GO TO SOURCE


BRADFORD, ENGLAND, April 20, 2002: More than 1,000 people congregated in Bradford for ceremonial prayers at the construction site where a US$4.4 million Hindu temple is to be built. Among the number were priests of the Ganges shrine of Haridwar, who flew to Britain to bless the foundation stone of one of Britain’s biggest and most unique temples. A monumental fundraising effort has secured half the total cost of the temple in just one month. Dayal Sharma, president of the Hindu Cultural Society of Bradford, says he is overwhelmed by the extreme generosity of the Hindu community in raising the money. The speed with which the donations were collected was attributed to a rebirth in interest in religion in the area. Mr Sharma said: “We are witnessing youngsters beginning to take a greater part in activities of the temple as well as the Hindu ceremonies and festivals. An increasing number of the Hindu population are reinforcing their faith.” The new Leeds Road-based temple, which will house an exhibition center, conference and sporting facilities, is set to be one of the largest in the country when it is completed in 2004.

Post Views: 497