Stunning Visuals Of 'Dome Of Harmony' Inside Sanctum Sanctorum Of Abu Dhabi Temple
What sets this temple apart is its unique architectural design, with 402 pillars crafted entirely from white Italian marble, making it the first Hindu stone temple in the UAE.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated Abu Dhabi's first Hindu temple, marking a significant milestone for the Indian community in the Middle East. The temple, built at a cost of over ?700 crore, spans across 27 acres and is considered the largest Hindu temple in the region.
The @BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi was inaugurated on 14 February by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj in the presence of the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, and the eminent Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence for the UAE, His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan¡ pic.twitter.com/nv8f1wuGya
¡ª BAPS Hindu Mandir (@AbuDhabiMandir) February 15, 2024
During the inauguration, PM Modi participated in a 'global aarti (prayer)', conducted simultaneously at over 1,200 temples established by BAPS (Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan). The BAPS Hindu Mandir, standing at 108 feet high and 180 feet wide, boasts seven spires representing the seven emirates.
Features of the temple
What sets this temple apart is its unique architectural design, with 402 pillars crafted entirely from white Italian marble, making it the first Hindu stone temple in the UAE. Each pillar within the sanctum sanctorum is adorned with intricate carvings depicting various deities and symbols central to Hinduism.
The temple houses seven shrines dedicated to different gods and goddesses, including Lord Ram, Goddess Sita, Lakshmi, and Lord Shiv.
Dome of Harmony
"Dome of Harmony has different levels. These levels represent the fire, earth, air, water and space. The shank represents water, Tej represents the sun and running Deers represent air," a volunteer told NDTV.
"Every pillar inside the sanctum sanctorum is unique and every pillar has its pillar. There are 1,400 pillars, protected by a transparent shield. They represent differences, but they all make one pillar," the volunteer added.
The grand opening of the @BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, led by HH Mahant Swami Maharaj, signifies our commitment to peace, love, and harmony¡ªa significant stride towards unity. Grateful to His Highness @MohamedBinZayed and the Royal Family in the UAE. @AbuDhabiMandir pic.twitter.com/WwnI2VJe0R
¡ª BAPS Public Affairs (@BAPS_PubAffairs) February 15, 2024
The architectural marvel continues with the 'Dome of Harmony,' which symbolises the elements of fire, earth, air, water, and space, intricately represented through its design elements. The temple's architecture transcends beyond Indian civilization, incorporating elements from various cultures such as Maya, Aztec, Egyptian, Arabic, European, Chinese, and African civilizations.
In one of the shrines, the Ramayan is intricately carved on the stones, while symbols like the 'shankh' (shell) and sun adorn the dome. As a testament to unity amidst diversity, the temple stands as a beacon of peace, harmony, and spiritual enlightenment in the heart of Abu Dhabi.
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