Rajasthani artisans are proud contributors to Abu Dhabi’s first Hindu temple, set to open on February 14. Over four years, they meticulously chiseled marble into pillars, columns, and Hindu deity idols like Lord Ram and Lord Ganesh. Their journey began in 2019 and continued through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ram Kishan Singh, a third-generation sculptor, shared his excitement, seeing the temple as a symbol of communal harmony. He personally crafted 83 pieces for the temple.
The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is behind the 27-acre temple near Al Rahba. It showcases exquisite marble carvings against a sandstone backdrop, with skilled artisans providing over 25,000 stone pieces. A substantial amount of pink sandstone from Rajasthan was transported to Abu Dhabi for its durability in extreme heat.
The temple features two domes, seven spires representing UAE’s emirates, 12 dome-like structures, and 402 pillars. Each spire carries intricate carvings of Hindu stories and deities.
The ‘Dome of Harmony’ symbolizes the harmony of natural elements, while camel carvings draw inspiration from the UAE’s landscape.
Balram Tonk, a fifth-generation artisan, takes pride in his creations becoming the temple’s centerpiece. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend its dedication ceremony.
The temple uses 40,000 cubic feet of marble for interiors, blending tradition with modern functionality using innovative solutions like heat-resistant nano tiles.
Vishal Brahmabhatt, handling logistics, transported over two lakh cubic feet of sacred stone in 700 containers. Despite global challenges, collaboration with entities like Transworld Group, DP World, Dubai Customs, and Mundra port ensured this remarkable achievement.
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