Temple of Understanding (Hare Krishna Temple)

The Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple of Understanding, usually called the Hare Krishna Temple, stands in Chatsworth, about 20 kilometres south of Durban's city centre. It belongs to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). The project began after the movement's founder, A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, asked his followers during his only visit to South Africa in 1975 to build a temple here, and it was officially opened to the public over a weekend in October 1985.

The building is unusual. Three white-and-gold domes rise above an octagonal roof, and the plan follows the traditional vastu purusha mandala, combining circles, triangles, squares and octagons. The temple sits inside a moat with water features and is surrounded by a large garden laid out in the shape of a lotus. According to the temple, devotees designed and built it themselves, doing everything from the excavation to the gold-leafing. Inside, the main hall is used for daily worship, and the mix of eastern and western design ideas makes it interesting even for visitors with no religious connection.

Worship runs every day from early morning until the evening, with six arati ceremonies spread through the day. On Sundays there is a longer public programme from 16:00 that includes an arati, a talk on scripture, questions and answers, cultural entertainment and a shared vegetarian meal. Entry to the temple and its festivals is free. Govinda's, on the ground floor, serves vegetarian meals to eat in or take away, and many visitors time their trip around lunch there.

This is a working place of worship, so dress modestly, keep noise down in the hall and follow any instructions from devotees, including removing your shoes where asked. Allow around an hour to walk round the moat and garden and see the temple room, and longer if you plan to eat or join the Sunday programme. It suits anyone interested in architecture, religion or Durban's Indian heritage, and families are welcome.

Chatsworth is best reached by car, ride-hailing app or as part of a guided tour, as public transport from the beachfront is not straightforward for visitors. The general office answers queries on weekdays during office hours. Combine the visit with time in the city centre's Indian quarter around Dr Yusuf Dadoo Street, where you will find the Juma Masjid and the Victoria Street Market.