Temples in Dubai
What was once a humble village inhabited by Bedouins engaged in the breeding of camels and goats and date cultivation is today a bustling metropolis—a leading economic hub of the world. The transformation that Dubai has experienced has stunned not just the people there, but the entire world.
Today, Dubai is a massive megacity known for its opulence. It welcomes tourists in hordes every year. People from every corner of the world have chosen to settle in Dubai. You would be surprised to know, a whopping 89% of Dubai’s population constitutes expatriates. It has made the city one of the most cosmopolitan in the world. The people of Dubai are known for their hospitality and warmth. They are also admired for the acceptance and tolerance they have for people of various faiths. .
List of Temples in Dubai
The city’s religious harmony finds expression in the temples that it is home to. We bring you the major temples in Dubai, have a look:
1. Shiva Temple
The Shiva Temple, located in Al Fahidi right by the Dubai Museum happens to be much revered by devotees in this Gulf city. You would do well to visit the temple on Shivratri which is celebrated by the temple authorities and enjoy the festivities. A Shiva Lingam and the Nandi Bull are worshipped in this temple with a lot of devotion. You’ll love praying in the tranquil ambiance of the temple. You shouldn’t miss the arati held every evening at 6 pm. It truly is a sight to behold.
2. ISKCON Dubai
The ISKCON Temple is counted as one of the holiest temples in Dubai. You could attend some of the events and conferences held at this temple located in Karama which leaders from many parts of the world attend. The temple serves Satvik food at Govinda within the temple premises which devotees partake in with much reverence. There are a lot of activities held here and you would love to spend some time in the temple. The temple’s open every day from 5 am to 7:30 pm.
3. The Hindu Temple, Dubai
This is Dubai’s newest temple and it was inaugurated only this Diwali (2022). The magnificent architecture of the temple incorporates both Hindu and Arabian styles and it’s a landmark in Jebel Ali. The design of the temple is influenced by the Hindu Shastras and it takes inspiration from traditional Hindu temple building styles. The temple is very beautiful indeed and it’s already quite popular among those visiting Dubai.
4. Shree Krishna Haveli
It was after HH Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum granted land for the holy place in Al Fahidi that the Shree Krishna Haveli came up in 1958 making it one of Dubai’s oldest temples. Before they set out for the desert safari, a lot of Indian tourists drop by this temple to seek the blessings of Lord Krishna since doing so early in the morning is considered very auspicious. The aarti commences every morning at 7 am. You may also watch the aarti in the evening at 7:30 pm.
5. BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi
Don’t skip the Swaminarayan Temple in Abu Dhabi when you are in Dubai. Located 94 kilometers away from Dubai, this temple is officially known as the BAPS Hindu Mandir. It’s easy to reach the temple after only a one-hour drive. The temple celebrates international events and Hindu festivals with a lot of fanfare. The BAPS Hindu Mandir is expected to draw a large number of devotees after it’s fully operational.6.
6. Sindhi Guru Darbar
The Sindhi Guru Darbar is a wonderful place to visit if you are looking to soothe your mind since the place is very peaceful. Located right in the heart of the Al Fahidi area, the holy book, Guru Granth Sahib is worshipped here with great devotion and reverence. The temple opens its doors for devotees in the morning from 6 am to 12 pm and from 5 pm to 9 pm in the evenings. The very sight of this white temple is very calming and the people here receive you with great warmth.
7. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
This temple is an extension of the Shiva Temple in Al Fahidi and the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple to allows people of various backgrounds to offer their obeisance to the two deities together. After you have offered your prayers at the Shiva Lingam, you may proceed to pay your respects before the deity of Sai Baba within the same temple complex. The place is wheelchair accessible which makes it very convenient for the elderly and the differently abled.
8. Dubai Jain Derasar
This Jain temple, a Ghar Derasar, is situated in the Musalla Towers, Bur Dubai. Being a Ghar Derasar, the temple has the warmth of a home. Make it a point to visit this temple, the only one for Shwetambar Jains in Dubai. You are sure to find the experience very enriching and calming. You can reach the temple easily from the Al Fahidi metro station. Jainism’s three most revered Tirthankaras, Lord Parshwanath, Lord Sumatinath, and Lord Vimalanatha are worshipped here. The Dubai Jain Derasar offers you inner peace and soothes you giving you much-needed relief from the stress of everyday life.
Conclusion
On your visit to Dubai, go beyond the glittering shopping malls and the fun-filled theme parks. A visit to these temples with your family shall be very calming. Your soul is sure to be enriched by the blessings of the almighty. Every temple is an abode of peace and a testament to the religious harmony that prevails in Dubai. They speak volumes of the acceptance that Dubai’s people are much respected for.
The temples also give you a peek into how the almighty is revered and worshipped by people of all religions alike. Dubai’s temples are a testament to how the city has grown to be an international destination that welcomes people of various backgrounds with myriad religious beliefs with open arms. Today, Dubai is an international economic hub that attracts talent from all around the world. The temples stand testimony to Dubai’s growing stature as a world city.