India Post News Service
CHICAGO: The Planning Committee of Oldham Council in England has unanimously approved an application of Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Bhuj for constructing a temple in Oldham, according to temple sources here.
This proposed landmark building will include a prayer hall, multi-function hall, teaching and ancillary spaces, landscaped gardens, a central courtyard, accommodation for visiting swamis, priest’s quarter, and parking. This over 0.5-hectare site used to be a maintenance depot.
The temple roof, according to sources here,will feature three decorative domes and the main entrance to the center of the temple will be ornate with a decorative arch and columns. It will offer facilities for both worship and associated community events, including teaching, and flexible, multi-function community spaces.
It will be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily and there will be separate entrances for males and females into their respective sections of the prayer hall, is learnt.
It will replace the existing Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Oldham, which was launched October 22, 1977.
Swaminarayan devoteesand the President of Universal Society of Hinduism, Rajan Zed, commended efforts of the temple team in Oldham and the community in that area towards realizing this temple complex.
Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Bhuj is a socio-spiritual Hindu organization with its roots in the Vedas and Upanishads. It was revealed and established by Bhagwan Swaminarayan in India in the late 18th century. It has over 2,200 temples and centers worldwide with over a million followers, who take five vows which include abstaining from alcohol and intoxicating drugs, meat, adultery, stealing, and consuming food and drinks from improper sources.
Ginny Alexander and Carolyn Wilkins are Mayor and Chief Executive respectively of Oldham, while Sean Fielding is Leader of Oldham Council and Peter Dean is Chair of its Planning Committee.