All about the temple
The inauguration of the Abu Dhabi temple took place on February 11.
A two-hour long shila pujan or foundation stone prayer by sadhus – Indian holy men – marked religious sanction for building to begin on the 55,000 square metre plot in Al Rahba.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, gave the land and permission for the temple.
There are two temples, a gurudwara in Dubai and several churches in the UAE.
The Hindu temple will be the first for Abu Dhabi and the first traditional stone temple in the Middle East.
Plans were announced during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UAE three years ago.
Carvings portray age-old tales advising people to stay away from greed and temptation.
Sculptures and paintings retell stories from folklore and Indian scriptures on wisdom, humility, leadership and teach how to block out negativity.
The model of the new temple unveiled in Dubai recently showed seven spires for the seven emirates. It also depicted water features and green areas enveloping the temple.
The compound will include a visitors’ centre, prayer halls, exhibitions, learning and play areas for children and thematic gardens.
It is expected to be completed by 2020.