The Project

Of all the major faiths of the World Hinduism is the only one not to have a place for Communal Worship in Oxfordshire. In the 2001 UK Census Oxfordshire had ~1843 people who had declared themselves as Hindus; a number similar in size to people of the Jewish faith. There are 2 operating synagogues in Oxford BUT no Hindu Temple.
While young Hindus have wholeheartedly adopted the British way of life and culture they still fill something lacking in their lives. This lack relates to not having full exposure to the Hindu religion and culture which their parents accepted and practised as part of their life. Their need to inculcate religious belief and culture among their children is even greater.
The older generation of Hindus also find it more and more difficult to go long distances – London, Birmingham etc..- to visit a temple for worship at various times in their lives.
A Community Centre would provide a central meeting place – luncheon clubs for the older generation and indoor activity for the younger ones.

The Team

With these needs in mind, a group of Hindus, elderly and young, have got together with the prime aim of achieving a dedicated Hindu temple in Oxfordshire. The group has drafted a “Terms of Reference” document to guide their activities until an elected Committee is formed with a written constitution.. A set of sub-groups have been set-up to address various aspects of the Project.

Current Activities

We, the group, have initiated a series of monthly Communal Prayer Sessions – the 1st of these was held in September 2008. It was well supported by members of the Hindu Community and the idea of building a Hindu Temple in the County well received. Extensive local media coverage should, we hope, ensure continuing support for the Project.

Immediate Aims

By the end of 2008 we aim to:

• Compile a list of all Hindu families in the County
• Call a general meeting of the Community in the New Year to elect a Committee
• Hand-over to an Elected Committee
  • a vibrant programme of Monthly Communal Prayers
  • a well-prepared plan to launch a Temple Fund
  • a Draft Constitution and
  • a Draft Architectural Plan for a Mandir and Community Centre.