The brand-new BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi, which is all set to open its doors for darshan (prayers), was awarded the India Global Forum (IGF) Special Award for Contribution to Cultural Understanding at the first-ever UAE India Awards.
Pujya Brahmavihari Swamiji, of the core creative team behind the inspiring Swaminarayan Sanstha project in the UAE, said he felt “honoured and humbled” by the recognition.
Swamiji said: “The BAPS Hindu Mandir is more than just an iconic building or a place of worship. As it is rightly called, a spiritual oasis for global harmony. It is bringing countries, cultures and communities together.”
The latest update from the site is that the temple is now starting to “rise from the deserts of Abu Dhabi”. With the foundations of the superstructure complete, the intricately carved stones are now taking their place in the forming of this traditional stone Mandir as per the ancient Hindu techniques of building.
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It lies on 27 acres of land located in the Abu Mureikha area and falls between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
The Mandir has a green foundation because 55 per cent of the foundation pour consists of fly ash.
Extremely eco-friendly, majority of the structure is made of natural materials such as earthen bricks and stone.
The complex is partially powered by an array of solar panels.
Water conservation energy methods have been employed through the Pearl Building Rating System.
The Mandir will have seven shrines, a nod to seven Emirates of the UAE, the mandir will house deities across the different regions of India: Akshar & Purushottam – Swaminarayan; Radha & Krishna; Ram, Sita, & Hanuman; Shiv, Parvati, Kartik Swami, & Ganesh; Jagannathji, Subhadra, & Baldevji; Tirupati Balaji & Padmavati; Ayyappa Swami.
The iconic structure, which will be embedded in the UAE landscape, will be adorned with over 3,000 murtis (holy statues).
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*Info: BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi