01Land from the rulers
Lakhs of Indians live and work in the Emirates, and for decades they had only small temples in Dubai. In August 2015, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, the UAE announced land for a temple in Abu Dhabi, and more land was granted later. The foundation ceremony was performed in April 2019. Pink sandstone from Rajasthan and white Italian marble were carved in Rajasthan and Gujarat and shipped across the Arabian Sea, the way Gujarati traders sailed for centuries.
02Seven shikharas
The mandir has seven shikharas, one for each emirate, and is built without structural steel, following the Shilpa Shastra. Its walls carry scenes from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, the Bhagavata and the Shiva Purana, and panels honouring other ancient civilisations. On 14 February 2024 Mahant Swami Maharaj performed the pratishtha, and Prime Minister Modi joined the inauguration. It opened to the public on 1 March 2024, and visitors of every faith now come in large numbers.
The life of this place
- August 2015The UAE announced land for the mandir during PM Modi’s visit.
- April 2019Foundation ceremony performed at the site.
- 14 February 2024Inaugurated by Mahant Swami Maharaj with PM Narendra Modi.
- 1 March 2024Opened to the public.
Off the Abu Dhabi–Dubai highway, about 45 minutes from Abu Dhabi city. Register online before visiting; the mandir is closed on Mondays.
