PM Modi offers prayers at Shiva Temple in Muscat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday offered prayers at the famous 125-year-old Shiva Temple in Muscat.

Also known as Motishwar Mandir, the temple is situated near Sultan’s Palace, about 35km from Seeb Airport.

PM Modi also met the Indian community standing outside the temple to catch his glimpse.

The temple has a Gujarat connection and is believed to have been constructed by the Bhatia merchant community from Kutch, which settled in Muscat as early as 1507.

The power the community wielded in Muscat, said to be the first home for Gujarati traders away from the subcontinent. can be seen through the various temples and shrines that have come up in Oman’s capital since the 16th century.