Shri Krishna Temple
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 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 organsed by the Management.
Krishna Temple complex, Darsait have following temples in the premises:
- Shri Krishna Temple
- Shri Ganeshji Temple
- Shri Mataji Temple
The Temple is open through out 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.
Shri Arun Vyas and Shri Jayant Vyas, priests of Shr Krishna Temple perform various pujas and prayers as per Hindu religion rituals.
Following are the festivals celebrated in Shri Krishna Temple:
- Holi :-This is the harvest festival – A religious bonfire is lit & prayers are offered & people put colours on each other.
- Chaitra Navratri :- Celebration of Goddess Durga
- Dariyalal Jayanti :- Lord of Sea Celebration
- Vishu :- South Indian New Year
- Ramnavami :- Birthday of Lord Ram
- Hanuman Jayanti :- Birthday of Lord Hanuman
- Maha Prabhuji :- Celebration of Saint Maha Prabhuji Patotsav
- Ganga Dashera :- Celebration by way of prayers
- Vat Savitri :- Prayers & Fasting is done by wife for long life and happiness of her husband
- Kutchhi New Year :- New year of Kutchhi Community
- Rathyatra :- Replica of lord Shri Krishna's Chariot
- Guru Poornima :- Prayers for Guru's i.e. Teachers respect
- Hindola ( Swing) :- A Swing is erected for Lord Krishna which is decorated everyday, with fruits,vegetables, dry fruits, saffron,etc.(One month)
- Shravan :- Month The Holy Month of Hindus when people offer prayers & fast
- Raksha Bandhan :- Festival of Sisters and Brothers
- Janmashtami :- Birthday of Lord Krishna
- Nand Mohatsav :- Birthday celebrations of Lord Krishna
- Earthern :- Pots are tied on Rope filled with Curd
- Ganesh Chaturthi :- Celebration of festival in honour of Lord Ganesha believed to be remover of all obstacles
- Onam :- Harvest festival
- Navratri :- Celebration of Goddess Durga (10 days)
- Chandi Homam :- Celebrated by way of Special prayers
- Mahashtmi :- Celebrated by way of Special prayers
- Dashera :- Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after 14 years
- Sharad Purnima :- Full Moon Celebration
- Jalaram Jayanti :- Saint Jalaram birthday
- Diwali Festival :- Festival of lights
- Annakut :- Special prayers & offerings to lord on Hindu New Year.
- New Year :- This is the beginning of the New Calendar Year for Hindus.
- Ayyapan Pooja :- Lord Ayyapan Prayers
- Temple Anniversary :- Celebrated by way of Special prayers
- 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.