Feel the serenity..

... at this new Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi. 

On February 14, 2024, the traditional Hindu mandir 'BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi' was opened, the first one  in Abu Dhabi and the largest in the Gulf region. We had been to a Hindu temple before, but we had never visited one in the UAE. So, we went to have a look.

Once on the mandir grounds, we walked via a walking route to the front of the mandir. Only then, we saw how beautiful the temple was, and the white marble square in front of it, just as beautiful. There was a sense of serenity, accompanied by the faint scent of incense and the soft sound of devotional chants. On either side of this rectangular square, several outbuildings, water features and gardens have been constructed and decorated with Hindu statues and bells. We were one of the few non-Hindu visitors among the colorful crowd. But nevertheless, we felt very welcome. We took off our shoes and walked slowly across the square to the steps of the temple.

The temple is an architectural marvel, a testament to the rich Hindu culture. The mandir (33 meters high, 80 meters long and 55 meters wide) is made of pink sandstone from northern Rajasthan and marble from Italy. Every facet of the Mandir reflects meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail, from the majestic spiers that reach towards the sky to the ornate carvings that adorn the walls. Really beautiful!