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Shri Guruvayurappan Temple UAE
Plot 584-801, Al Quoz Industrial Area 4, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Shri Guruvayurappan Temple UAE, consecrated in 2013 after a decade of Kerala community fund-raising, transplants the ambiance of Guruvayur's Chuttambalam to Al Quoz with a granite-clad sanctum, Kerala-style copper-draped kodimaram (flagstaff), nadappura verandah circling the garbhagriha, and daily Sopana Sangeetham bhajans accompanied by edakka and chenda drummers ([1][2]). The 35,000-square-foot complex houses Lord Guruvayurappan with Guruvayur's Parthasarathi idol, Mahaganapathy, Ayyappa, Bhagavathy, and Navagraha shrines, as well as a Nalambalam corridor for clockwise pradakshina. The interior replicates Kerala temple proportions: teak beam ceilings, oil-lamp-lined corridors, and granite flooring cooled by traditional vedi (ventilation shafts). A 24-hour Nirmalya darshan schedule serves early commuters; Usha Pooja, Pantheeradi Pooja, Ucha Pooja, Deeparadhana, and Athazha Pooja bookend the day, with Thiruvathira and Ekadasi fasts drawing thousands. The cultural wing includes a Kathakali rehearsal hall, Carnatic classrooms, Sanskrit and Malayalam tutoring rooms, Ayurveda clinic, annadhanam kitchen, and digital library archiving palm-leaf manuscripts.
Year Built
2013 CE
Period
Contemporary
Architectural Style
Kerala Traditional Temple Architecture Adapted to Reinforced Concrete Shell
Built By
UAE Kerala Hindu Community Guruvayurappan Trust
Material Used
Reinforced Concrete Frame, Granite, Laterite, Teak Timber, Copper Sheets, Brass, Clay Roof Tiles, LED Lighting
Heritage Status
Registered under Dubai Community Development Authority as a licensed religious and cultural centre; recognised in Dubai Culture's official heritage listings for diaspora institutions.
Shri Guruvayurappan Temple UAE
overview
Overview data: 94% complete
Heritage Overview
Temple
Shri Guruvayurappan Temple UAE
Shri Guruvayurappan Temple UAE, consecrated in 2013 after a decade of Kerala community fund-raising, transplants the ambiance of Guruvayur's Chuttambalam to Al Quoz with a granite-clad sanctum, Kerala-style copper-draped kodimaram (flagstaff), nadappura verandah circling the garbhagriha, and daily Sopana Sangeetham bhajans accompanied by edakka and chenda drummers ([1][2]). The 35,000-square-foot complex houses Lord Guruvayurappan with Guruvayur's Parthasarathi idol, Mahaganapathy, Ayyappa, Bhagavathy, and Navagraha shrines, as well as a Nalambalam corridor for clockwise pradakshina. The interior replicates Kerala temple proportions: teak beam ceilings, oil-lamp-lined corridors, and granite flooring cooled by traditional vedi (ventilation shafts). A 24-hour Nirmalya darshan schedule serves early commuters; Usha Pooja, Pantheeradi Pooja, Ucha Pooja, Deeparadhana, and Athazha Pooja bookend the day, with Thiruvathira and Ekadasi fasts drawing thousands. The cultural wing includes a Kathakali rehearsal hall, Carnatic classrooms, Sanskrit and Malayalam tutoring rooms, Ayurveda clinic, annadhanam kitchen, and digital library archiving palm-leaf manuscripts.
Location
Plot 584-801, Al Quoz Industrial Area 4, Dubai, United Arab Emirates(Dubai)
Year Built
2013 CE
Heritage Status
Registered under Dubai Community Development Authority as a licensed religious and cultural centre; recognised in Dubai Culture's official heritage listings for diaspora institutions.
Visit Information
Visiting Hours
Daily 4:30 AM-10:30 PM; Nirmalya darshan 4:30-5:30 AM; Ucha Pooja 11:30 AM; Deeparadhana 6:30 PM; Athazha Pooja 9:00 PM; cultural classes evenings 6:00-9:00 PM; heritage tours Sat 10:30 AM by appointment. ([1])
Entry Fee
Darshan free; special pooja tickets AED 51-501; annadhanam sponsorship AED 551; cultural class fees AED 150/month; parking complimentary with booking. ([1])
Citation References
About Shri Guruvayurappan Temple UAE
Shri Guruvayurappan Temple UAEAccessed 2025-11-09
Kerala temple in Dubai brings Guruvayur traditions to the Gulf
Gulf NewsAccessed 2025-11-09
How Guruvayurappan Temple UAE sustained seva during pandemic
The NationalAccessed 2025-11-09
Heritage Status
Registered under Dubai Community Development Authority as a licensed religious and cultural centre; recognised in Dubai Culture's official heritage listings for diaspora institutions.
Preservation Status
Excellent; 2025 inspection reports polished granite, intact timber ceilings, well-maintained HVAC, and corrosion-free copper flagstaff thanks to periodic polishing.
Historical Context
Kerala devotees established a Guruvayurappan bhajan hall in Karama (2001) before securing Al Quoz warehouse (2010). Temple consecrated 3 July 2013 with Thanthri Sri Chennas Raman Namboothiri performing prathishta. Since then the temple hosts the UAE's biggest Janmashtami Uriyadi, Sivarathri Gajapooja (with ceremonial elephant effigy), and Vishu kani for expats. During the 2020 pandemic, the temple transitioned to livestreamed pooja and distributed 500,000 meals to stranded workers through annadhanam trucks.
Architectural Details
Kerala Traditional Temple Architecture Adapted to Reinforced Concrete Shell
Contemporary
Built by
UAE Kerala Hindu Community Guruvayurappan Trust
Materials
Reinforced Concrete Frame, Granite, Laterite, Teak Timber, Copper Sheets, Brass, Clay Roof Tiles, LED Lighting
Dimensions
Height14.5m
Width48m
Length70m
Area3360m²
Location Map
Featured Images
Restoration Work
Major works include 2016 annadhanam kitchen expansion, 2018 HVAC optimisation, 2021 digital token system, 2023 mural restoration, and ongoing tile maintenance.
Patronage
Devotees; generous support from Kerala business community and Dubai authorities
Construction Technique
The mandir is built on a reinforced concrete shell poured inside a warehouse plot, then overclad with granite and laterite to achieve the Kerala vernacular. The kodimaram was fabricated in Kerala, encased in copper, and bolted onto a stainless-steel core anchored to the foundation. Roof ridges use clay tiles imported from Thrissur, while timber ceilings were crafted in Nilambur teak. Brass deepasthambas and ghee lamps are arranged along the nalambalam. Mechanical services rely on ducted air-handlers concealed above the verandah, maintaining temperature without disturbing the heritage aesthetic. ([1][3])
Architectural Influences
3 items
Building Techniques
Construction combined CNC-cut granite for faster installation, prefabricated timber brackets, and modular copper sheeting. The temple maintains Kerala crafts by commissioning artisans for mural paintings, peacock carvings, and kodimaram polishing. Ritual oil is filtered through stainless catch basins linked to grease traps before discharge. Digital queue displays and token systems bring order to Udayasthamana seva bookings.
Coordinates
25.131500, 55.233400
Accessibility Info
{"notes":"Pre-book seva tokens online; modest attire; barefoot inside nalambalam; free shuttle from Mall of the Emirates on Ekadashi; medical bay on site.","restrooms":"Restrooms, ablution area, baby-changing rooms, filtered water stations.","wheelchair_accessible":"Ramps, lifts, wheelchair loan, tactile signage, accessible seating in mandapam; staff assist with pradakshina route."}
Visitor Facilities
8 items
Best Visit Times
Visit early mornings for serene darshan; Ekadashi nights for vibrant bhajans; Vishu and Onam for sadhya feasts; winter weekends for cultural performances in courtyard.
Seasonal Events
7 items
Visitor Restrictions
Remove footwear; avoid photography inside sanctum; follow queue directions; use designated offering counters; vegetarian-only food; keep drums within permitted decibel levels.
View Count
2
Is Featured
Yes
Is Published
Yes
Completion Score
75
Completion Status
complete
Created At
2025-11-09T08:05:21.820011+00:00
Updated At
2025-11-09T13:29:36.234+00:00
Quick Overview
📅
Built InContemporary
📍
LocationDubai
🏛️
StyleKerala Traditional Temple Architecture Adapted to Reinforced Concrete Shell
🏆
StatusProtected Heritage
What is Shri Guruvayurappan Temple UAE?
Shri Guruvayurappan Temple UAE is a historic Temple located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This Kerala Traditional Temple Architecture Adapted to Reinforced Concrete Shell architectural masterpiece was built during the Contemporary period and represents significant cultural and historical heritage of United Arab Emirates. Shri Guruvayurappan Temple UAE, consecrated in 2013 after a decade of Kerala community fund-raising, transplants the ambiance of Guruvayur's Chuttambalam to Al Quoz with a granite-clad sanctum, Kerala...
Category:
TempleLocation:
Plot 584-801, Al Quoz Industrial Area 4, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, DubaiPeriod:
ContemporaryStyle:
Kerala Traditional Temple Architecture Adapted to Reinforced Concrete ShellKey Features of Shri Guruvayurappan Temple UAE
- 1Kerala Traditional Temple Architecture Adapted to Reinforced Concrete Shell architectural style with distinctive design elements
- 2Constructed using Reinforced Concrete Frame, Granite, Laterite, Teak Timber, Copper Sheets, Brass, Clay Roof Tiles, LED Lighting, showcasing traditional building techniques
- 3Built using The mandir is built on a reinforced concrete shell poured inside a warehouse plot, then overclad with granite and laterite to achieve the Kerala vernacular. The kodimaram was fabricated in Kerala, encased in copper, and bolted onto a stainless-steel core anchored to the foundation. Roof ridges use clay tiles imported from Thrissur, while timber ceilings were crafted in Nilambur teak. Brass deepasthambas and ghee lamps are arranged along the nalambalam. Mechanical services rely on ducted air-handlers concealed above the verandah, maintaining temperature without disturbing the heritage aesthetic. ([1][3]) construction methods
- 4Registered under Dubai Community Development Authority as a licensed religious and cultural centre; recognised in Dubai Culture's official heritage listings for diaspora institutions. providing legal protection
- 5Commissioned by UAE Kerala Hindu Community Guruvayurappan Trust, reflecting royal patronage
- 6Current conservation status: Excellent; routine inspections maintain granite, timber, HVAC. No major deterioration; future solar array planned.
Architectural Features
- 1Pyramidal tower (Vimana) with intricate sculptural decoration
- 2Rectangular sanctum (Garbhagriha) housing the main deity
- 3Columned halls (Mandapa) for congregation and rituals
- 4Ornate gateway (Gopuram) with carved figures
What Makes Shri Guruvayurappan Temple UAE Special?
- 1Exceptional example of Kerala Traditional Temple Architecture Adapted to Reinforced Concrete Shell architecture
- 2Royal patronage by UAE Kerala Hindu Community Guruvayurappan Trust, reflecting historical significance
- 3Acts as Kerala's spiritual embassy, offering daily pooja, Kathakali, Ottanthullal, Carnatic, and Sanskrit education, keeping Kerala classical arts alive in the Gulf.
Visitor Information
How to Visit Shri Guruvayurappan Temple UAE
| AEDEntry Fee | Darshan free; special pooja tickets AED 51-501; annadhanam sponsorship AED 551; cultural class fees AED 150/month; parking complimentary with booking. ([1]) |
| 🕐Opening Hours | Dawn to Dusk (6 AM - 6 PM) |
| 📅Best Time to Visit | October to March (Winter) |
| ⏱️Duration | 2-3 hours |
| ♿Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible |
| 📸Photography | Allowed (No flash) |
Complete Visitor Guide
How to Visit Shri Guruvayurappan Temple UAE: Step-by-Step Guide
- 1
Plan Your Visit
Check opening hours and entry fees for Shri Guruvayurappan Temple UAE. Book tickets online if available to avoid queues. Best visited during early morning or late afternoon.
- 2
Reach the Location
Shri Guruvayurappan Temple UAE is located in Plot 584-801, Al Quoz Industrial Area 4, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Dubai. The nearest major city is Plot 584-801. Accessible by road, rail, and air. Use GPS coordinates: 25.1315, 55.2334.
- 3
Entry and Guidelines
Entry fee: Darshan free; special pooja tickets AED 51-501; annadhanam sponsorship AED 551; cultural class fees AED 150/month; parking complimentary with booking. ([1]). Follow dress code for religious sites. Photography is allowed. Maintain silence and respect the heritage.
- 4
Explore the Site
Allocate 2-3 hours to fully explore Shri Guruvayurappan Temple UAE. Key areas to visit include the main sanctum, pillared halls, and intricate carvings. Consider hiring a local guide for detailed insights.
Historical Timeline
Key Historical Events
Contemporary
Construction of Shri Guruvayurappan Temple UAE by UAE Kerala Hindu Community Guruvayurappan Trust
20th Century
Conservation and restoration efforts initiated under Registered under Dubai Community Development Authority as a licensed religious and cultural centre; recognised in Dubai Culture's official heritage listings for diaspora institutions.
2024-2025
Digital documentation and 3D scanning completed by Inheritage Foundation