Abu Dhabi's first Hindu Stone Temple draws Holy Waters from Ganga and Yamuna
Abu Dhabi is set to witness the grand inauguration of its first Hindu stone temple on Wednesday, a remarkable architectural masterpiece with contributions from various parts of India. The temple, built by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha on a sprawling 27-acre site in Abu Mureikhah, near Al Rahba, along the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway, is adorned with unique features and sacred elements.
Sacred Waters from Ganga and Yamuna
On both sides of the temple, holy water from the Ganga and Yamuna rivers flows, symbolizing spiritual purity. These waters were transported from India in large containers. An amphitheatre, shaped like a ghat, has been constructed on the side where the water from the Ganga flows, offering visitors a serene space for meditation and reflection.
Symbolic Representation: 'Triveni' Sangam
Vishal Patel, a lead volunteer at the temple, explains, "Visitors will see two streams of water symbolizing the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. A beam of light representing the river Saraswati will be directed from the temple structure to form 'Triveni' Sangam."
Architectural Marvel with Indian Contributions
The temple's facade boasts exquisite marble carvings against a sandstone backdrop, crafted from over 25,000 pieces of stone by skilled artisans from Rajasthan and Gujarat. The pink sandstone, a substantial amount of which was transported from northern Rajasthan, has been a key element in the construction.
Vishal Brahmabhatt, overseeing procurement and logistics, notes, "More than two lakh cubic feet of sacred stone has been transported in over 700 containers. The carving was done by sculptors in India, and the stones were retrofitted here, giving the final shape to the designs."
Eco-Friendly Reuse of Stone Transport Containers
Interestingly, the wooden trunks and containers that transported the stones to Abu Dhabi have been repurposed to create furniture within the temple. Swami Brahmaviharidas, head of international relations for BAPS, highlights, "There is a bit of India in every corner of the temple."
Temple Complex and Cultural Hub
The temple complex, under construction since 2019, is not just a place of worship. It includes prayer halls, a community center for cultural events, a library, a children's park, and an amphitheatre with a flowing stream. The land for the temple was generously donated by the UAE government.
Historic Visit by Prime Minister Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to lead the dedication ceremony. His visit to the UAE, the seventh since 2015 and the third in the last eight months, underscores the deepening strategic partnership between the two countries. During his two-day visit, Modi will engage in bilateral meetings with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and address the Indian diaspora at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi. The UAE, home to at least 3.5 million Indians, eagerly anticipates the celebration of this cultural landmark.
Also Read: PM Modi to Inaugurate Shri Kalki Dham: CM Yogi Inspects Preparations in Sambhal
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