The seven spires of the Hindu temple symbolically represent the emirates of the UAE. Victor Besa / The National

From left, Nishith Raval, senior project manager, and Sanjay Parikh, head of procurement and design, at the temple. Victor Besa / The National

Sculptor Champalal Swarup worked on the temple. Victor Besa / The National

Mr Raval on the ghats, or steps, that overlook the temple to evoke the feeling of sitting on a riverbank in India. Victor Besa / The National

Mr Parikh has been involved in the construction of more than 40 temples across the world. Victor Besa / The National

The intricate stone carvings at the Baps Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National

Workers making the final touches to the carvings. Pawan Singh / The National

As they enter the temple complex, visitors can ring a series of large brass bells. Pawan Singh / The National

The pink sandstone carvings have been created by artisans from Rajasthan, India, and assembled like a giant jigsaw puzzle on the temple site. Pawan Singh / The National

Stories from ancient Indian scriptures have been brought to life in the Abu Dhabi temple that is set to attract Hindu worshippers and tourists. Pawan Singh / The National

The Baps Hindu mandir is in the cultural district of Abu Dhabi's Abu Mureikha area, off the main highway between Dubai and the capital. Pawan Singh / The National

More than 200 intricate hand-carved marble pillars form the interior of the temple. Pawan Singh / The National

The temple emerges from the sand. Pawan Singh / The National

Like ancient Indian temples, the Abu Dhabi mandir does not feature iron, steel or reinforced concrete in its construction. Pawan Singh / The National

Each of the seven domes tells the stories of the deities housed within. Pawan Singh / The National

Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom and prosperity is depicted in one of the hand-carved friezes. Victor Besa / The National

Decorative panels depict the camels of the Middle East, along with the elephant and peacock motifs usually seen in traditional Hindu temples. Pawan Singh / The National

Prayers have been held in the lead-up to the temple inauguration. Baps Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi

With the Abu Dhabi temple in the background, more than 900 devotees participate in a yagna ceremony to pray for peace and harmony. Baps Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi