Abu Dhabi’s landmark Hindu temple has been inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of its public opening on Sunday. The UAE’s first traditional hand-carved Hindu temple is located in Abu Dhabi’s Abu Mureikha area. It is set to prove a huge attraction for both worshippers and tourists from within and outside the UAE.
UAE opens its first Hindu temple
The temple project was launched in 2018 by Indian PM Narendra Modi when he revealed the first model showing a monument with seven spires to reflect the Emirates. Sculpting work began in 2020, and the temple’s striking shape, seven shikhars or spires and the carved pink stonework now rise from the UAE desert landscape.
The temple can hold between 8,000 to 10,000 people and will be open to all faiths. When visitors file in, they will see two streams of water that symbolically represent the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in India. Itsconstruction is a landmark moment for inter-faith harmony in the Emirates.
The seven spires represent the Emirates and each section tells the story of the life and teachings of deities worshipped by Hindus. The etchings also relate teachings from other cultures as a mark of respect for all religions.
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Following the inauguration, the temple will be open to the public starting February 18th. After its public opening, a week-long celebration will begin at the temple site with prayers and talks on harmony and peace.
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