TEMPLE OF UNDERSTANDING

The Hare Krishna Temple of Understanding is worth the 30 km detour from the centre of Durban. It takes a vehicle, a detailed map and a minimum of sense of direction to find your way, first via the N2 South Coast Highway, then taking the Higginson Highway at the Mobeni/Chatsworth interchange, to Chatsworth Centre about 8 km away. Chatsworth, named after the Duke of Devonshire's family estate, was established in 1957 in the midst of apartheid as a place of residence for Indians. A visit is recommended on Saturdays when the shops are busy.

The Sri-Sri Radha-Radhanath Temple belongs to the International Society for Krishna Conciousness. Upon arrival, regardless of your faith, you will be greeted by a guide with a perpetual smile on his or her face.

You will be shown the magnificent prayer hall made of Carrara marble and gold, decorated with representations of Krishna's life. When he was a child, Krishna used to steal butter, your guide may tell you. The believers, in a state of "understanding", come to lie on their stomachs on the cold marble. The experience is astonishing: one seeks to convince visitors, not by knocking them out with divine truths, but by giving them a feeling of freedom and great fulfilment. The Krishna singing sessions, open to all, take place in the middle of the night, at 4.30 in the morning. Cheer up! Vegetarian food is also available at the Govinda restaurant under the temple.