New Preston Hindu Temple Reflection ( Nov 7th And 8th 2015)

Nov, 10 2015

~Many places in Preston have closed down due to government cuts and lack of funding. For example the popular music store ‘Andy’s Records’ went some time ago. Film outlet store ‘Blockbuster’ also closed and in recent years we’ve seen high street favourite ‘Woolworths’ go for the same reasons.

When it comes to faith based buildings though they serve as bridge to worship God and a source of life and meaning.

Six years ago a Hindu temple in Preston was badly damaged in a storm. With tremendous help from the local community and an excess of £1 million to refurbish it, it has now been restored and was celebrated by it’s official opening last weekend ( 7th and 8th November 2015)

The Preston Mandir Mahotsav is based at Gerrard Street off Bow Lane and it was greeted with much euphoria and joy with a procession on Saturday which initiated a two day fasting period for the Hindu people. In the evening the Harrington building ( UCLAN) was home to further events and then the 53 degrees venue took residence for a major party that continued well into the night.

Speaking prior to the events taking place last weekend, BBC Radio Lancashire DJ Neetal Parekh had the following to say on her enthusiasm that the temple is restored and returning for the Hindu population,

“We’re so excited to have the temple back open for the community.
It’s going to be a real celebration of our faith and traditions, but it is open to all to enjoy.”

And enjoy they did as people flocked in thousands to see the official opening. The following day ( Sunday November 8th ) the temple was reconsecrated with dignitaries from Preston City Council, UCLAN and Lancashire Police.

More than a million members across the world are proud to be part of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha which is run by the temple. These volunteers help  individuals, families and communities in five distinct areas :-

1. Community empowerment.
2. Educational Services.
3. Environmental Protection and Preservation
4. Health and wellness
And 5. Humanitarian Relief.

Neetal concludes with these life affirming words of wisdom,

“Taken together, these initiatives empower individuals to volunteer their time and resources to create a better community, nation and world.”

The Hindu community in Preston are now positively enriched because of the opening of the new temple. Their lives are blessed because of their worship to and from God and they regularly attend their temple to pray and associate freely together.