Abu Dhabi temple to be completed by 2020
abu dhabi — The first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi will come up on 55,000 square metres of land and the groundbreaking ceremony on Sunday will be a historic event, said Indian Ambassador to the UAE Navdeep Singh Suri.
“At the Dubai Opera, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a meeting with the Indian community. Representatives of all major organisations and a number of Indian professionals have been invited. The occasion is going to be historic for a different reason because it will also see the commencement of the first Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi. We are very pleased that we have received 55,000 square metres of land near Al Rahba off the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway.”
“On Sunday, you will see a groundbreaking ceremony, which will be live-streamed into Dubai Opera. It’s going to be tradition meeting technology,” he added.
The Indian Prime Minister will flag off laying of the temple’s foundation stone during the community event. The temple’s construction will be completed by 2020, and it will be open to people of all religious backgrounds.
It will be the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East, said a spokesperson from the BAPS Swaminarayanan Sanstha that is entrusted with the design, construction and management of the temple. Unique and outstanding in its architectural marvel, the temple will be handcarved by Indian temple artisans and assembled in the UAE, he said.
Devotees from Abu Dhabi and other emirates have to drive to the temple in Dubai for prayers and offerings.
Sadhu Brahmaviharidas, the chief spokesperson of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, said the gift of land for a Hindu temple is a strong and sound message to the world that cultural and spiritual inclusiveness is the way forward for global harmony.
“Especially in the 21st century, when the world is fragmenting for frivolous reasons, this timely noble gesture creates hope for unity in diversity. It reinforces the guiding vision of tolerance and harmony of the founding fathers of the UAE. We are sincerely grateful and indebted.”
Khaleej Times got exclusive access to the temple site a day ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony on Sunday. Preparations were on full swing for the big day and a white canopy was built over the centre space where the Shila Pujan (special prayers and offerings on the foundation stone) will take place.
“The Shila Pujan will be conducted by our senior monk Shri Eeshwar Charan Swami along with 12 other saints. The one-hour ceremony will start at 9.30am,” said a volunteer in charge of the preparations.
He said more than 300 BAPS volunteers are on the ground helping in seating arrangements and flower decorations.
When completed, the temple will incorporate all aspects and features of a traditional Hindu temple as part of a fully functional, social, cultural and spiritual complex.
It will replicate the BAPS temple in New Delhi and the one under construction in New Jersey, a trust member told Khaleej Times.
It shall also include a visitors’ centre, prayer halls, exhibitions, learning areas, sports area for children and youths, thematic gardens, water features, a food court, a books and gift shop and other facilities.