![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/T36LVHX6UJCPFPO2R3RVQVGBQQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=c0d4ff07be21a630aeb461c52b5431f3c6638ad06fc54c2fb299ab71f4fe3a57&width=400&height=225)
The temple, located in Abu Dhabi’s Abu Mureikha area, will officially open to the public on February 18. Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/E4HKWMC5SFGXZMUX2ZKGN3E7JY.jpg?smart=true&auth=da1bfe5e0054851bce37acf10ad6353fde1ffba410670054a6fb210531952359&width=400&height=225)
Construction work of the Hindu temple continues in Abu Dhabi. It will open in February next year. Photo: BAPS Hindu Mandir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/CB2LMCFFENDZNG6QZPJWWFO6WE.jpg?smart=true&auth=9a3e6e2a5a809e90c596bb68977f00ea505c9cd97514c7069f8b0109d706f83b&width=400&height=225)
Exquisite marble carvings tell stories from ancient Indian scriptures and capture the phases of the moon. Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/42Y6YVASDJDADH6NI2HSFF445Q.jpg?smart=true&auth=07d0df39916044f711687b87d5373a51a80ef583dbf21473a84b0e373ced3527&width=400&height=225)
Ishwarcharan Swami performs prayers above the Hindu temple from a crane. BAPS Hindu Mandir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/Z6M62IPHQJDVLKJ4FZGWZZ5CZM.jpg?smart=true&auth=174745a3da08f935da755a96cf2d8e21750996418cf3b0f2f35c2eb54dee2cc1&width=400&height=225)
Ishwarcharan Swami blesses the temple in a ceremony to mark the installation of its seven spires that symbolise the Emirates. BAPS Hindu Mandir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/LQYJLGIFJ5D33OLS6JYJTETXKI.jpg?smart=true&auth=a24353e186e9e92a1e85809ea96caa2e985530e8597f5eb3ff593589720e30a1&width=400&height=225)
Ishwarcharan Swami and Swami Brahmavihari, head of international relations for Baps Swaminarayan Sanstha, bless the temple. BAPS Hindu Mandir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/UEJX6I77OFFSJOO7RKJMP5LEWU.jpg?smart=true&auth=74ad59231bfd5b7177f6e160d630e0b4f38841f53fac1af672b1dff77501b757&width=400&height=225)
Construction began in December 2019. BAPS Hindu Mandir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/OZX4CHT3JNFQ5K4PH3WVGH4YQY.jpg?smart=true&auth=e13fc73d2d17eb5ed44a56f914397160c5ade35eb5b3f8fba700f3f1bac21d49&width=400&height=225)
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
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/OKHFHK2VZFG27JJTGEUBN4IN2Y.jpg?smart=true&auth=581e93be4855e21bd6a877383e2a6480f772bcdc59a222878acd4f83b9470b48&width=400&height=225)
More than 20,000 tonnes of stone and marble have been used in the construction of the temple. Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/2EZ57TM2TZCZ7IKL2KQ6LXSCNE.jpg?smart=true&auth=7989ac26b90c08f0878684babadd82ffe123ffc91abc48fb637fc6e0634899ea&width=400&height=225)
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
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/JLNNSHRI3FC7XJXGCLSONIFUY4.jpg?smart=true&auth=a16b8c7c8a112aeb80a9fde295b79f2b066b20c32e12e3a2c67889a383ef5c4d&width=400&height=225)
Brass fittings cap the seven spires of the Hindu temple. Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/FORL5JQDCNCL7ELRDIBNPRDXPU.jpg?smart=true&auth=e251561bdd63f700fc2f0aa87077ab710ae8137e16536b6b1f08fb6a07c7896c&width=400&height=225)
Construction is being completed at a rapid pace to deliver the UAE’s first traditional hand-carved Hindu temple. Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/UGQPGX7WV5D3XOCDSGQ3RZFGVA.jpg?smart=true&auth=9c99551717d36364e45a291b267a2511c9417bb037a25b18860c6e378b57c990&width=400&height=225)
A flight of stairs lead to the main area where the deities will be placed. Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/23AMZPDKNJFUNJ4OMVO7XSGELA.jpg?smart=true&auth=fd23872088bdf431990dfa80b3bb5d418e3ea30ae5428e3f52e5c5bb187b4543&width=400&height=225)
Sculptures capture horses, camels, peacocks, elephants and musicians beating a drum or playing the sitar. Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/Q6KP332CBRC5JAYILL6P2YELIY.jpg?smart=true&auth=548cadf58262e16026afef6417d4697dac8903805a45eb4be2cbbf57595fde7c&width=400&height=225)
The construction follows the practice of ancient shrines without using iron or steel reinforcements. Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/JPYXOFMMQJCBBMHCER7HITRRS4.jpg?smart=true&auth=b663309dcd313a48058df6b92755a30963237722eb6e36e27a50c2591cd18bd0&width=400&height=225)
An artisan chisels the pink sandstone carvings. Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/D76DOEZ42NDJ3N2NBX2GL4HFUA.jpg?smart=true&auth=02ac7eb26fccc746e6e4805d09e06c3ee76aa1938f805b3afa84d5c01a90d957&width=400&height=225)
More than 2,000 artisans from India have carved 402 white marble pillars. Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/GCCMHSXFTJFRJDFM7ZN7ASIBNM.jpg?smart=true&auth=c2cdd158c9218bf49687a842166b2398c47487c9d6b987a6208f25fb1414f173&width=400&height=225)
No pillar is the same with statues representing deities and spiritual gurus moulded into the ceiling. Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/T36LVHX6UJCPFPO2R3RVQVGBQQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=c0d4ff07be21a630aeb461c52b5431f3c6638ad06fc54c2fb299ab71f4fe3a57&width=400&height=225)
The temple, located in Abu Dhabi’s Abu Mureikha area, will officially open to the public on February 18. Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/E4HKWMC5SFGXZMUX2ZKGN3E7JY.jpg?smart=true&auth=da1bfe5e0054851bce37acf10ad6353fde1ffba410670054a6fb210531952359&width=400&height=225)
Construction work of the Hindu temple continues in Abu Dhabi. It will open in February next year. Photo: BAPS Hindu Mandir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/CB2LMCFFENDZNG6QZPJWWFO6WE.jpg?smart=true&auth=9a3e6e2a5a809e90c596bb68977f00ea505c9cd97514c7069f8b0109d706f83b&width=400&height=225)
Exquisite marble carvings tell stories from ancient Indian scriptures and capture the phases of the moon. Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/42Y6YVASDJDADH6NI2HSFF445Q.jpg?smart=true&auth=07d0df39916044f711687b87d5373a51a80ef583dbf21473a84b0e373ced3527&width=400&height=225)
Ishwarcharan Swami performs prayers above the Hindu temple from a crane. BAPS Hindu Mandir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/Z6M62IPHQJDVLKJ4FZGWZZ5CZM.jpg?smart=true&auth=174745a3da08f935da755a96cf2d8e21750996418cf3b0f2f35c2eb54dee2cc1&width=400&height=225)
Ishwarcharan Swami blesses the temple in a ceremony to mark the installation of its seven spires that symbolise the Emirates. BAPS Hindu Mandir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/LQYJLGIFJ5D33OLS6JYJTETXKI.jpg?smart=true&auth=a24353e186e9e92a1e85809ea96caa2e985530e8597f5eb3ff593589720e30a1&width=400&height=225)
Ishwarcharan Swami and Swami Brahmavihari, head of international relations for Baps Swaminarayan Sanstha, bless the temple. BAPS Hindu Mandir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/UEJX6I77OFFSJOO7RKJMP5LEWU.jpg?smart=true&auth=74ad59231bfd5b7177f6e160d630e0b4f38841f53fac1af672b1dff77501b757&width=400&height=225)
Construction began in December 2019. BAPS Hindu Mandir
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/OZX4CHT3JNFQ5K4PH3WVGH4YQY.jpg?smart=true&auth=e13fc73d2d17eb5ed44a56f914397160c5ade35eb5b3f8fba700f3f1bac21d49&width=400&height=225)
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
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/OKHFHK2VZFG27JJTGEUBN4IN2Y.jpg?smart=true&auth=581e93be4855e21bd6a877383e2a6480f772bcdc59a222878acd4f83b9470b48&width=400&height=225)
More than 20,000 tonnes of stone and marble have been used in the construction of the temple. Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/2EZ57TM2TZCZ7IKL2KQ6LXSCNE.jpg?smart=true&auth=7989ac26b90c08f0878684babadd82ffe123ffc91abc48fb637fc6e0634899ea&width=400&height=225)
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
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/JLNNSHRI3FC7XJXGCLSONIFUY4.jpg?smart=true&auth=a16b8c7c8a112aeb80a9fde295b79f2b066b20c32e12e3a2c67889a383ef5c4d&width=400&height=225)
Brass fittings cap the seven spires of the Hindu temple. Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/FORL5JQDCNCL7ELRDIBNPRDXPU.jpg?smart=true&auth=e251561bdd63f700fc2f0aa87077ab710ae8137e16536b6b1f08fb6a07c7896c&width=400&height=225)
Construction is being completed at a rapid pace to deliver the UAE’s first traditional hand-carved Hindu temple. Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/UGQPGX7WV5D3XOCDSGQ3RZFGVA.jpg?smart=true&auth=9c99551717d36364e45a291b267a2511c9417bb037a25b18860c6e378b57c990&width=400&height=225)
A flight of stairs lead to the main area where the deities will be placed. Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/23AMZPDKNJFUNJ4OMVO7XSGELA.jpg?smart=true&auth=fd23872088bdf431990dfa80b3bb5d418e3ea30ae5428e3f52e5c5bb187b4543&width=400&height=225)
Sculptures capture horses, camels, peacocks, elephants and musicians beating a drum or playing the sitar. Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/Q6KP332CBRC5JAYILL6P2YELIY.jpg?smart=true&auth=548cadf58262e16026afef6417d4697dac8903805a45eb4be2cbbf57595fde7c&width=400&height=225)
The construction follows the practice of ancient shrines without using iron or steel reinforcements. Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/JPYXOFMMQJCBBMHCER7HITRRS4.jpg?smart=true&auth=b663309dcd313a48058df6b92755a30963237722eb6e36e27a50c2591cd18bd0&width=400&height=225)
An artisan chisels the pink sandstone carvings. Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/D76DOEZ42NDJ3N2NBX2GL4HFUA.jpg?smart=true&auth=02ac7eb26fccc746e6e4805d09e06c3ee76aa1938f805b3afa84d5c01a90d957&width=400&height=225)
More than 2,000 artisans from India have carved 402 white marble pillars. Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/GCCMHSXFTJFRJDFM7ZN7ASIBNM.jpg?smart=true&auth=c2cdd158c9218bf49687a842166b2398c47487c9d6b987a6208f25fb1414f173&width=400&height=225)
No pillar is the same with statues representing deities and spiritual gurus moulded into the ceiling. Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/T36LVHX6UJCPFPO2R3RVQVGBQQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=c0d4ff07be21a630aeb461c52b5431f3c6638ad06fc54c2fb299ab71f4fe3a57&width=400&height=225)
The temple, located in Abu Dhabi’s Abu Mureikha area, will officially open to the public on February 18. Victor Besa / The National