Hindu community searches for site for first-ever temple in Bath
The hunt is on to find a suitable location for Bath’s first Hindu temple.
The B&NES Faith Forum is launching a campaign to open the city’s first ever temple following years of requests from Bath’s Hindu community.
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Diwali celebrations
There are estimated to be 400 followers of the religion in the Bath area but members have had to hold events and festivals in back gardens and homes because of a lack of a venue. Last November a celebration to mark Diwali, the Indian festival of light, was held at Bath City Football Club at Twerton.
Bath resident and member of the Faith Forum, Ashish Rajhansha, said it was time Hindus in the city had their own place of worship.
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He said: “For a long time, we have travelled to the temple in Bristol, which is the only one of its kind in the region. With a growing population, and the increasing desire for diverse faith activities across the country, we are keen for our home city to have its own Hindu temple.
“We have been very grateful for the interest and support we have received at our events in the past, and now want to provide a chance for even more people to find out about Hindu culture and belief.”
His wife, Susmita, also sits on the forum, added: “A temple for a Hindu is just like a church for a Christian. It provides a central focus, belonging and grounding in the community.
“The specifications for a temple are very basic. It’s a place to worship God and carry out rituals – just like in a church. Once the temple has been set up, it must remain a temple until it is no longer required to be one.”
Councillor Nathan Hartley (Lib Dem, Peasedown), who is B&NES Council’s representative on the forum, is giving the search for a suitable venue his support.
Mr Hartley said: “Bath and north east Somerset, just like the rest of the UK, is multi-faith and is home to people from a variety of backgrounds. It’s for this reason that we should do everything we can to promote religious and cultural freedom.
“Christians and Muslims have opportunities for collective worship, we now need to open this up for our Hindu friends.
“I’ve come to make some great friends in the local Hindu community, and am determined to find a building for a new temple.”
5 Comments
by MoeXXX
Saturday, March 02 2013, 10:55PM
“Imp-Act, there are no 'true' religions - the very idea relies on faith in something for which there is no evidence. You will never get an answer, because there aren't any.
But I don't see that as a valid objection to a Hindu temple in Bath. There's a huge area of prime real estate dedicated to people who like rugby, loads and loads of buildings give over to people who to eat and drink, and even a museum for people who like to look at old clothes. Why shouldn't people who like hinduism have their own building?”
by wheelie_bin
Saturday, March 02 2013, 7:06AM
“There is only one true religion, Imp-Act.
http://tinyurl.com/9tvwf
(my turn for the red arrows)”
by Imp-Act
Friday, March 01 2013, 10:42PM
“Question:- Anyone out there know just how many religions (world wide) there are?
Qusetion:- Out of all of them which one is the 'right' one?
Question:- WHY is there such a thing as religion?
I have asked the the third question many times and to date have NOT had an answer that makes ANY SENSE so I just put it down to this... "FEAR of DEATH" made mankind think that there MUST be more to this itsy-bitsy life and I MUST go on living AGAIN because I am to important to just 'up and away like a f^rt in the wind! All religions to me are just man made war 'machines' that have/still do cause death , pain and suffering and has done so since some lil' scaredy cat way, way back realised he's gotta die and so 'made up' in his 'mind' that there IS some place eles to go besides a hole in the ground! Now the pope has stepped down because the catholic god 'spoke' to him! What does the C of E god say to HRH? Do the Hindu god/s/ cows or what ever speak to their leaders?
The last thing we need in Bath is yet 'another' religious building! It WILL just lead to MORE trouble ahead just as it is doing right now in INDIA/PAKISTAN/BANGLADESH because there are other religions that just do not like Hindu's and they blow each other up. Every country that religions are carried to (like hand luggage) has suffered by it! ANY of the above NOT true?
OK! I get red arrows BUT how about some answers if YOU are so smart!”
by FredofoffBath
Friday, March 01 2013, 7:45PM
“1/10 imp act, too obvious”
by Imp-Act
Friday, March 01 2013, 4:13PM
“The Bath Abbey would be a great place to worship after all it was built for a god and according to all religions the gods live 'UP THERE' (or 'OUT THERE' as it should be) some place or just in peoples minds. So WHY not share and all play nice together in showing all the gods just how well you all get along! I'm sure all the gods would be over the moon or rainbow or just pleased!
After all most Brits just love to go to the Indian restaurants and share and break bread and drink wine... What's the differents? Jesus was just sitting at the dinner table with his mates breaking bread and swilling wine and NOT in a church!”