Abu Dhabi’s Hindu stone temple puts call out to thousands of artisans
▶ Construction of first mandir of its kind in the Middle East will begin at the end of the year
Construction of the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East will begin by the end of the year, with as many as 3,000 artisans and volunteers expected on the Abu Dhabi site.
Designers are travelling across India to find inspiration for the elements they plan to incorporate into the building.
Sadhu Brahmaviharidas, spokesman for the religious organisation Baps Swaminarayan Sanstha, told The National that a masterplan would be drawn up after a chief architectural consultant was appointed.
Teams in India are testing the tensile strength of stone, looking for material that is pliable enough for intricate hand carvings and durable enough to support the large structure.
A website will be launched to provide updates on the construction. The developers said the site, which will go online in two weeks, would allow people to learn more and contribute to the project.
A completion date is not set but a substantial part of the project will be complete by 2020.
Navdeep Suri, the Indian Ambassador to the UAE, has met the steering committee for the project.
“The plans for the temple are extraordinary and exceptionally ambitious,” Mr Suri said. “Based on our discussions, I can say that this will be a striking addition to the attractions of the UAE, and to the architecture and skyline.
“It will not only become a place of worship and a community space, but a visitor attraction as well.”
Mr Brahmaviharidas, who is in Abu Dhabi to complete the legal registration process, said the mandir, or temple, was as much a “piece of divine art as it is a building”.
“As this project incorporates a traditional stone temple with intricate hand carvings and also includes a multi-purpose cultural complex, it requires meticulous planning, logistics and co-ordination, from stone quarrying to carving, shipping and fitting,” he said. “A large portion of the mandir design has been completed in India. As for the cultural complex, design work for the masterplan will soon get under way.”
Plans for the temple were announced during a visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi three years ago.
The main shape and form of the temple, with its seven spires to reflect the seven emirates, and arched domes and elaborate pillars, was revealed in February this year during another visit by Mr Modi. A foundation ceremony for the temple took place then.
The shrine will be in Al Rahba on land granted by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
It has been hailed as an example of the UAE’s tolerance for many faiths. Indians in the UAE and overseas have acknowledged the generosity of the UAE and Sheikh Mohammed.
There are several churches, a gurdwara and two temples across the emirates.
International architecture consultants based in the UAE have expressed interest in taking part in the project, which will include prayer halls, a visitor’s centre, thematic gardens and play areas for children.
“The mandir project is steadily progressing with the support and guidance of the Government of UAE. We are in communication with the local authorities regarding necessary permits and approvals,” Mr Brahmaviharidas said.
The charity Mandir Limited has been registered to build, manage and administer legally the project, and the Ministry of Community Development has given authorisation for it to raise funds and accept contributions.
The next step in the process is to register as an approved charity, so it is eligible for VAT exemptions.
Other temples built by the organisation include the Swaminarayan temple in Neasden, London, and the Akshardham in New Delhi.