OXFORD, ENGLAND, August 3, 2008: Oxford could soon have a Hindu temple to add to its churches, mosques and synagogue. Leaders of Oxfordshire’s 500-strong Hindu community have launched a campaign to construct a US$3.9 million, 12,000 square foot temple in the city as they currently have no base for communal prayer. Temple project initiator Jagruti Bhuva, 44, from Kennington, said: “A temple would help unite the community and be a good way to get everyone together and celebrate. “Some elderly Hindus don’t have much of a social life and this would give them a place to meet up together and give a big boost in their daily lives.
Although no formal survey has been done, it is believed a large proportion of Oxford’s 300 Hindus live in Headington. The temple would be open about four hours a day, seven days a week for prayer and use as a community centre. Headington Action Group chairman James Bloice Smith said: “The Hindu community deserve the right to have their religious beliefs served and I would defend that. To find out more about the temple plans visit www.oxfordhindutempleproject.org