About Gita Bhavan Hindu Temple

Building a temple is paradigmatic and ethical act. It is believed to be equivalent of offering sacrifice - an act which makes one truly pious.
The Hindu community of Manchester has performed this pious act by building the temple under the guidance of the four trustees of Gita Bhanvan.

The population of the Hindu community has increased during the last decade and it was felt there was a great need of community hall and a worshipping place, so that the young generation should understand its cultural and religious background. Gita Bhavan was only a vision seen by just a few foresighted Hindus.
The Manchester Hindu Cultural Society started with five families in 1978, meeting once a month in a church hall.
The present site was bought in 1987, the vendor sold it with the impression that a part of his property had to be demolished for it was infected with dry rot, the broken windows and the leaking roof. Manchester city council helped us to restore the building to it's present standard with a substantial grant. The whole Hindu community of Manchester is highly indebted to the council for its kind gesture. A lot of alterations were made to this hall to make it into a temple.

The assistance and aid given by many has turned that vision into a reality. The temple has been built by very practical people for very practical purposes.

Gita Bhavan is not only a place for worship of the divine deities but it has become a centre of cutural and religiuos activities. It has created a sense of dignity amongst the Hindu population.

It has been quite rightly remarked by one of the visitors: "This temple will be a jewel in the crown of Manchester City".

Holy gurus and religious preachers are willing to visit Gita Bhavan because they enjoy the hospitality of the community. Their preaching has brought a new awakening amongst the community, but a lot more needs to be done to create interest amongst the younger generation born in this country who have very little knowledge of our Hindu culture and heritage. The parents should encourage the children to make use of the facilities and opportunities available at the centre, otherwise the time will come when this children will be alienated from their own culture.

By building this temple, the Hindu community of Manchester has fulfilled the time honoured duty of passing on their heritage to the coming generation. In the north of England, this temple is a unique feature depicting Hindu culture and religion.

based on Gita Bhavan Hindu Temple Souvenir Issue 1994