DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA, January 19, 2025 (Times Now News): The over 150-year-old first Hindu temple and a national monument in South Africa’s Durban, the Umbilo Shree Ambalavaanar Alayam, has said it runs a risk of discontinued civic services owing to a pending bill amid allegations of fraud. Umbilo Shree Ambalavaanar Alayam, the oldest Hindu temple in South Africa, was established by indentured laborers who arrived in Durban in 1860 from India. It was declared a National Heritage Site in 1980 by the apartheid-era National Monuments Council. It is also known as the Cato Manor Second River Temple and is situated on a hill amongst lush vegetation in Cato Manor. The temple complex is home to three Deities – the first temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is known as Ambalavaanar, the second in honor of the mother is known as Sri Draupadi Alayam and the third is the Phutu (Phutuvan) Temple. Over the years, the temple has been known as the temple that refused to die because of the many challenges it faced, according to The Harmonist.

The temple authorities have announced they will initiate a forensic audit, and the South African Hindu Maha Sabha (SAHMS) called on the community to save the 151-year-old Umbilo Shree Ambalavaanar Alayam. The dire financial condition of the place of worship came to light after the temple authorities posted a notice on its Facebook page last week making the allegations without naming any of the officials involved. It is also reported to be struggling to maintain the temple after allegations that donations and other funds were diverted to private bank accounts rather than the temple account, according to PTI. “The reality of the situation is that the Alayam currently has an outstanding account with the Thekwini Municipality at approximately US$30,446, which is as a result of poor management and mishandling of funds within the non-profit organisation.

https://www.timesnownews.com/world/south-africas-oldest-hindu-temple-umbilo-shree-ambalavaanar-alayam-battling-fraud-allegations-faces-pending-civic-bills-article-153469764

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