A complex of Hindu temples can be seen in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The temples, which now serve as the main Hindu temples in the United Arab Emirates while plans are being made to erect a second sanctuary in Abu Dhabi, cater to the large Hindu population in the country. If you want to undertake a city tour of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, go into contact with one of the best tour and travel agencies here.
Overview
The Hindu temple in Dubai, which is devoted to Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna, is a revered centre for adherents of the religion. The temple is situated atop Burj Dubai Old Souk, a commercial complex to the west of Dubai Creek. The only Hindu temple in the Middle East right now where Hindu marriages are also scheduled and daily devotions are held The Akshardham temple in New Delhi may be seen in the temple’s architecture, which was brilliantly sculpted by Indian artists. There are two Krishna and Shiva shrines as well as an altar dedicated to Sai Baba.
Hindu temples can be found all over the world, but this one stands out for the fact that it chants the sacred words of Hinduism. Hindu temples were allowed to be built in a country that is ruled by Islam, but they had to adhere to Islamic principles. Islam holds that since Allah (the Lord) is said to have no form and no one has ever seen Him, making idols would be wrong. Thus, the Dubai temple only features artwork depicting Hindu deities.
History of the Shiva Temple in Dubai
The Shiva Temple in Dubai was built in 1958 by a group of Hindu expatriates who wanted to have a place to worship in their new home as per the instructions by Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai. It started as a small temple, but over the years, it has been renovated and expanded several times. Today, it is a beautiful temple complex that attracts visitors from all over the world.
How to Get There
The Dubai metro’s vast reach makes it ideal for individuals who commute by subway, and it is situated close to the Dubai Creek so that water transportation is available. If you want to travel to the temple on a budget, the abra, a local boat trip, is the least expensive option. It is used to traverse Dubai Creek. People who want to commute on land have the metro as an option. The temple may be reached by foot in just 10 minutes from the Al Ghubaiba metro station, which is the closest station to it. An air-conditioned taxi that will use water to cross Dubai Creek has just been introduced by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority. The water taxi provides a getaway from the ordinary traffic’s noise and commotion.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Hindu Temple Dubai is in late November or early December because it is usually very hot and muggy here during the other seasons. Due to the massive shopping festival in January and February, Dubai experiences a huge increase in travelers. The attractions become extremely crowded and may be unreachable as a result.
Religious events in a Hindu temple in Dubai:
The Hindu temple in Dubai holds religious ceremonies ranging from pujas to weddings.
Some of the most well-liked activities you can see here include the following:
• Hindu-inspired wedding rituals:
Hindu weddings are not permitted to be registered in the UAE, but wedding rituals may be held in a temple.
• Birthday Puja:
On your lucky birth day, the Hindu gods will bestow their blessings upon you.
• Horoscope:
Hindu astrologers who can foretell the future or assist you in resolving any issues you may be experiencing right now can interpret your horoscope here.
• Shudhikaran Puja:
In Hinduism, Shudhikaran is a purification ritual. Hinduism holds that when a child is born, they are in an unclean state. The Shuddhikaran puja is conducted in order to purge the mother, child, and the rest of the home of the negative effects of childbirth.
• Nav Grah:
The purpose of this ritual is to please the gods of the nine (nav) planets (grah). According to legend, the puja can help people improve their lives and find health.
Important Information About Dubai’s Hindu Temple
In India’s Ayodhya, the Babri Masjid was demolished, and a sizable number of Hindus were blamed for the action, which was seen as a kind of religious conflict. Muslim haters attempted to damage the temple in small-scale fashion in response to the events. However, the United Arab Emirates’ police and government detained and deported the suspected Pakistanis and Pathans.
Visit a Hindu temple in Dubai with these helpful tips:
• Although the temple still adheres to Hindu customs while adhering to Islamic standards, it is advised that you accept this and uphold their principles.
• You must take off your shoes before entering the shrine and should wear modest attire that does not display too much skin.
• Hinduism also adheres to a few dos and don’ts when interacting with deities. Even after you finish praying, you should step backward while still facing the deity. You must never turn away from the deity.
• Your feet shouldn’t be aimed at the god or goddess, as this is extremely disrespectful and could result in you being asked to leave the area.
• It is crucial to maintain silence throughout any ceremony in order to prevent interruptions to the rite.
• Photography is permitted on the property, but not during rituals since the flashes and sounds the camera makes can annoy devotees, pandits, and even other visitors.
Conclusion:
Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, issued the instructions for the temple’s construction in 1985. It was constructed on top of Bur Dubai’s previous shopping area, which originally housed a department store. The department store’s remnants may still be seen in the form of staircases winding their way up to the paths leading to the lofts, which served as a gathering place for both Hindus and Sikhs. There used to be a Sikh Gurdwara here, but it has since been relocated to Jebel Ali.