The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, set to be inaugurated today by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, blends ancient architectural methods with modern scientific techniques.
The temple has been built by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha on a 27-acre site in Abu Mreikhah, at a cost of around Rs 700 crore.
It has been built as per an ancient style of construction and creation mentioned in Hindu scriptures, which describe the art of mandir design and construction.
No metal has been used in the construction of the temple and fly ash has been used to fill up the foundation, replacing 55 percent of cement in the concrete mix, reducing the carbon footprint of the temple.
The temple has over 300 high-tech sensors to measure temperature and monitor seismic activity.
Abu Dhabi’s first Hindu temple has been made in the Nagara style of architecture, just like the recently inaugurated Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
As many as 18 lakh bricks, 7 lakh man hours and 1.8 lakh cubic metres of sandstone directly from Rajasthan have been used.
The temple is expected to be one of the largest and most beautiful Hindu temples outside of India and the largest Hindu temple in West Asia.
The vast complex includes a large amphitheater, a gallery, a library, a food court, a majlis, and two community halls with space for 5,000 people. It also has gardens and children’s play areas.
It incorporates an intricately designed pink sandstone and marble façade with seven spires that represent each of the Emirates of the country.