In a remarkable feat of artistic skill and dedication, a team of two thousand artisans from western India are meticulously sculpting awe-inspiring statues, pillars, and columns for Abu Dhabi’s very first hand-sculpted Hindu temple. Over the past four years, these artisans have embarked on a creative journey that recently unveiled their progress through a captivating video released by the Baps Swaminarayan Sanstha, the organization overseeing the construction of the temple in Abu Dhabi’s Abu Mureikha area.
Crafted with the finest white marble and pink sandstone, these craftsmen are bringing to life intricate carvings that depict stories from sacred scriptures. These elaborate carvings, serving as the centrepiece of the temple, are currently being carefully placed at the construction site, with the grand opening scheduled for February.
The recently shared video footage provides a mesmerizing glimpse into the meticulous process carried out by these skilled artisans in Rajasthan villages. With incredible precision, they skillfully chisel marble blocks, transforming them into stunning depictions of the sun, crescent moon, and revered Hindu deities such as Ram and Ganesh.
As the stone slabs take shape, intricately sculpted scenes emerge, showcasing a herd of deer, musicians playing the flute, and traders leading camels through a vibrant market.
The video clips also showcase the artisans’ meticulous attention to detail as they add delicate finishing touches to intricately carved leaves, flowers, and trees that will adorn the temple’s framework beautifully.
Hailing from families with a rich heritage of sculpting works for Baps temples, these talented sculptors have inherited their expertise and artistic traditions through generations in the state of Rajasthan. They take immense pride in their contribution to the upcoming temple in Abu Dhabi, knowing that their creations will be admired by all.
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir of Abu Dhabi is poised to become a true masterpiece, embodying the cultural heritage and identity of India. As the Middle East’s first traditional Hindu stone mandir, it will serve as both a sacred space for worship and a testament to the enduring connection between India and the UAE. The site, located at Abu Mureikhah, near Al Rahba off the Dubai–Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway, is scheduled to be inaugurated in 2024.
