UAE’s First Hindu Stone Temple, Inaugurated by PM Modi, Opened to Public

Constructed by the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) on a sprawling 27-acre site in Abu Mureikhah, near Al Rahba off the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway, the temple stands as a testament to cultural harmony and religious diversity.

Built at a cost of approximately ₹700 crore, with the generous donation of land by the UAE government, the temple represents a monumental achievement in architectural excellence and spiritual sanctity. The grand inauguration ceremony, graced by nearly 5,000 attendees, marked a historic milestone in the UAE’s cultural landscape.

Following the inauguration, overseas devotees were granted access to the temple from February 15 to 29, with the official opening to the public announced on social media platforms. The temple’s operational hours, from 9 am to 8 pm daily (excluding Mondays), ensure accessibility to all visitors and worshippers.

Detailed guidelines provided on the temple’s website outline protocols for visitor conduct, attire preferences, photography regulations, and other essential aspects to maintain a serene ambiance and orderly management.

Constructed with sandstone and marble, the temple exemplifies the Nagara style of architecture, rooted in ancient Hindu scriptures such as the Shilpa and Sthapatya Shastras, which elucidate the science of temple design and construction.

With over 3.5 million Indian expatriates comprising a significant portion of the UAE’s workforce, the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi serves as a beacon of cultural identity and religious significance. As the largest Hindu temple in the Gulf region, it symbolizes the enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and the UAE, fostering mutual respect and understanding.

In addition to the Abu Dhabi temple, the UAE has three other Hindu temples in Dubai, further enriching the nation’s cultural tapestry and embodying its commitment to diversity and inclusivity.