The practise of Hinduism in Botswana is concentrated in and around Gaborone and Selebi-Phikwe. The community of Hindus began to form in the early 20th century with the beginning of immigration from India to Botswana. Most Hindus in Botswana are of Indian descent.
The 2001 census of Botswana listed approximately 3,000 Hindus. Members of Hindu community estimated that these figures significantly understated their respective numbers.[1]
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With the growth of the community, a number of region-based community associations have sprungup. There is already a Hindu temple in Gaborone, and another in Selebi-Phikwe. A gurudwara is also been built in the capital city. Plans have been made for the construction of a Swaminarayan temple, a Sai Baba Centre, a Venkateswara Temple and an ISKCON Centre at various sites in Botswana.[2]
The following are the major Hindu temples in Botswana:
The Hindu Hall in Gaborone is situated behind the "Caltex" filling station, located in the area adjacent to the "Maru-a-Pula Robots". All the major Hindu festivals (Maha Shivaratri, Rama Navami, Dussehra, Diwali etc.) are observed in this temple.
At the entrance to the Hindu Hall, 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 from which the temple draws its name. Upon the dais, there are idols of Lord Rama, Mother Sita, Lakshmana and Lord Hanuman. There is also an idol of Lord Shiva.
The Botswana Hindu Charities Trust (BHCT) built the Sri Balaji Temple in Gaborone in the classical Dravidian architectural style. This Temple is one of its kind in the Southern African region and become a cultural attraction in Gaborone, after earning the people's admiration for the architectural and the sculptural beauty. The Temple has cost over Rs. 2 crores to build.
The Temple has 10 sanctum sanctorums to house Lord Balaji and his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi as the presiding deity, Lord Ganesha, Lord Anjaneya (Hanuman), Lord Shiva, Mata Vaishnodevi, Lord Ayyapa, Lord Muruga and the Navagrahas. All Mulavar Vigrahas and Utsav Murthies were imported from India. The doors for the Maha Mandap and the Rajagopuram were imported from Kerala. The doors of Maha Mandap depict the scenes from Krishna Leela whereas the doors of Raja Gopuram depict the Dasa Avathars.
The Kumbhabhishekam of this temple was performed on Sunday 16 September. The ceremonies started on 9 September and concluded with Kumbhabhishekam.
There were ten Kalasams installed and ten priests from India, Dubai and Gaborone were performing all related poojas. First Shri. Varatharaja Bhatter (Senior Priest, BHCT Temple) performed the abishekam for the five Kalasams atop of the Raja Gopuram. A crane was used since the Raja Gopuram was about 50 feet tall. Afterwards Abishekam for all other Kalasams atop of other Sanctum Santorum were performed. Mr. Vishnu Hade, The High Commissioner of India for Botswana graced the occasion. Mr. Manhar Mooney released a souvenir in commemoration of the Kumbhabhishekam.
Srinivasa Kalyanam, Kavadi Utsavam, Sudarshan Homam have been taking place frequently. Abhishekams for different deities take place throughout the week.
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