Look: Abu Dhabi Hindu temple foundation almost complete

The foundation work of the UAE’s first traditional Hindu temple will be completed next month in Abu Dhabi.

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The foundation work is in the final stage at Abu Mureikha and risen to a height of 4.5 metres from the ground level, said the project engineer of BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi.

“I am monitoring the quality and progress of this project. I feel very blessed to be a part of this project. This is a one-time opportunity,” said project engineer Ashok Kondeti.

“From January we have poured concrete of around 4,500 cubic metres and backfilling with 3,000 cubic metres. We have observed that the concrete is gaining strength. This is a good thing for this project. We are doing the backfilling layer by layer with sand available on site and there is no need to import the material from outside.”

Kondeti noted the installation of pink sandstones and marbles will start from May.

“In this foundation, we have two tunnels. For the tunnels, stones have been received from India and we will start the placing by next week. We can complete the total foundation work by the end of April. So, we can start the actual stonework in the month of May.”

The major portion of the stonework has been done in the Indian states of Rajasthan and Gujarat by more than 2,000 sculptors. The hand-carved sculpture reflects the rich culture and history of India and includes Arab symbols.

It includes the Indian epics Ramayana, Mahabharata and other narratives from Hindu scriptures and mythology. The temple will be built according to the ancient Hindu ‘shilpa shastras’ – Sanskrit scriptures of architecture.

DP World and the Transworld Group are offering the logistical support to ship the hand-carved stonework carvings from India.

Brahmavihari Swami, religious leader, BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi, is overseeing the developments in cooperation with several local authorities. The temple is expected to be completed in 2023.

The temple will have seven spires and five domes. The complex will have a visitor’s centre, prayer halls, library, classroom, community centre, majlis, amphitheatre, play areas, gardens, books and gift shops, food court and other facilities.

Ashwani Kumar

I am a newspaperman from the emirate of Abu Dhabi. A journalist at heart. I get my stories from the streets. A south Indian born in the Hindi heartland, I easily connect with people from different nationalities and cultures. I am calm like a monk, sensitive and very patient reporter. On the ground, I cover a range of topics related to community, health, embassy, tourism, transport, business and sports. I will go out on a leg to do what’s right and stand by what I believe in.