Dubai: The grand new Hindu temple, that has been opened recently at the Jebel Ali Village in Dubai, is an architectural marvel that blends Indian and Arabic styles.
The majestic white temple features intricate marble carvings, tall brass spires, ornate pillars, and impressive lattice screens. It took nearly three years to complete construction of the temple. This is the largest Hindu temple in the Emirate.
The temple has 16 deities, including Lord Ayyappan and Lord Guruvayoorappan. The main deity at the temple is Lord Shiva. As a mark of religious inclusivity, the Holy Scripture of the Sikhs - Sri Guru Granth Sahib - has also been installed at the temple.
Over 900 tonnes of steel, 6,000 cubic metres of concrete and 1,500-sq-mt of marble has gone into the temple construction. The main prayer hall is approximately 5,000- sq-ft and can accommodate around 1,500 people at a time. The banquet hall on the ground floor can accommodate around 750 people, while the multipurpose hall can accommodate about 200 people.
The temple is located near to a Sikh Gurudwara and churches at the Jebel Ali Village in Dubai. The temple trustees have welcomed people of all faiths to learn more about the Hindu religion, Indian heritage and customs.
Visiting
The temple would be open from 6.30am to 8.30pm daily from October 5. For visiting the temple, make an online booking via https://hindutempledubai.com/. Special prayers or aarti would be held at 7.30pm every night. An announcement on extended timings is likely to be made after Diwali.
Due to limited parking space, authorities recommend visitors to take the Dubai Metro to Energy or Ibn Battuta metro stations, the F44 bus or taxis to reach the temple.
Official inauguration
UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan and Indian Ambassador Sunjay Sudhir inaugurated the temple on October 5. Community Development Authority chief executive Omar Al-Muthanna and Community Development Authority director-general Ahmed Julfar were also present.
Hundreds of Indians, including Keralites, also participated. Leaders of various faiths and government officials also attended the opening ceremony.