Muscat [Oman], Feb 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on today marked his presence in the 125-year-old Shiva Temple in the Matrah area of Old Muscat. After offering his praises, PM Modi also met with a group of the Indian community outside the temple.

The Shiva Temple is one of the oldest temples in the Gulf region and is situated near the Sultan of Oman's palace and was constructed by the merchant community from Gujarat around 125 years ago. It was subsequently renovated in 1999.

The temple has three deities- Shri Adi Motishwar Mahadev Temple, Shri Motishwar Mahadev Temple and Shri Hanumanji Temple. The auspicious days and festivals, more than 15,000 followers visit the temple to offer their prayers.

Here today we are going to tell you about the famous Shiva temple of Muscat where Modi Ji recently stepped in. Have a look. 

-Shri Shiva Temple, Muscat is also recognized as Motishwar Mandir
-Shri Shiva Temple is situated in Muscat near Sultan’s Palace about 35kms from Seeb Airport.
- This temple was constructed by Merchant community from Gujarat settled in Muscat centuries back. The Shiva Temple was originally constructed 109 years back. Subsequently the Temple was extensively renovated/ reconstructed in the year 1999 having required facilities for devotees for worshiping.

-Shiva Temple complex have following temples in the premises:

-Shri Adi Motishwar Mahadev Temple
-Shri Motishwar Mahadev Temple
-Shri Hanumanji Temple

The Temple is open throughout the year from morning 5:30am to 11:30am and evening 5:00pm to 9:00pm from Sunday to Friday and on Saturday from morning 5:30am to 11:30am and evening 5:00pm to 10:00pm.

Shri Shiva Temple, Muscat is managed by Management of Hindu Temple recognized body by Ministry of Endowments & 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 religious rituals.

These are 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