Gaborone -> Attractions

Gaborone Hindu Temple

Location:

This Hindu Temple is at Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana. It is popularly known as the 'Hindu Hall'. The temple is situated behind the 'Caltex' filling station, which is adjoining the 'Maru-a-Pula Robots'.

How to go:

The major location in the city of Gaborone is the Main Mall. From there, proceed towards the circle leading to the Princess Marina Hospital. Going further straight from that circle, you reach the 'Mosque circle'. At that circle, take the left turn and proceed straight to the Maru-a-Pula robots. Enroute, you will see the hotel 'Gaborone Sun' on the right hand side. At the Maru-a-Pula Robots, turn right and take the immediate first left turn, adjoining the Caltex filling station on the right hand side. Take the first right turn there. The first building on the right hand side is the 'Hindu Temple' with the 'Aum' symbol overhanging the roof of the building.

It is very easy to locate and everyone knows its precise location, since this is the only Hindu Temple in Gaborone.

Description:

At the entrance to the Temple is the 'Navagraha Temple', with the deities of the 9 planets. Immediately thereto is the 'Lord Shiva Temple' with a 'Shiva Lingam' at the centre, which is surrounded on the sides by the idols of Lord Subrahmanya, Goddess Mother Parvati, and Lord Ganesha.

On the inside of the wall of the Shiva Temple, there is a small cavern, which couches one idol each of Lord Shiva, Mother Parvati, with Ganesh and Subrahmanya on their laps.

The celestial bull, 'Nandi' is also there facing the Shiva Lingam.

There is a large hall inside. Upon the dais, there are idols of Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman. There is also an idol of Lord Shiva. Other idols include that of Lord Subrahmanya, and his divine consorts, Valli and Devayanai.

There are also the idols of Lord Venkateshwara, with those of his divine consorts, Lakshmi and Padmavati.

Worship timings:

The Temple will be open from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Poojas are performed for all the installed deities in the morning as well as in the evening.

Important festivals:

All the major Hindu festivals are observed in this temple. These include

• Mahaa Shivarathri
• Nava Ratri (dasara)
• Dipavali
• Rama navami

Contact Information :

Mr. Subramanian, the Temple Priest.
Ph: (00267) 352933 e-mail: saibots@global.bw