Worshippers heartbroken as Bur Dubai Iconic Hindu Shiv Temple in closes doors

Emotions surged as devotees gathered at the 65-year-old Hindu temple in Bur Dubai on Tuesday evening to offer their prayers “one last time” before its closure on Wednesday.

They now have the option to visit the new temple in Jebel Ali, which opened its doors on October 22.

Constructed in 1958 in Bur Dubai’s Old Souk, the Sindhi Guru Darbar temple complex, encompassing Bur Dubai Shiv Temple and the gurdwara for Sikh worship, stood as a spiritual haven for hundreds of thousands of Hindu worshippers and tourists.

“I am heartbroken,” shared Chandra Sachdev, a 65-year-old from Mumbai, expressing her deep connection to the temple. As a resident of Bur Dubai, just a 15-minute walk from the temple, she has been a devoted worshipper there for over 40 years.

She was disappointed at the prospect of having to travel across the city to worship from now on. “It is so far away. How will I go there every day?” said Ms Sachdev.

According to sources, the relocation is the result of safety concerns about the old temple complex as well as the inability to accommodate the growing number of visitors.

Increase in worshippers

What began as a small worship hall on top of a maze of small shops in the Old Souk, today the temple is a cultural center hosting hundreds of devotees daily and on special occasions.

It is also a major tourist attraction with a labyrinth of narrow alleys lined with shops selling fresh flowers, garlands, and incense sticks, transporting visitors to the rich cultural tapestry of Dubai.

For many UAE residents, the temple has been an inseparable part of their life that offered spiritual foundation.

Abu Dhabi resident Srinivas drove all the way to Dubai on Tuesday evening with his wife Ratna and daughter Preethi to pray at his favourite temple before it closed.

The newly-built hand-carved temple in Abu Dhabi will be officially opened by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The landmark white marble and pink sandstone structure already draws thousands of people from different faiths and nationalities who pray over and bless bricks used at the temple site in Abu Dhabi’s Abu Mureikha area.

But for many devotees, it won’t be the same as the old temple in Bur Dubai. 500 and 600 small shops selling flowers and other worship items around the old temple area will also take a hit.

The Bur Dubai Hindu temple complex is also one of the rare places where a Hindu temple and Gurudwara of the Sikh community coexist. It is a rare experience to hear the Hindu chants and prayers reverberate in the hall downstairs, especially during the “Aarti” or lighting ceremony, while simultaneously the Sikh Kirtan (devotional songs) are played inside the prayer hall above.

Krishna Temple to stay

In the same locality, there is a Krishna Temple (Shreenathji Haveli), which according to the management, had opened way back in 1902 with records showing its existence since 1935.

The Krishna Temple, which comes immediately after the mosque when one enters the temple area, will remain open, a senior member of the management told.