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Krishna Temple Bur Dubai
Temple
428 views
5b Street, Al Souq Al Kabeer, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Added on Sun, Nov 9, 2025 at 1:28 PM
Updated on Fri, Nov 21, 2025 at 4:12 PM
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
25.264705, 55.296783
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
428
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:
5b Street, Al Souq Al Kabeer, 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 style