Pink sandstone from Rajasthan will be used in the construction of the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi. Work for the temple was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi in February this year and is expected to be completed by 2020. Spread over 55,000 sqm land, the temple will be hand carved by artisans from Rajasthan and assembled in Abu Dhabi. The other materials to be used in the structure including marble stone will be brought from other parts of the globe.
The temple is being constructed under the aegis of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and will be a replica of the Akshardham Temple in Delhi.
“Pink sandstone from Rajasthan which is very popular will be used and artisans from the state will do the carvings on the structure which will be later assembled in Abu Dhabi. A lot of artists will also have to travel to Abu Dhabi for the work which has to be done there. Pink sandstone is ideal for the construction of the temple since it has been used in other temples also and has proved to be apt. Other stones which will be used in the construction will be brought from somewhere else,” said an official of the organisation on condition of anonymity.
The structure will have seven towers representing the seven emirates in the UAE and will be open to people of all religions. Apart from the main temple, the complex will also have a visitors’ centre, prayer halls, exhibitions, learning areas, sports area for children and youth, thematic gardens, water features, a food court, book and gift shop and other facilities.
A Singapore-based architectural firm is the lead consultant and designer for the BAPS Hindu Mandir. UAE had allocated the land for the construction of the temple in August 2015. Although Dubai has Hindu temples, this will be the first in Abu Dhabi.
Source: TOI
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