Hindu Temple 'Feeling the Pinch'

September 18, 2009

Author: Staff Writer

Source: BBC News

http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/hampshire/hi/people_and_places/religion_and_ethics/newsid_8263000/8263258.stm

The Vedic Society Hindu Temple in Southampton was the first of its kind in the UK to be built entirely from scratch, and this year it has marked 25 years in the city.

A group of people came to Southampton in the 80s and wanted to create a centre for Hindus. Avinas Patel, Chairman of the Trustees, says: "It seemed an impossible mission for these immigrants at the time, so it has been a great achievement."

Since it was built, they have added a hall to the centre and hosted hundreds of weddings and religious functions.

There are two daily prayer sessions and worshippers come from across the South to join them - especially on Sunday when they have a free lunch hosted by a different family each week, which is attended by around 150 people.

But the temple has not escaped the current economic situation.