HINDU TEMPLE TAKES SHAPE

This article is published in today's Leicester Mercury:

Hindu temple takes shape

A Hindu temple that will be one of the biggest in the Midlands is taking shape.

The Baps Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, on the corner of Catherine Street and Gypsy Lane, in Belgrave, Leicester, features details typical of temple architecture in northern India.

Its three sikhar towers – literally translated as "mountain peaks" – already provide an impressive landmark on the city skyline, according to neighbours.

Danielle Hunting, 23, of Gipsy Lane, who works in The Crusty Cob Shop opposite the temple, said: "I can't believe how quickly it's come together.

"It looks lovely. It certainly makes a better view out of the shop window than an old factory.

"It's quite exotic, like a little piece of India here in Leicester."

The £1 million project is being funded by members of the Hindu community under the guidance of Baps Swaminarayan Sanstha UK – a national charitable organisation.

Sanjiv Patel, the project's spokesman, said: "Work on the mandir has been gaining momentum over the past couple of months, with the transformation of the exterior clear for all to see.

"However, there is still a lot of work to be done and our focus is on getting it complete as soon as possible.

"It will be a Baps Shri Swaminarayan Mandir and community centre and we are hoping to be open sometime in the autumn.

"Primarily, it will be a place of worship but in addition there will be activities for people of all ages, from sports to drama, music lessons to the teaching of Gujarati.

"When the temple opens we intend to organise a big open day so everyone can have a look." Planning permission to transform a former industrial site was granted by Leicester City Council in 2008.

Money for the building has come from donations and fund-raising, including a women's 500-mile cyclathon in Abbey Park and Indian cooking events.

Much of the building work has being carried out by volunteers.

Mr Patel said the temple would eventually replace the Baps Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in St James Street, off Humberstone Gate, which he said the congregation had outgrown.

He said: "For many years we have held our Diwali celebrations at Soar Valley College but in the future we will be able to hold them here.

"The idea was also to bring a bit of life back to Belgrave and help regenerate the area.

"When completed, it will be a very proud achievement for everyone involved and a tremendously positive development for Leicester as a whole."

Keith Vaz, MP for Leicester East, said: "I welcome the building of one of the biggest temples in the East Midlands in Belgrave.

"The provision of a community centre will ensure that people benefit and provide space for them to come together.

"It cements Leicester East's reputation as a beacon for community cohesion, development and diversity."

In the photo above: Sanjiv Patel outside the temple under construction.