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Shiva Temple Bur Dubai / Jebel Ali
Temple
197 views
Jebel Ali Worship Village, Dubai (formerly Ali Bin Abi Taleb Street, Bur Dubai), United Arab Emirates
Added on Sun, Nov 9, 2025 at 7:59 AM
Updated on Fri, Nov 21, 2025 at 10:42 AM
Year Built
1958 CE
Period
Bengal Renaissance Period
Architectural Style
Built By
Sindhi Guru Darbar Trustees
Patronage
Sindhi Guru Darbar Trustees
Contributed By
Team InheritageAdded Nov 9, 2025
Shiva Temple Bur Dubai / Jebel Ali
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Heritage Overview
Shiva Temple Bur Dubai / Jebel Ali
Dubai’s Shiva Temple, founded in 1958 beside the Creek in Bur Dubai, served generations of labourers and merchants in a 250-square-metre upstairs hall until 2024, when the lingam and utsava idols were ceremoniously relocated to the new Jebel Ali Hindu Temple to ease crowding and comply with safety requirements ([1][2]). In its historic Al Fahidi setting the shrine shared a courtyard with Krishna Mandir and Gurudwara, with thousands lining the narrow stair for Maha Shivaratri jalabhisheka. The new Jebel Ali sanctum—opened January 2024 ahead of Maha Shivaratri—retains the same lingam and panchloha icons, now set within a larger abhishekam chamber clad in black granite, equipped with dedicated jalabhisheka drains, overhead kalasa water lines, and 360° darshan space for 500 devotees at a time. Rituals run from 5:30 AM Rudra Abhishekam to midnight vigil on Mondays, with daily arti at 7:00 AM/1:00 PM/8:00 PM, periodic Pradosham ceremonies, and Sani Pradosham homa in an adjoining yajna shala. Devotees pre-book milk offerings via QR codes, deposit coconuts at stainless-steel counters, and collect prasad from volunteers. The temple’s management preserves Bur Dubai heritage by maintaining a memorial alcove with photographs, the original teak arti lamp, and oral history kiosks documenting six decades beside the Creek.
Historical Context
Temple founded 1958 with Ruler’s permission. Expanded 1968. Fire suppression upgrades 1991. Structural reinforcement 2002. RTA works 2018 triggered crowd caps. Dubai approved new Jebel Ali facility 2019; relocation completed January 2024 with Maha Kumbhabhishekam. Bur Dubai site retains Krishna Mandir while Shiva devotees now worship in Jebel Ali.
Location Map
Visit Information
Visiting Hours
Temple: 6:30 AM - 1:00 PM & 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM, Daily.
Entry Fee
Free for all visitors.
Best Visit Times
During major Hindu festivals like Diwali (October-November), Navratri (March-April, September-October), and Maha Shivaratri (February-March) for vibrant celebrations and special ceremonies. October to April offers pleasant weather (20-30°C) ideal for visiting Dubai. Early morning (6:30 AM - 9:00 AM) or late evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM) are recommended for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
Official Website
Go to Official WebsiteArchitectural Highlights
Architectural Style
Period
Bengal Renaissance Period
Influences
Adapted Gulf Merchant Architecture, Modern Seva Infrastructure, Diaspora Continuity
Heritage Status
Registered worship centre under CDA; part of Jebel Ali Worship Village.
Preservation Status
Excellent; new hall only one year old with polished granite and functioning drainage; old Bur Dubai hall maintained as heritage memorial and storage.
Conservation Status
Excellent; new site maintained meticulously; Bur Dubai memorial hall preserved; queue systems working.
Archaeological Survey
No archaeological survey information available
Featured Images
Citation References
No references recorded. Add citations to strengthen verification.
Restoration Work
Restoration timeline: 1991 fire upgrades; 2002 reinforcement; 2010 AC/ventilation; 2021-2023 preparation for relocation with digital inventory; 2024 new granite sanctum installation.
Patronage
Sindhi Guru Darbar Trustees
Construction Technique
The Bur Dubai shrine used timber joists strengthened by steel bars in 2002, with teak shrines inserted into shallow coral niches. The Jebel Ali sanctum sits within a RC frame with granite cladding, stainless jalabhisheka chutes, and acoustic baffles overhead. Water supply for abhishekam runs through UV-sterilised pipelines; drains connect to grease traps before municipal system. Brass bells from the old shrine hang in the new hall. ([1][3])
Architectural Influences
Adapted Gulf Merchant Architecture, Modern Seva Infrastructure, Diaspora Continuity
Building Techniques
Relocation involved prana-pratishtha rituals, climate-controlled transport of lingam, micro-documentation of original sanctum, and digital archiving of registers. The new hall features modular queue barriers, RFID controls, slip-resistant granite, and position-marked abhishekam lines. Volunteer training emphasises spill management and safety with high flows of milk and water. ([2][3])
Coordinates
25.026920, 55.113200
Accessibility Info
5 items
Visitor Facilities
7 items
Best Visit Times
During major Hindu festivals like Diwali (October-November), Navratri (March-April, September-October), and Maha Shivaratri (February-March) for vibrant celebrations and special ceremonies. October to April offers pleasant weather (20-30°C) ideal for visiting Dubai. Early morning (6:30 AM - 9:00 AM) or late evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM) are recommended for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
Seasonal Events
7 items
Visitor Restrictions
["Visitors are required to dress modestly, ensuring shoulders and knees are covered.","Footwear must be removed before entering the main prayer halls and designated sacred areas.","Photography is generally permitted in common areas, but may be restricted in the inner sanctums and during specific rituals.","Maintain silence and respect the sanctity of the temple premises, especially during prayer times.","Outside food and beverages are generally not permitted inside the main temple complex."]
View Count
197
Is Featured
Yes
Is Published
Yes
Completion Score
75
Completion Status
complete
Created By
b609c300-e3e9-42af-8d00-5125af139175
Created At
2025-11-09T07:59:36.247001+00:00
Updated At
2025-11-21T10:42:24.51649+00:00
Related Heritage Sites
What is Shiva Temple Bur Dubai / Jebel Ali?
Shiva Temple Bur Dubai / Jebel Ali is a historic Temple located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This Adaptive Nagara architecture style, Indo-Gulf architecture style, Modern Hindu Temple architecture style, Diaspora Hindu architecture style architectural masterpiece was built during the Bengal Renaissance Period period and represents significant cultural and historical heritage of United Arab Emirates. Dubai’s Shiva Temple, founded in 1958 beside the Creek in Bur Dubai, served generations of labourers and merchants in a 250-square-metre upstairs hall until 2024, when the lingam and utsava idols were...
Category:
TempleLocation:
Jebel Ali Worship Village, Dubai (formerly Ali Bin Abi Taleb Street, Bur Dubai), United Arab Emirates, DubaiPeriod:
Bengal Renaissance PeriodStyle:
Adaptive Nagara architecture style, Indo-Gulf architecture style, Modern Hindu Temple architecture style, Diaspora Hindu 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 Shiva Temple Bur Dubai / Jebel Ali
- 1Adaptive Nagara architecture style, Indo-Gulf architecture style, Modern Hindu Temple architecture style, Diaspora Hindu architecture style architectural style with distinctive design elements
- 2Constructed using प्रवालशिला - Pravālaśilā (Coral Stone), काष्ठ - Kāshtha (Timber), पीतल - Pītal (Brass), प्रबलित कंक्रीट - Prabalit Kankreet (Reinforced Concrete), कृष्ण शिला - Krishna Shilā (Black Granite), कलई इस्पात - Kalaī Ispāt (Stainless Steel), ध्वनि अवशोषक पटल - Dhvani Avashoshak Patal (Acoustic Panels), एलईडी प्रकाश - Aeleeḍee Prakash (LED Lighting), showcasing traditional building techniques
- 3Built using The Bur Dubai shrine used timber joists strengthened by steel bars in 2002, with teak shrines inserted into shallow coral niches. The Jebel Ali sanctum sits within a RC frame with granite cladding, stainless jalabhisheka chutes, and acoustic baffles overhead. Water supply for abhishekam runs through UV-sterilised pipelines; drains connect to grease traps before municipal system. Brass bells from the old shrine hang in the new hall. ([1][3]) construction methods
- 4Registered worship centre under CDA; part of Jebel Ali Worship Village. providing legal protection
- 5Commissioned by Sindhi Guru Darbar Trustees, reflecting royal patronage
- 6Current conservation status: Excellent; new site maintained meticulously; Bur Dubai memorial hall preserved; queue systems working.
What Makes Shiva Temple Bur Dubai / Jebel Ali Special?
- 1Exceptional example of Adaptive Nagara architecture style, Indo-Gulf architecture style, Modern Hindu Temple architecture style, Diaspora Hindu architecture style architecture
- 2Royal patronage by Sindhi Guru Darbar Trustees, reflecting historical significance
- 3The establishment of the Shiva Temple in Bur Dubai in 1958 marked a pivotal moment in the history of the Indian diaspora in the Arabian Gulf, particularly for the burgeoning Sindhi merchant and labour communities. Initiated by the Sindhi Guru Darbar Trustees, its founding was a testament to the early spirit of religious accommodation in Dubai, secured through the benevolent permission of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. This modest shrine, initially an upstairs hall, served as a vital spiritual anchor, providing solace and continuity of Sanatana Dharma practices in a foreign land. Its presence facilitated the cultural integration and well-being of thousands of Indian expatriates, laying foundational stones for a vibrant, multicultural society. Over the decades, this sacred precinct evolved, witnessing expansions in 1968 and critical structural enhancements in 2002, reflecting both the growing devotee base and the city's infrastructural development. The temple's unique historical context included sharing a courtyard with a Krishna Mandir and Gurudwara, fostering an unparalleled environment of interfaith harmony and shared cultural space in the Al Fahidi district. The eventual necessity for relocation, driven by urban development and increasing devotee numbers by 2018, underscored its enduring significance and the challenges of maintaining traditional worship sites within a rapidly modernizing metropolis, culminating in the approval for the Jebel Ali facility in 2019.
Visitor Information
How to Visit Shiva Temple Bur Dubai / Jebel Ali
| 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 Shiva Temple Bur Dubai / Jebel Ali: Step-by-Step Guide
- 1
Plan Your Visit
Check opening hours and entry fees for Shiva Temple Bur Dubai / Jebel Ali. Book tickets online if available to avoid queues. Best visited during early morning or late afternoon.
- 2
Reach the Location
Shiva Temple Bur Dubai / Jebel Ali is located in Jebel Ali Worship Village, Dubai (formerly Ali Bin Abi Taleb Street, Bur Dubai), United Arab Emirates, Dubai. The nearest major city is Jebel Ali Worship Village. Accessible by road, rail, and air. Use GPS coordinates: 25.02692, 55.1132.
- 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 Shiva Temple Bur Dubai / Jebel Ali. 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 Shiva Temple Bur Dubai / Jebel Ali by Sindhi Guru Darbar Trustees
20th Century
Conservation and restoration efforts initiated under Registered worship centre under CDA; part of Jebel Ali Worship Village.
2024-2025
Digital documentation and 3D scanning completed by Inheritage Foundation