PORT ELIZABETH, SOUTH AFRICA, December 16, 2008: Much to the dismay of the Hindu community in Port Elizabeth, local judge Bonisile Sandi has ordered the Provincial Heritage Resources Authority (PHRA) to issue a permit to build a several-story building right next to its tiny neighbor, the Shri Subramanier Aulayam Hindu Temple.
Congregants are concerned that excavations could disturb the stability of the temple, a national monument. They also say that an office block would also destroy the serenity of ceremonies in the temple grounds. In Hinduism, they explained, even the Sun is worshiped during the daily service, and the building would block out its light.