Gaborone Hindu Temple

Location:

This Hindu Temple is at the capital city of Botswana, namely, Gaborone. It is popularly known as
the 'Hindu Hall'. It is situated behind the 'caltex' filling station, that is located adjoining the 'Maru-a-
Pula Robots'.

How to go:

The major location in the city of Gaborone is the Main Mall. From there, one has to proceed towards
the circle leading to the Princess Marina Hospital. Then, proceeding further straight from that circle,
must reach the 'Mosque circle'. At that circle, one must take the left turn and proceed straight to the
Maru-a-Pula robots. On the way, one will see the big hotel by name, 'Gaborone Sun' on the right
hand side. At the Maru-a-Pula Robots, one must turn right and take the immediate first left turn,
adjoining the caltex filling station on the right hand side. Then, one must 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 Hindu Temple, is located the 'Navagraha Temple', with the deities of the 9
planets. Immediately adjoining 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 of
Lord Shiva, Mother Parvati, with Lord Baby Ganesh and Lord Baby Subrahmanya on their laps.

There is also a 'Nandi' facing the Shiva Lingam.

Inside there is a big Hall. Upon the dais, there are idols of Lord Rama, Mother Sita, Lakshmana and
Lord Hanuman. There is also an idol of Lord Shiva. There are also idols of Lord Subrahmanya, with
those of His Divine Consorts, Valli and Deivayanai. There are also the idols of Lord Venkateshwara,
with those of His Divine Consorts, Mother Lakshmi and Mother Padmavati.

Worship timings:
The Hindu 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:

Maha Shivarathri, Rama Navami, Dassahra, Diwali etc. All the major Hindu festivals are observed in
this temple. This include

 mahaa Shivaraathri
 nava rAtri (dasara)
 dIpAvaLi
 rAma navami