Pink sandstone on way from India for facade of Abu Dhabi’s new Hindu temple
▶ Stone to be shipped from Rajasthan as 5.5-hectare site is prepared for building
Tonnes of pink sandstone will soon be shipped all the way from northern Rajasthan to Abu Dhabi, where it will become part of the country’s first traditional Hindu temple, or mandir.
The durable stones from the northern Indian state were chosen for their ability to withstand scorching summer temperatures of up to 50°C.
Marble from Europe may also be used to build the temple, a member of the committee overseeing the temple’s construction told The National.
Construction is due to begin at the end of the year at the 5.5-hectare plot at Abu Mureikheh, off the highway running between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Ornate hand carvings on the temple’s exterior and its pillars will include local features from the UAE.
“Normally, our temples have three or five shikhars, or spires, but here it will be seven to represent the emirates of the UAE,” the committee member said.
Emirati plants and wildlife will also feature as part of the temple decoration.
“The idea is that this temple is not only for Hindus but will be a centre of harmony for people of different faiths from all around the region and the world,” he said.
People have already begun donating time and money to the project. Its website, mandir. ae, was launched last month to keep the public updated on the temple’s progress.
As workmen and carpenters volunteer their time, businesses in the UAE have come forward to donate materials.
Hundreds of residents gathered for prayers and Diwali celebrations last week at a site near the planned temple complex where a model of the structure was on display.
The residents brought more than 1,200 home-cooked meals and images of Dubai landmarks carved out of food.
“It was amazing to see the mandir plans and layout,” said Vaishali Chabbria, who will donate food for workers when building begins. “It looks like such an intricate structure.
“This was the first time we were seeing the model up close. So far we have only seen pictures in the newspapers.”
Two Indian sadhus, or holy men, spent a week in the UAE last month to meet architects and other experts to finalise the temple’s layout.
Plans for the temple, which will also have five arched domes, were revealed in an announcement by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a visit to the UAE three years ago.
The foundations for the shrine were laid during a ceremony in February which was streamed live into Dubai Opera, where Mr Modi was addressing Indian residents.
Land for the shrine was given by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
As many as 3,000 artisans and volunteers are expected on the Abu Dhabi site when construction begins.
The project was planned by the organisation Baps Swaminarayan Sanstha. Non-profit company Mandir Ltd has been legally registered to build, manage and administer the temple.
The durable stones were chosen for their ability to withstand scorching summer temperatures of up to 50°C