[India Today] Holy water from Ganga, sandstone from Rajasthan for first Hindu temple in UAE

The first traditional Hindu stone temple in Abu Dhabi, the BAPS Hindu Mandir, is an architectural marvel made with contributions from different parts of India¹. The temple was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Key features of the temple include:
– Holy water from the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, which was brought from India in large containers.
– An amphitheater in the shape of a ghat has been built on the side where the water from the Ganga flows.
– The temple’s facade features exquisite marble carvings set against a sandstone backdrop, crafted from more than 25,000 pieces of stone by skilled artisans from Rajasthan and Gujarat.
– A substantial number of pink sandstone were transported from northern Rajasthan to Abu Dhabi for the temple.
– The furniture at the temple, including in prayer halls, cafeteria, community center etc., has been made using the wood from the boxes and trunks which were used to transport the stones.

The temple has been built by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha on a 27-acre site in Abu Mureikhah, near Al Rahba off the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway.

Source: Conversation with Bing
Hindu temple in UAE: Holy water from Ganga, sandstone from Rajasthan …. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/hindu-temple-in-uae-holy-water-from-ganga-sandstone-from-rajasthan-baps-mandir-in-abu-dhabi-2501573-2024-02-13.