First stone Hindu temple in UAE
BAPS Hindu Mandir, situated just outside Abu Dhabi is 108 feet in height and is crafted entirely from stone. PM Modi along with Mahant Swami Maharaj will inaugurate this temple on February 14. PM Modi will be visiting UAE for a two day community event 'Ahlan Modi 2024’. (Image: PTI)
Spread across 27 acres
The temple spread across 27 acres has been constructed with an estimate cost of Rs 700 crores. It consists of two beautiful domes and seven spires, one for each of the emirates. (Image: ANI)
Largest temple in West Asia
BAPS temple is the largest Hindu temple in West Asia as well it is also one of the largest temples outside India. During the last 3 years, over 2,000 artisans from Rajasthan and Gujarat have carved the 402 white marble pillars for the temple. (Image: PTI)
Temple dedicated to various deities
BAPS Hindu temple is dedicated to several deities such as Lord Swaminarayan, Lord Ram, Goddess Sita, Lord Krishna, and Lord Ayyappan. They will be placed beneath each of the seven spires. (Image: PTI)
42 ambassadors visited the temple on January 29
A preview of the temple for ambassadors and spouses from 42 countries to catch a glimpse of the architectural marvel before its inauguration was organised on Jan 29, Monday. Tej Bahadur Chhetri, Ambassador of Nepal, called the temple a “tirthbhumi (place of pilgrimage)."
'Significant development between India-UAE relations'
“One of the most significant developments in bilateral relations in recent years is the construction of the BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi,” Ambassador Sudhir said. “The temple, which is expected to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi on the 14th of February, will be a spiritual oasis. Standing on top of a hillock on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, the temple will be a testimony to the enduring tradition of peace and tolerance as aspired by our forefathers Mahatma Gandhi and Sheikh Zayed,” he added.
Resist earthquakes to a magnitude 7
The temple is designed in such manner that it can withstand earthquakes up to a magnitude 7 on the Richter scale. Additionally it comes with 300 sensors that can detect tectonic activity. Over 30,000 carved stones, created by artisans in Rajasthan make up the temple’s structure. (Image: PTI)