Masonic Hall transformed into Hindu temple in England

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Correspondent

23 April, 2011

Hull and East Riding Hindu Cultural Association purchased this majestic building and transformed it into a Hindu temple, which is now a focal point for religious and social activities for the community.

FORMER CENTRAL Masonic Hall in Hull (England, UK) is a Hindu temple and cultural centre now.

Before the setting up of this temple, Hindus in North and North-East Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire either had to travel to Bradford or Birmingham or gather at various halls for religious needs. Religious activities including pujas, bhajans, weekly prasad-bhojans, musical and dance performances, yoga workshops and social gatherings are now held there.

This Association, formed in 1993, is a registered charity with Charity Commission for England and Wales and celebrates Holi, Diwali, Janmashtami, and Saraswati puja annually besides weekly pujas. Its aims include to “promote an understanding of Indian and Hindu culture” and to “educate children and adults into the principles and practices of Hindu culture”. Tapan K. Mahapatra is the association's chairperson, Dr. Hiten Thakkar and Jagdish Gandhi are vice chairpersons, while Dr. Rajiv Chitnis is the secretary.

Meanwhile, distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, applauded efforts of association leaders of Hull and surrounding areas to realise this wonderful Hindu Temple and Cultural Centre.

Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, further said that it was important to pass on Hindu spirituality, concepts and traditions to coming generations amidst so many distractions in the consumerist society and hoped that this new temple complex would focus in this direction. Zed stressed that instead of running after materialism, we should focus on inner search and realisation of self and work towards achieving moksh (liberation), which was the goal of Hinduism.

Freemasonry, with worldwide membership of about six million, is a fraternal organization with history dating back to 16th century. Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents.