Grahamstown is known for its tall cathedrals and church clock towers that are practically visible from anywhere you find yourself in the city. But very few know about the Hindu temple (mandir) in Kettlewell Street.
Grahamstown is known for its tall cathedrals and church clock towers that are practically visible from anywhere you find yourself in the city. But very few know about the Hindu temple (mandir) in Kettlewell Street.
Last Thursday, 35 members of the University of the Third Age (U3A), an organisation for retired folks, listened in on an informative lecture by Jasu Ranchhod. Ranchhod, a Gujarati teacher, has been a member of the Hindu congregation for 40 years.
She discussed the historical beginnings of the Mandir and traditions during the holy month.
The “long and hard struggle” of the women's organisation, Grahamstown Mahila Mandal, paid off when the temple was officially opened on 28 August 1994. “The late Mrs Yasodabhen Harjevebhai Daya, then chairlady, was especially an inspiration,” she said. “In search for the eternal, the real source of truth and joy led to the construction in 1934 of a community hall in Queen Street.”
At the time the Indian community consisted of just over 200 members and the hall served as a place for social functions, meetings, religious festivals and most important a place of worship. But the government demolished the hall in 1983 after it was declared a frozen zone under the Group Areas Act and Urban Renewal legislation.
Today, the striking temple stands firmly.
In the midst of a religious month and celebrations of Krishna’s birthday just finishing up, an aroma that's a mixture of incense and freshly picked flowers fills the interior. The centre of the room, below an arch, exhibits an arrangement of Hindu deities.
“Deities aren’t merely images. Deities form an integral part of any temple and are made according to explicit details and instructions found in the Vedic text, Shilpa Shastras,” Ranchhod said. “Today, it's science versus religion and it's hard convince the young ones. But it’s our religion and we have to carry it out.”
But if mainstream events are anything to go by, it seems the interest of the “young ones” in tradition is certainly there, albeit subliminally.
Many contemporary events have been inspired by Hindu festivals. The Colour Run, held last weekend in Port Elizabeth, is an example and was inspired by Holi, the Indian harvest festival of powder. Diwali, the festival of light in November has also enjoyed widespread celebration.
“It is refreshing to know that people open themselves up to our festivals. Each religion has its ‘good’. In the end, you take from it [religion]what works to your benefit,“ she said.
A special celebration
The Hindu religious festival of Krishna Janmashtami was celebrated last Wednesday, 28 August. According to Calendarlabs.com, Krishna, born around 5 200 years ago, is considered one of the most powerful human incarnations of deity Lord Vishnu.
"The sole objective of Sri Krishna's birth was to free the Earth from the evilness of demons. He played an important role in Mahabharata and propagated the theory of bhakti and good karma which are narrated deeply in the Bhagwat Geeta. On this day temples and homes are wonderfully decorated and illuminated. Night long prayers are offered and religious mantras are sung in the temples." (www.calendarlabs.com)
