About
Believing in the theory of “WORSHIP YOURS & RESPECT OTHERS” The Sultanate of Oman holds an exceptional position among all the Gulf countries, it gives the freedom of worship to all its inhabitants, irrespective of their religious beliefs. Such liberal policies of the Government have made it possible to have following two Hindu Temples in Muscat, which are functioning under the auspices & umbrella of The Ministry of Endowments & Religious Affairs.
Shri Shiva Temple, Muscat also known as Motishwar Mandir.
Shri Shiva Temple is situated in Muscat near Sultan’s Palace about 35kms from Seeb Airport. This temple was constructed by Merchant community from Gujarat settled in Muscat centuries back. The Shiva Temple was originally constructed 109 years back. Subsequently the Temple was extensively renovated/ reconstructed in the year 1999 having required facilities for devotees for worshiping.
Shiva Temple complex have following temples in the premises:
- Shri Adi Motishwar Mahadev Temple
- Shri Motishwar Mahadev Temple
- Shri Hanumanji Temple
The Temple is open throughout the year from morning 5:30am to 11:30am and evening 5:00pm to 9:00pm from Sunday to Friday and on Saturday from morning 5:30am to 11:30am and evening 5:00pm to 10:00pm.
During the weekdays about 400 devotees visit the temple while on weekends 1500 to 4000 devotee. During the auspicious days/ festivals like Mahashivratri, Diwali, New Year Day etc. about 5000 to 15000 devotees visit the temple for prayers.
There are three priests in Shiva Temple along with 3 support staff and 4 administrative staff working for Temple in addition to volunteers rendering their services according to their convenient timings.
Shri Shiva Temple, Muscat is managed by Management of Hindu Temple recognized body by Ministry of Endowments & Religious Affairs. Management of Hindu Temple is a voluntary organization representing Banyan Merchant Community in Muscat- the community which has settled in Oman over centuries.
The Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modiji had visited the temple during his visit to Oman in February 2018.
Following are the festivals celebrated in Shri Shiva Temple:
| 1 | Vasant Panchmi | Muscat Temple Anniversary |
| 2 | Maha Shivratri | Birthday of Lord Shiva |
| 3 | Ramnavmi | Birthday of Lord Shiva |
| 4 | Hanuman Jayanti | Birthday of Lord Hanuman |
| 5 | Shravan Month | The Holy Month of the Hindu Calendar when people offer prayers & fast. |
| 6 | Ganesh Festival | Celebration of Lord Ganesha |
Shri Krishna Temple, Darsait
Shri Krishna Temple is situated in Darsait near Church and is about 28-30kms from Seeb Airport. This temple was constructed by Merchant Community from Gujarat settled in Muscat, in the year 1987 and subsequently extensively renovated in the year 2013. The land was gifted by Late H.M. Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said. The temple is having all the facilities for devotees to worship alongwith a Multi-Purpose Hall having capacity of 500-700 worshipers to take part in the function organised by the Community under the supervision of the Temple Management.
Krishna Temple complex, Darsait have following temples in the premises:
1. Shri Krishna Temple
2. Shri Ganeshji Temple
3. Shri Mataji Temple
The Temple is open throughout the year from morning 5:30am to 11:30am and evening 5:00pm to 9:30pm.
During the weekdays about 400 number of devotees visit the temple while in weekends 2500 to 3500 devotees. During the auspicious days like Janmashtmi, Diwali, New Year Day etc. there are approximately 5000 to 7000 devotees visiting the temple.
There are two priests in Krishna Temple along with 14 support staff working for Temple in addition to volunteers rendering their services according to their convenient timings.
Shri Krishna Temple, Darsait is also managed by Management of Hindu Temple recognized body by Ministry of Endowments & Religious Affairs. Management of Hindu Temple is a voluntary organization representing Banyan Merchant Community in Muscat, that has been established in the Sultanate over centuries.
Following are the festivals celebrated in Shri Krishna Temple:
| 1 | Holi | This is the harvest festival – A religious bonfire is lit & prayers are offered & people put colours on each other. |
| 2 | Chaitra Navratri | Celebration of Goddess Durga |
| 3 | Dariyalal Jayanti | Lord of Sea Celebration |
| 4 | Vishu | South Indian New Year |
| 5 | Ramnavami | Birthday of Lord Ram |
| 6 | Hanuman Jayanti | Birthday of Lord Hanuman |
| 7 | Maha Prabhuji Patotsav | Celebration of Saint Maha Prabhuji |
| 8 | Ganga Dashera | Celebration by way of prayers |
| 9 | Vat Savitri | Prayers & Fasting is done by wife for long life and happiness of her husband |
| 10 | Kutchhi New Year | New year of Kutchhi Community |
| 11 | Rathyatra | Replica of lord Shri Krishna’s Chariot |
| 12 | Guru Poornima | Prayers for Guru’s i.e. Teachers respect |
| 13 | Hindola (Swing) | A Swing is erected for Lord Krishna which is decorated everyday, with fruits, vegetables, dry fruits, saffron, etc.(One month) |
| 14 | Shravan Month | The Holy Month of Hindus when people offer prayers & fast |
| 15 | Raksha Bandhan | Festival of Sisters and Brothers |
| 16 | Janmashtami | Birthday of Lord Krishna |
| 17 | Nand Mohatsav | Birthday celebrations of Lord Krishna Earthern Pots are tied on Rope filled with Curd |
| 18 | Ganesh Chaturthi | Celebration of festival in honour of Lord Ganesha believed to be remover of all obstacles |
| 19 | Onam | Harvest festival |
| 20 | Navratri | Celebration of Goddess Durga (10 days) |
| 21 | Chandi Homam | Celebrated by way of Special prayers |
| 22 | Mahashtmi | Celebrated by way of Special prayers |
| 23 | Dashera | Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after 14 years |
| 24 | Sharad Purnima | Full Moon Celebration |
| 25 | Jalaram Jayanti | Saint Jalaram birthday |
| 26 | Diwali Festival | Festival of lights |
| 27 | Annakut | Special prayers & offerings to lord on Hindu New Year. |
| 28 | New Year | This is the beginning of the New Calendar Year for Hindus. |
| 29 | Ayyapan Pooja | Lord Ayyapan Prayers |
| 30 | Temple Anniversary | Celebrated by way of Special prayers |
| 31 | Various Spiritual Discourses | Fit in between when Hall is available and performed by various Spiritual Leaders visit Oman. |
As per directives from Ministry of Endowments & Religious Affairs all the religious festivals and functions are organized/ celebrated in the Temple premises/ Hall. All the Government authorities are very cooperative in permitting/ helping in the organizing of the various religious functions.