Abu Dhabi Hindu temple - in pictures

  • Construction work of the Hindu temple continues in Abu Dhabi. It will open in February next year. Photo: BAPS Hindu Mandir
    Construction work of the Hindu temple continues in Abu Dhabi. It will open in February next year. Photo: BAPS Hindu Mandir
  • Exquisite marble carvings tell stories from ancient Indian scriptures and capture the phases of the moon. Victor Besa / The National
    Exquisite marble carvings tell stories from ancient Indian scriptures and capture the phases of the moon. Victor Besa / The National
  • Ishwarcharan Swami performs prayers above the Hindu temple from a crane. BAPS Hindu Mandir
    Ishwarcharan Swami performs prayers above the Hindu temple from a crane. BAPS Hindu Mandir
  • Ishwarcharan Swami blesses the temple in a ceremony to mark the installation of its seven spires that symbolise the Emirates. BAPS Hindu Mandir
    Ishwarcharan Swami blesses the temple in a ceremony to mark the installation of its seven spires that symbolise the Emirates. BAPS Hindu Mandir
  • Ishwarcharan Swami and Swami Brahmavihari, head of international relations for Baps Swaminarayan Sanstha, bless the temple. BAPS Hindu Mandir
    Ishwarcharan Swami and Swami Brahmavihari, head of international relations for Baps Swaminarayan Sanstha, bless the temple. BAPS Hindu Mandir
  • Construction began in December 2019. BAPS Hindu Mandir
    Construction began in December 2019. BAPS Hindu Mandir
  • The gurus went up in a crane-lifted box to perform the ritual of blessing the seven spires, each representing an emirate of the UAE. BAPS Hindu Mandir
    The gurus went up in a crane-lifted box to perform the ritual of blessing the seven spires, each representing an emirate of the UAE. BAPS Hindu Mandir
  • More than 20,000 tonnes of stone and marble have been used in the construction of the temple. Victor Besa / The National
    More than 20,000 tonnes of stone and marble have been used in the construction of the temple. Victor Besa / The National
  • The marble sculptures are covered to protect the carvings - a single pillar can take four artisans at least a year to complete. Victor Besa / The National
    The marble sculptures are covered to protect the carvings - a single pillar can take four artisans at least a year to complete. Victor Besa / The National
  • Brass fittings cap the seven spires of the Hindu temple. Victor Besa / The National
    Brass fittings cap the seven spires of the Hindu temple. Victor Besa / The National
  • Construction is being completed at a rapid pace to deliver the UAE’s first traditional hand-carved Hindu temple. Victor Besa / The National
    Construction is being completed at a rapid pace to deliver the UAE’s first traditional hand-carved Hindu temple. Victor Besa / The National
  • A flight of stairs lead to the main area where the deities will be placed. Victor Besa / The National
    A flight of stairs lead to the main area where the deities will be placed. Victor Besa / The National
  • Sculptures capture horses, camels, peacocks, elephants and musicians beating a drum or playing the sitar. Victor Besa / The National
    Sculptures capture horses, camels, peacocks, elephants and musicians beating a drum or playing the sitar. Victor Besa / The National
  • The construction follows the practice of ancient shrines without using iron or steel reinforcements. Victor Besa / The National
    The construction follows the practice of ancient shrines without using iron or steel reinforcements. Victor Besa / The National
  • An artisan chisels the pink sandstone carvings. Victor Besa / The National
    An artisan chisels the pink sandstone carvings. Victor Besa / The National
  • More than 2,000 artisans from India have carved 402 white marble pillars. Victor Besa / The National
    More than 2,000 artisans from India have carved 402 white marble pillars. Victor Besa / The National
  • No pillar is the same with statues representing deities and spiritual gurus moulded into the ceiling. Victor Besa / The National
    No pillar is the same with statues representing deities and spiritual gurus moulded into the ceiling. Victor Besa / The National
  • The temple, located in Abu Dhabi’s Abu Mureikha area, will officially open to the public on February 18. Victor Besa / The National
    The temple, located in Abu Dhabi’s Abu Mureikha area, will officially open to the public on February 18. Victor Besa / The National