble carvings are placed in the main area of the temple. Victor Besa / The National
    The first marble carvings are placed in the main area of the temple. Victor Besa / The National
  • The marble carvings are labelled with a number and temple area code for future installation. Victor Besa / The National
    The marble carvings are labelled with a number and temple area code for future installation. Victor Besa / The National
  • Intricate carvings at the temple represent the history and heritage of Hinduism. Victor Besa / The National
    Intricate carvings at the temple represent the history and heritage of Hinduism. Victor Besa / The National
  • A sculptor at the Baps Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
    A sculptor at the Baps Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
  • When the temple opens in February 2024, visitors will see these pink sandstone carvings that recreate stories from Hindu scriptures. Victor Besa / The National
    When the temple opens in February 2024, visitors will see these pink sandstone carvings that recreate stories from Hindu scriptures. Victor Besa / The National
  • Carvings capture musicians with various instruments, including the flute, drums and the stringed sitar. Victor Besa / The National
    Carvings capture musicians with various instruments, including the flute, drums and the stringed sitar. Victor Besa / The National
  • The ground level and main prayer hall on the first level have been constructed at the temple site in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
    The ground level and main prayer hall on the first level have been constructed at the temple site in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
  • A discourse from the ancient scriptures is depicted. Victor Besa / The National
    A discourse from the ancient scriptures is depicted. Victor Besa / The National