Dubai Hindu Temple : The 70,000-square-foot temple finally opened for devotees, it features detailed hand carvings, ornate pillars, brass spires and striking lattice screens that blend Indian and Arabic architecture. Pre-registration is required to visit the temple.
Dubai is finally home to its second Hindu temple. In the vastness of the Jebel Ali desert, its structure appears like a mesmeric jewel as its nine brass kalashas or spires, atop the three domes of the temple, gleam like beacons in the bright sunlight.
The white architectural marvel, which is next to a gurdwara and faces the seven Greek and Egyptian churches, is the latest addition to the interfaith hub of Dubai known as the Worship Village.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was organised in the main prayer hall. Sheikh Nahyan was joined by Sunjay Sudhir, Indian Ambassador to the UAE; Dr Omar Al Muthanna, CEO of the social regulatory and licensing agency for the Community Development Authority (CDA); and Raju Shroff, trustee of the Hindu Temple Dubai. Ahmed Abdul Karim Julfar, director-general of the Community Development Authority, was also present at the event.
Over 200 dignitaries, including the heads of diplomatic missions, religious leaders of several faiths, business owners and Indian community members were also present at the glittering opening ceremony.
Indian ambassador Sunjay Sudhir said: “It is welcome news for the Indian community that a new Hindu temple is being inaugurated in Dubai today. The temple’s opening serves the religious aspirations of the large Hindu community living in the UAE. The new temple is adjoining a Gurudwara, which was opened in 2012.
Hindu temple in Dubai fulfill a decade long Indian dream
A striking marble Hindu temple in Dubai that “will last generations” has been the labour of love of an Indian family.
Businessman Vasu Shroff, 82, had dreamt for decades of building a temple for tens of thousands of Hindu worshippers in the UAE.
After the Dubai government granted land for the temple in Jebel Ali three years ago, his son Raju Shroff volunteered to take on the task of planning and carrying out the project.
The temple with distinctive brass spires that cap sheer white domes will officially open on Tuesday, a day before the Hindu festival of Dusshera.
Dusshera or Vijayadashami is an important Hindu festival which signifies the victory of good over evil.
Final touches add a sheen to hand-carved pillars decorated with bells, flowers and elephants, as emerald and saffron inlays on marble floors are being polished.
For Mr Shroff, the temple was high up on a list of philanthropic initiatives he aspired to set up, since coming to Dubai 62 years ago.
“I had a dream to have our own temple,” he told The National, while seated in the temple community area filled with marigold flowers.
“I used to pray day and night hoping we would get land for the temple. When the government granted us land, I handed it to my son. Once he took on the responsibility, I was so happy.”
Mr Shroff, chairman of the Regal Group, arrived in Dubai as an ambitious 20-year-old and established what was to become one of the oldest businesses in the Emirates, starting with textiles and expanding to technology and property.
He remembers a time when cars drove on sandy streets with no electricity, and water was ferried by donkeys.
Distinctive architecture of The Dubai Hindu Temple
As part of a soft opening to test facilities, worshippers have been allowed in to pray over the past few weeks.
Online registrations are required for residents and tourists to control crowds and it already figures among Dubai’s must-see tourist spots.
“Whatever you see here is my dream come true,” Mr Shroff said.
“I felt peace when my son took over. What he has built will remain for generations and generations.
“Now we have tourist buses of people coming here to see the temple.”
Speedy approvals were obtained from officials in the Community Development Authority, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police and the Dubai Land Department. Clearances came through even during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Unlike the two older temples in Old Dubai housed inside buildings, the new structures stand out, with ornate pillars, Arabic and Hindu geometric designs on the facade, 105 bells on the ceiling leading to a large prayer space with a pink lotus design across the skylight.
Deities have been selected from across northern and southern India, covering different sects of the Hindu religion.
“Architecturally we were not given any restrictions on the design and structure,” said Raju Shroff, trustee of the Sindhi Guru Darbar temple, which oversaw construction.
“The temple gives a feeling of peace and harmony. We have tried to marry historical, contemporary elements and incorporate Arabian architecture.
“The design is pure serenity in white marble with carvings that depict Hindu mythology and the lotus as a sign of peace.”
Raju Shroff aims to build 101 such Project in UAE
Having grown up hearing his family speak of plans for a temple, Raju Shroff is pleased to have led a project that relied on community support.
“In the past, over the lunch and dinner table, the talk in my family was always about how can we build a temple because we have a very small temple for a very large community,” he said.
“It has been a group effort with the community helping in kind, cash, with their time and professional advice.”
For the official opening on Tuesday, the temple will be closed for worship.
About 200 people, including senior government leaders, diplomats, multi-faith and community leaders have been invited to the inauguration.
