PM Modi in Oman: All you need to know about Shiva temple in Muscat

During auspicious days and festivals, over 15,000 people pray at the Shiva Temple in Muscat. It is truly a vibrant centre of worship and spirituality.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered prayers at one of the oldest Shiva Temples in Muscat on Monday. The temple is also known as Motishwar Mandir. The temple is situated in Muscat's Matrah area and is said to have been constructed by merchants from Gujarat 125 years ago. It was renovated in 1999.

During the weekdays about 400 devotees visit the temple while on weekends 1500 to 4000 devotee. During the auspicious days/ festivals like Mahashivratri, Diwali, New Year Day etc. about 5000 to 15000 devotees visit the temple for prayers. On auspicious days and festivals, over 15,000 people pray at the Shiva Temple in Muscat. It is truly a vibrant centre of worship and spirituality.

There are three priests in Shiva Temple along with 3 support staff and 4 administrative staff working for Temple in addition to volunteers rendering their services according to their convenient timings.

The temple, Muscat is managed by Management of Hindu Temple recognized body by Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs. Management of Hindu Temple is a voluntary organization representing Banyan Merchant Community in Muscat- the community which has settled in Oman over centuries.

Shri Mahesh Raval, Shri Alpesh Joshi and Shri Shankar Narayan Rao, priests of Shri Shiva Temple perform various pujas and prayers as per Hindu religion rituals.

Following are the festivals celebrated in Shri Shiva Temple:

• Vasant Panchmi Muscat Temple Anniversary
• MahaShivratri Birthday of Lord Shiva
• Ramnavmi Birthday of Lord Rama
• Hanuman Jayanti Birthday of Lord Hanuman
• Shravan Month The Holy Month of the Hindu Calendar when people offer prayers & fast.
• Ganesh Festival Celebration of Lord Ganesha

OneIndia News