For the past over four years, the artisans of Rajasthan, especially the Makrana villagers, have tirelessly chiseled the marble blocks into fine pillars and sculptural idols of Hindu gods. Their dexterity has now found a pride of place in Abu Dhabi's first Hindu temple, to be inaugurated on February 14.

Starting their creative journey in 2019, these artisans had to endure the challenges brought up by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ram Kishan Singh, the third-generation sculptor, said the creation of the temple excites him, as it signifies brotherhood.

The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is supervising the construction on the 27-acre site in Abu Mureikhah. The facade of the temple features over 25,000 stone pieces, each hand-carved by some of the most skilled artisans in Rajasthan and Gujarat, against the backdrop of sandstone.

Major architectural elements include two domes, seven spires representing the UAE's seven emirates, dome-shaped structures, and 402 pillars. Each of the seven spires narrates the sacred scripture through the carvings, reflecting the ideologies of the message that are to deal with harmony, natural elements, and beauty.

Inspired by the landscape of the UAE, the design used a camel, which is a symbol of persistence and endurance. For Balram Tonk, a fifth-generation artisan, it's a matter of taking immense pride in making pieces that last forever.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the Indian community summit on February 13 and a dedication ceremony at the BAPS temple on February 14. Innovative heat-resistant nano tiles and glass panels have converged with tradition in the construction of the temple interiors, which are made with 40,000 cubic feet of marble.

Even in times of such challenges to the world as the pandemic, the transportation of over 2 lakh cubic feet of sacred stone for the construction of the temple became a reality with faith and collaboration with various organizations like Transworld Group, DP World, Dubai Customs, and Mundra Port.