The Temple of Understanding, also known as the Sri Sri Radhanath Temple, stands on Bhaktivedanta Swami Circle in Chatsworth, a largely Indian suburb about twenty kilometres south of the city centre. It is a Hare Krishna temple, described as the largest of its kind in Africa, and it has long been on the Durban tourist circuit. The building is designed in the shape of a lotus. Inside you find marble floors, gold-tinted windows, brass ornaments, crystal chandeliers and golden statuettes, and the ceiling panels are large and colourful, depicting scenes from the life of Lord Krishna. The temple is surrounded by gardens, and there is a vegetarian restaurant on site. The restaurant is run by the non-profit Hare Krishna organisation, so meals are inexpensive, and it also provides food for people in need in the city. Most visitors spend an hour or two here, and it makes a good half-day outing paired with the Indian quarter in the centre.
When to go
Tours of the temple run daily, with a morning session and a second session from late afternoon into the evening, though the schedule published by the tourism directory has a typing error, so confirm the times by phone on 031 403 3328 before you travel. The entry fee and dress rules are not stated, so ask when you call. As a working temple it expects respectful behaviour, with modest clothing, shoes removed at the entrance and quiet voices. Photography rules inside vary, so ask before you take pictures.
Getting there
Chatsworth is well signposted from the N2 freeway and along Ambassador Road, and the temple is a short drive off the highway. Taxi or ride-hailing from the beachfront takes about half an hour depending on traffic, and a driver can wait or collect you for an arranged fee. Public transport is not a practical way to reach it, so organise a car, or choose a guided tour of the Indian heritage of Durban that includes it. Allow at least two hours so that you can walk the gardens and eat in the restaurant.
Making a day of it
Pair the temple with the Juma Masjid and Victoria Street Market in the city centre, for a day that traces the Indian heritage of Durban from the market to the mosque to the temple. Try the vegetarian restaurant for lunch, which serves Indian vegan dishes and fresh fruit juices.
Bring small notes for the restaurant and any donation, sunscreen and a hat for the gardens, and a bag for your shoes if you do not want to leave them at the door. It is a quiet, calm contrast to the beachfront, and it rewards visitors who want more than sand and sea.
Small practical points
Keep small notes for the restaurant and for any donation, wear shoes that are easy to remove and put on, and carry a scarf if you want to cover your shoulders. Inside the temple the atmosphere is calm and devotional, so switch your phone to silent and follow any signs about photography.
The gardens are pleasant for a short stroll after the tour, and the restaurant is a relaxed place to rest before the drive back. If you are curious about the philosophy behind the temple, ask the volunteers politely, since they are usually happy to explain.
What to expect
The experience
A visit to a working Hare Krishna temple with a lotus-shaped building, decorated interior, gardens and a vegetarian restaurant.
Best time
Check the tour times by phone first, and go in the morning or late afternoon rather than the middle of the day.
How long
One to two hours, longer if you eat at the restaurant.
Tips
Dress modestly, remove shoes at the entrance, ask about photography, phone ahead for entry and tour details and arrange a car for the return.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors interested in Hindu culture, architecture and vegetarian food.
- Families
- A calm, colourful outing for children who can behave respectfully inside a temple.
- Couples
- A quiet half-day with gardens and a simple vegetarian lunch.
- Pair with
- Juma Masjid and Victoria Street Market for a full Indian heritage day.
- Time needed
- Half a day including travel from the beachfront.
Good questions
Where is the Temple of Understanding?+
On Bhaktivedanta Swami Circle in Chatsworth, about twenty kilometres south of Durban city centre, signposted from the N2 and Ambassador Road.
What is it like inside?+
The building is shaped like a lotus, with marble floors, gold-tinted windows, brass ornaments, crystal chandeliers and colourful ceiling panels showing the life of Lord Krishna.
Can I eat there?+
Yes, there is a vegetarian restaurant serving Indian vegan dishes and fresh fruit juices, run by the non-profit Hare Krishna organisation.
Is there an entry fee?+
The fee and the dress rules are not published on the tourism page, so telephone 031 403 3328 before you go.
How do I get there?+
By car or ride-hailing. It is not practical by public transport, so arrange a driver who can wait or collect you.
