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Krishna Temple Bur Dubai
Temple
210 views
Al Fahidi Street (51 Al Fahidi St), Bur Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Added on Sun, Nov 9, 2025 at 7:58 AM
Updated on Fri, Nov 21, 2025 at 10:42 AM
Year Built
1958 CE
Period
Bengal Renaissance Period
Architectural Style
Built By
Sindhi Merchant Community
Patronage
Sindhi Merchant Community
Material Used
Contributed By
Team InheritageAdded Nov 9, 2025
Krishna Temple Bur Dubai
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Heritage Overview
Krishna Temple Bur Dubai
The Krishna Temple in Bur Dubai has been Dubai’s oldest continuously operating Hindu shrine since 1958, tucked on the mezzanine of a sandalwood-scented souq courtyard in the historic Al Fahidi district where hundreds climb a narrow stair each dawn for darshan of Sri Nathji, Radha-Krishna, Mahalakshmi, and Sai Baba before winding through the lattice-screen corridor that overlooks the Creek ([1][2]). The 1,500-square-foot mandir retains teak balustrades, hand-carved pillars, brass finials, and the nine-domed roofline that peeks above coral-stone shophouses; priests weave through the throng performing arti with oil lamps held inches from glass-fronted sancta while volunteers chant bhajans. Daily timings stretch 5:00 AM-11:30 AM and 5:00 PM-9:30 PM, accommodating 3,000 devotees on weekdays and up to 6,000 during Janmashtami or Diwali. The temple’s shoe racks, prasad counter, and queue rails occupy the ground-level courtyard shared with souvenir shops and the adjacent Sikh Gurudwara, symbolising Dubai’s intercultural tapestry. Canonical rituals include Radha Ashtami, Satyanarayana katha, Tulsi Vivah, and mass annadhanam delivered by Indian restaurants who donate vegetarian meals. The small admin office manages marriage registrations, birth certificate attestations, and diaspora documentation in coordination with the Indian Consulate ([2][3]).
Historical Context
1958: Dubai’s Ruler Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum grants permission to Sindhi community; temple opens above textile shops. 1960s: daily darshan expands as Creek traders settle. 1970s oil boom draws Indian labour, throng grows. 1990: fire safety upgrades add emergency stairs and alarm. 2008: renovation installs granite stairs, AC, CCTV. 2022-2024: as new Jebel Ali temple opens, Bur Dubai shrine continues Krishna worship while Shiva services gradually shift but festival ties maintain heritage identity. ([1][2])
Location Map
Visit Information
Visiting Hours
Temple: 6:00 AM - 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Daily.
Entry Fee
Free for all visitors.
Best Visit Times
During major Hindu festivals like Janmashtami (August/September), Diwali (October/November), Navratri (March/April & September/October), or Maha Shivaratri (February/March) for a vibrant cultural and religious experience, though expect large crowds. October to April offers the most pleasant weather in Dubai (temperatures typically 20-30°C), making it ideal for exploring. Visiting early morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM) or late evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM) is recommended for a more peaceful darshan and to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
Official Website
Go to Official WebsiteArchitectural Highlights
Architectural Style
Period
Bengal Renaissance Period
Influences
Gulf Merchant Vernacular, Diaspora Adaptation, Courtyard-Based Worship
Heritage Status
Located within Al Fahidi Historical District, part of Dubai tourism heritage trails.
Preservation Status
Good; 2024 survey notes timber beams stable after reinforcement, plaster refreshed, crowd control effective; brass domes recently recoated.
Conservation Status
Good; timber monitored quarterly, brass domes polished, AC maintained; crowd control well-managed; signage refreshed 2024.
Archaeological Survey
No archaeological survey information available
Featured Images
Citation References
No references recorded. Add citations to strengthen verification.
Restoration Work
Major refurbishments: 1990 fire escape, 2002 structural reinforcement, 2008 stair and AC upgrade, 2015 LED conversion, 2021 roof waterproofing, 2024 repainting.
Patronage
Sindhi Merchant Community
Construction Technique
The mandir occupies the upper floor of a two-storey coral-stone building; original timber joists now reinforced with steel channels concealed beneath mosaic flooring. Teak columns support plaster ceiling roses; brass kalashas crown the nine domes, repainted annually. Sancta are framed by teak arches and mirror-laced backdrops. The stairwell is reinforced concrete with granite treads added in 2008. Air-conditioning units retrofitted with acoustic enclosures maintain thermal comfort without altering heritage fabric. ([1][2])
Architectural Influences
Gulf Merchant Vernacular, Diaspora Adaptation, Courtyard-Based Worship
Building Techniques
Maintenance relies on lime-based plaster repairs, brass polishing, timber oiling, and mosaic tile replacement. During festivals, collapsible queue barriers manage flow; CCTV cameras coordinate with Dubai Police for crowd safety. Donations recorded manually and via QR wallet; priests document rituals in registers stored in the admin office. ([2][3])
Coordinates
25.264700, 55.296780
Accessibility Info
4 items
Visitor Facilities
7 items
Best Visit Times
During major Hindu festivals like Janmashtami (August/September), Diwali (October/November), Navratri (March/April & September/October), or Maha Shivaratri (February/March) for a vibrant cultural and religious experience, though expect large crowds. October to April offers the most pleasant weather in Dubai (temperatures typically 20-30°C), making it ideal for exploring. Visiting early morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM) or late evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM) is recommended for a more peaceful darshan and to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
Seasonal Events
5 items
Visitor Restrictions
["Visitors are required to dress modestly, ensuring shoulders and knees are covered, as a sign of respect for the religious site.","Footwear must be removed before entering the temple premises.","Photography is generally permitted in the outer areas of the complex, but it is advisable to refrain from taking photos inside the main prayer hall or during active ceremonies.","Maintain silence and respect the sanctity of the place, especially during prayer times and religious rituals."]
View Count
210
Is Featured
Yes
Is Published
Yes
Completion Score
75
Completion Status
complete
Created By
b609c300-e3e9-42af-8d00-5125af139175
Created At
2025-11-09T07:58:07.358659+00:00
Updated At
2025-11-21T10:42:24.51649+00:00
Related Heritage Sites
What is Krishna Temple Bur Dubai?
Krishna Temple Bur Dubai is a historic Temple located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This Diaspora Hindu Temple architecture style, Gulf Vernacular-Influenced Hindu Temple architecture style, Nagara-Influenced Hindu Temple architecture style, Hindu Temple architecture style architectural masterpiece was built during the Bengal Renaissance Period period and represents significant cultural and historical heritage of United Arab Emirates. The Krishna Temple in Bur Dubai has been Dubai’s oldest continuously operating Hindu shrine since 1958, tucked on the mezzanine of a sandalwood-scented souq courtyard in the historic Al Fahidi distric...
Category:
TempleLocation:
Al Fahidi Street (51 Al Fahidi St), Bur Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, DubaiPeriod:
Bengal Renaissance PeriodStyle:
Diaspora Hindu Temple architecture style, Gulf Vernacular-Influenced Hindu Temple architecture style, Nagara-Influenced Hindu Temple architecture style, Hindu Temple architecture styleArchitectural 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
Key Features of Krishna Temple Bur Dubai
- 1Diaspora Hindu Temple architecture style, Gulf Vernacular-Influenced Hindu Temple architecture style, Nagara-Influenced Hindu Temple architecture style, Hindu Temple architecture style architectural style with distinctive design elements
- 2Constructed using प्रवाल शिला - Pravāla Shilā (Coral Stone), सागौन - Sāgaun (Teak Timber), पलस्तर - Palastar (Plaster), पीतल - Pītal (Brass), मोज़ेक टाइल - Mojek Ṭāil (Mosaic Tile), स्टेनलेस स्टील - Sṭenales Sṭīl (Stainless Steel), प्रबलित कंक्रीट - Prabalit Kaṅkrīṭ (Reinforced Concrete), showcasing traditional building techniques
- 3Built using The mandir occupies the upper floor of a two-storey coral-stone building; original timber joists now reinforced with steel channels concealed beneath mosaic flooring. Teak columns support plaster ceiling roses; brass kalashas crown the nine domes, repainted annually. Sancta are framed by teak arches and mirror-laced backdrops. The stairwell is reinforced concrete with granite treads added in 2008. Air-conditioning units retrofitted with acoustic enclosures maintain thermal comfort without altering heritage fabric. ([1][2]) construction methods
- 4Located within Al Fahidi Historical District, part of Dubai tourism heritage trails. providing legal protection
- 5Commissioned by Sindhi Merchant Community, reflecting royal patronage
- 6Current conservation status: Good; timber monitored quarterly, brass domes polished, AC maintained; crowd control well-managed; signage refreshed 2024.
What Makes Krishna Temple Bur Dubai Special?
- 1Exceptional example of Diaspora Hindu Temple architecture style, Gulf Vernacular-Influenced Hindu Temple architecture style, Nagara-Influenced Hindu Temple architecture style, Hindu Temple architecture style architecture
- 2Royal patronage by Sindhi Merchant Community, reflecting historical significance
- 3Erected in 1958 CE, the Krishna Temple in Bur Dubai stands as a pivotal landmark in the history of the Indian diaspora in the Arabian Gulf, representing the earliest formal sanction for Hindu worship in what was then the Trucial States. This groundbreaking permission, granted by Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, underscored a nascent spirit of religious accommodation, setting a precedent for future interfaith relations in the region. The Sindhi merchant community, instrumental in its establishment, demonstrated remarkable foresight and resilience, creating a spiritual anchor that was organically integrated into the bustling commercial fabric of the Al Fahidi souq, a testament to the symbiotic relationship between trade and cultural preservation. Over the subsequent decades, the mandir's evolution mirrored the burgeoning Indian presence in Dubai. As the Creek traders settled and the 1970s oil boom attracted a larger influx of Indian labour, the temple transitioned from a modest shrine to a vital community hub, its physical expansions and renovations, such as the 2008 upgrades, reflecting its growing importance and the community's unwavering commitment to its upkeep. This continuous adaptation, while retaining its original character, solidified its role not merely as a place of worship but as a historical institution that charted the socio-cultural integration of the Indian diaspora into the Gulf landscape.
Visitor Information
How to Visit Krishna Temple Bur Dubai
| AEDEntry Fee | Free for all visitors. |
| 🕐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 Krishna Temple Bur Dubai: Step-by-Step Guide
- 1
Plan Your Visit
Check opening hours and entry fees for Krishna Temple Bur Dubai. Book tickets online if available to avoid queues. Best visited during early morning or late afternoon.
- 2
Reach the Location
Krishna Temple Bur Dubai is located in Al Fahidi Street (51 Al Fahidi St), Bur Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Dubai. The nearest major city is Al Fahidi Street (51 Al Fahidi St). Accessible by road, rail, and air. Use GPS coordinates: 25.2647, 55.29678.
- 3
Entry and Guidelines
Entry fee: Free for all visitors.. 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 Krishna Temple Bur Dubai. 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
Bengal Renaissance Period
Construction of Krishna Temple Bur Dubai by Sindhi Merchant Community
20th Century
Conservation and restoration efforts initiated under Located within Al Fahidi Historical District, part of Dubai tourism heritage trails.
2024-2025
Digital documentation and 3D scanning completed by Inheritage Foundation