Baps Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi – in pictures

  • The UAE's first traditional hand-carved Hindu temple is situated in Abu Dhabi’s Abu Mureikha area. Pawan Singh / The National
    The UAE's first traditional hand-carved Hindu temple is situated in Abu Dhabi’s Abu Mureikha area. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Workers putting final touches to the Baps Hindu Temple. Pawan Singh / The National
    Workers putting final touches to the Baps Hindu Temple. Pawan Singh / The National
  • A water feature that symbolises the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in India. Pawan Singh / The National
    A water feature that symbolises the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in India. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Artisans have hand-carved more than 400 pillars, with each taking more than a year to complete. Pawan Singh / The National
    Artisans have hand-carved more than 400 pillars, with each taking more than a year to complete. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Intricate carvings retell stories from ancient Hindu manuscripts. Pawan Singh / The National
    Intricate carvings retell stories from ancient Hindu manuscripts. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Pink sandstone from India's Rajasthan state was used for the exterior of the temple. Pawan Singh / The National
    Pink sandstone from India's Rajasthan state was used for the exterior of the temple. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The soaring spires of the temple. Pawan Singh / The National
    The soaring spires of the temple. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The seven spires represent the seven emirates of the UAE. Pawan Singh / The National
    The seven spires represent the seven emirates of the UAE. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Workers polish a gold-plated frame, inside which Hindu statues will be placed. Pawan Singh / The National
    Workers polish a gold-plated frame, inside which Hindu statues will be placed. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Swami Brahmaviharidas, head of international relations for Baps, speaking during a press conference in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National
    Swami Brahmaviharidas, head of international relations for Baps, speaking during a press conference in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Ambassadors and diplomats representing more than 40 countries visit Baps Hindu Mandir. Photo: BAPS Hindu Mandir
    Ambassadors and diplomats representing more than 40 countries visit Baps Hindu Mandir. Photo: BAPS Hindu Mandir
  • The Baps Hindu Mandir will be inaugurated on February 14 by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
    The Baps Hindu Mandir will be inaugurated on February 14 by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
  • The temple soars 33 metres high. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
    The temple soars 33 metres high. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
  • More than 2,000 sculptors in India hand-carved each segment of the temple. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir
    More than 2,000 sculptors in India hand-carved each segment of the temple. Photo: Baps Hindu Mandir