![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/5IC5PCNLIFAXXGNYDZ7CSHHIJU.jpg?smart=true&auth=303edd113e29aa32a987de3d8d25b52b5c9ab2dec18b082cbaf0c43e6ad87fc9&width=400&height=225)
A discourse from the ancient scriptures is depicted. Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/PVKYAZSXQRH7VLFLRBUERXLOHQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=2008b7001e5e6b8267806dd241b1e45e059448da9cce971054b4d9987d131564&width=400&height=225)
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
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/DVRZ67KP6RDOPKUPYHNHOD3FFY.jpg?smart=true&auth=dcf5a4fe151884e689436d444e3622557b5110e9e4a49ae5213c7fdb08d43cbc&width=400&height=225)
The work depicts Hindu deities and captures life in ancient times. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/UPUOJTIIBFFWDHNHZ3W2YLZL3M.jpg?smart=true&auth=53eabf5cd5786510d8dd44b27002f048fdcd402c7a1ae28f985658fb0ebf8358&width=400&height=225)
Skills, artistry and knowledge are passed down, with three to four generations of a family involved in sculpting. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/U5MQJJHH2BCIRG24ZI67MXMHLA.jpg?smart=true&auth=ba0ab3f9e9ec9f08063b7357fe47ea6477cac331ba61652a7bfa79bc0a5cafc0&width=400&height=225)
Families in Rajasthan have, over several generations, sculpted intricate work for Indian temples. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/6V7TOUSDK5H77IW75ARY2CWTNE.jpg?smart=true&auth=960cf7160ae010235e502dc924622233b29d6624457b3dc4f3c97ec4f4df67a2&width=400&height=225)
Marble pillars are divided into four sections and then refitted at the temple site in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/74FUXCU6S5DEBOPHCU3WLGWQD4.jpg?smart=true&auth=3d07c1ff88e9d68e07784e4181364b232ac8ad4839b2a180ed4155c44ff1ba00&width=400&height=225)
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
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/KOLEUQY2BNH2LPUQ6QB3LTXCVA.jpg?smart=true&auth=17077bf20e5f6ea227f11f0c3fbe66a238a5c45995086c603b47927ebab58ddc&width=400&height=225)
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
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/HF53EFLKIZC4NHDE7T2WZAALKQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=81305f8910d551df8902a4e05a3ad2b0703d48aca254dd09d2dc16dd5c7b40df&width=400&height=225)
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
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/J4SIOZOSVZD53JZBARAA7PDAZA.jpg?smart=true&auth=8d6a9c732cafb7ac34359eb194941b26746e978d51ec116abeb1295bc0b726ce&width=400&height=225)
It takes years of practice and dedication to master the skill to work on temple architecture. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/BDDVP7RDARHYZJX4IPDH4U2UOQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=b2776973e50a93be6ae81677e7aa9314085c3d6da9650a12f29a00da396053df&width=400&height=225)
Engraved with flower and nature motifs, the pillars are among hundreds that will feature in the temple in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/2ZKEC7A5E5EQRMZG2Y4GQSM7VU.jpg?smart=true&auth=6ea01d45d763159b5db7f0a090cc50b167aca15f3cddf12d1aa9dc39d26df898&width=400&height=225)
Pink sandstone is being used in the construction as it can withstand the scorching summer heat in the desert. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/O7KILMD7DFF27IBELNSG5PA36M.jpg?smart=true&auth=6d588f014e12d4d1315bdea864d8170ff5f3a4e31060195e6865b5ad23322f01&width=400&height=225)
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
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/66WUPEAKYJGUHFVUWOL7IYYAGA.jpg?smart=true&auth=d0cf939acacd8dfb25470264a6597d25c30e24854e986a8f3f38f7e68fda23a8&width=400&height=225)
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
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/A3P5AOJEAJBXZAIIIKE36GWOBQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=950da2d2060575a325d422395d158f6fca5a317548adaa49b554d2a2ba8e61d6&width=400&height=225)
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
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/JLOMTWL77VDGFDD5YIZQN3YF2E.jpg?smart=true&auth=1858f30f3c833920021a07f82206a93cafe5b83eaae8f346b06bce30376434cd&width=400&height=225)
The first marble carvings are placed in the main area of the temple. Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/SU6UOGHRMRA5PM6XUJHDGIGVU4.jpg?smart=true&auth=d81699b78b22bb6478734dd9194c2cab6f3556c5876126dcada45282fbff02dd&width=400&height=225)
The marble carvings are labelled with a number and temple area code for future installation. Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/IYIVHEUZNVAY3G4Z7LPHK7HREE.jpg?smart=true&auth=819937e701b7a71ae06f25a90cd77f03e0a236a6c90d87df29d8f31346a3a5d4&width=400&height=225)
Intricate carvings at the temple represent the history and heritage of Hinduism. Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/JQE7FS5ZLFEBZNV7X7Q7MC433U.jpg?smart=true&auth=77784bf3d4508fcb14d60dbda16c763b7994a1e9f475c1f4ea9ba3c9746ec046&width=400&height=225)
A sculptor at the Baps Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/LSW7SJREKJFYDP66ZT3TJTKXE4.jpg?smart=true&auth=663a7a51470cc3b790ebe5fd338ddcd7df70896a929aa64a0f7c34c8da4e9363&width=400&height=225)
When the temple opens in February 2024, visitors will see these pink sandstone carvings that recreate stories from Hindu scriptures. Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/FW74T6NBSRAETPRECJVAJKCOGU.jpg?smart=true&auth=331e69e3dfdfbd68c8f7e7b3b6cedb1c9f5f70e54488a4c6b97eae62d47d73b8&width=400&height=225)
Carvings capture musicians with various instruments, including the flute, drums and the stringed sitar. Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/TOR2A6VFQZAR7KNZMWEWC45O4E.jpg?smart=true&auth=b43c25f67e80ca6e7e98d3a5d0c00739b4c53335289e71eaba66e59ac6603142&width=400&height=225)
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
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/5IC5PCNLIFAXXGNYDZ7CSHHIJU.jpg?smart=true&auth=303edd113e29aa32a987de3d8d25b52b5c9ab2dec18b082cbaf0c43e6ad87fc9&width=400&height=225)
A discourse from the ancient scriptures is depicted. Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/PVKYAZSXQRH7VLFLRBUERXLOHQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=2008b7001e5e6b8267806dd241b1e45e059448da9cce971054b4d9987d131564&width=400&height=225)
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
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/DVRZ67KP6RDOPKUPYHNHOD3FFY.jpg?smart=true&auth=dcf5a4fe151884e689436d444e3622557b5110e9e4a49ae5213c7fdb08d43cbc&width=400&height=225)
The work depicts Hindu deities and captures life in ancient times. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/UPUOJTIIBFFWDHNHZ3W2YLZL3M.jpg?smart=true&auth=53eabf5cd5786510d8dd44b27002f048fdcd402c7a1ae28f985658fb0ebf8358&width=400&height=225)
Skills, artistry and knowledge are passed down, with three to four generations of a family involved in sculpting. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/U5MQJJHH2BCIRG24ZI67MXMHLA.jpg?smart=true&auth=ba0ab3f9e9ec9f08063b7357fe47ea6477cac331ba61652a7bfa79bc0a5cafc0&width=400&height=225)
Families in Rajasthan have, over several generations, sculpted intricate work for Indian temples. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/6V7TOUSDK5H77IW75ARY2CWTNE.jpg?smart=true&auth=960cf7160ae010235e502dc924622233b29d6624457b3dc4f3c97ec4f4df67a2&width=400&height=225)
Marble pillars are divided into four sections and then refitted at the temple site in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/74FUXCU6S5DEBOPHCU3WLGWQD4.jpg?smart=true&auth=3d07c1ff88e9d68e07784e4181364b232ac8ad4839b2a180ed4155c44ff1ba00&width=400&height=225)
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
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/KOLEUQY2BNH2LPUQ6QB3LTXCVA.jpg?smart=true&auth=17077bf20e5f6ea227f11f0c3fbe66a238a5c45995086c603b47927ebab58ddc&width=400&height=225)
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
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/HF53EFLKIZC4NHDE7T2WZAALKQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=81305f8910d551df8902a4e05a3ad2b0703d48aca254dd09d2dc16dd5c7b40df&width=400&height=225)
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
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/J4SIOZOSVZD53JZBARAA7PDAZA.jpg?smart=true&auth=8d6a9c732cafb7ac34359eb194941b26746e978d51ec116abeb1295bc0b726ce&width=400&height=225)
It takes years of practice and dedication to master the skill to work on temple architecture. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/BDDVP7RDARHYZJX4IPDH4U2UOQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=b2776973e50a93be6ae81677e7aa9314085c3d6da9650a12f29a00da396053df&width=400&height=225)
Engraved with flower and nature motifs, the pillars are among hundreds that will feature in the temple in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/2ZKEC7A5E5EQRMZG2Y4GQSM7VU.jpg?smart=true&auth=6ea01d45d763159b5db7f0a090cc50b167aca15f3cddf12d1aa9dc39d26df898&width=400&height=225)
Pink sandstone is being used in the construction as it can withstand the scorching summer heat in the desert. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/O7KILMD7DFF27IBELNSG5PA36M.jpg?smart=true&auth=6d588f014e12d4d1315bdea864d8170ff5f3a4e31060195e6865b5ad23322f01&width=400&height=225)
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
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/66WUPEAKYJGUHFVUWOL7IYYAGA.jpg?smart=true&auth=d0cf939acacd8dfb25470264a6597d25c30e24854e986a8f3f38f7e68fda23a8&width=400&height=225)
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
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/A3P5AOJEAJBXZAIIIKE36GWOBQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=950da2d2060575a325d422395d158f6fca5a317548adaa49b554d2a2ba8e61d6&width=400&height=225)
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
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/JLOMTWL77VDGFDD5YIZQN3YF2E.jpg?smart=true&auth=1858f30f3c833920021a07f82206a93cafe5b83eaae8f346b06bce30376434cd&width=400&height=225)
The first marble carvings are placed in the main area of the temple. Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/SU6UOGHRMRA5PM6XUJHDGIGVU4.jpg?smart=true&auth=d81699b78b22bb6478734dd9194c2cab6f3556c5876126dcada45282fbff02dd&width=400&height=225)
The marble carvings are labelled with a number and temple area code for future installation. Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/IYIVHEUZNVAY3G4Z7LPHK7HREE.jpg?smart=true&auth=819937e701b7a71ae06f25a90cd77f03e0a236a6c90d87df29d8f31346a3a5d4&width=400&height=225)
Intricate carvings at the temple represent the history and heritage of Hinduism. Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/JQE7FS5ZLFEBZNV7X7Q7MC433U.jpg?smart=true&auth=77784bf3d4508fcb14d60dbda16c763b7994a1e9f475c1f4ea9ba3c9746ec046&width=400&height=225)
A sculptor at the Baps Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/LSW7SJREKJFYDP66ZT3TJTKXE4.jpg?smart=true&auth=663a7a51470cc3b790ebe5fd338ddcd7df70896a929aa64a0f7c34c8da4e9363&width=400&height=225)
When the temple opens in February 2024, visitors will see these pink sandstone carvings that recreate stories from Hindu scriptures. Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/FW74T6NBSRAETPRECJVAJKCOGU.jpg?smart=true&auth=331e69e3dfdfbd68c8f7e7b3b6cedb1c9f5f70e54488a4c6b97eae62d47d73b8&width=400&height=225)
Carvings capture musicians with various instruments, including the flute, drums and the stringed sitar. Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/TOR2A6VFQZAR7KNZMWEWC45O4E.jpg?smart=true&auth=b43c25f67e80ca6e7e98d3a5d0c00739b4c53335289e71eaba66e59ac6603142&width=400&height=225)
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
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/5IC5PCNLIFAXXGNYDZ7CSHHIJU.jpg?smart=true&auth=303edd113e29aa32a987de3d8d25b52b5c9ab2dec18b082cbaf0c43e6ad87fc9&width=400&height=225)
A discourse from the ancient scriptures is depicted. Victor Besa / The National
Abu Dhabi Hindu temple to open for prayers on February 10 next year
Marble and pink sandstone temple will be open to public for worship on February 18
![Ramola Talwar Badam](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/https%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Farc-authors%2Fthenational%2F5ef0cfa3-a931-4bee-a429-a6e926cfab98.png?smart=true&auth=8bd0c965d9bb14cf66195518e8cc461c939674357be28fde76d5e3597d39b95d&width=70&height=70)
Ramola Talwar Badam
20 July, 2023
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