Once a pub in England to turn temple

Former pub in Acle in Norfolk county of East England is poised to become a Hindu temple.

According to reports, official permission is being sought to convert this former pub into a Hindu temple and an offer has been submitted to the Broads Authority, the agency responsible for the Broads where the site is located. Building will be remodeled for usage as a Hindu temple and to give it a Hindu appearance.

Between Norwich and Great Yarmouth, this proposed temple building is one of the most distinctive locations in the area. Originally a popular pub called the “Stracey Arms”, it became “Three Feathers”, then converting to an American-style bar and grill diner “Pontiac Roadhouse”, and later becoming a Chinese takeaway and then a Spanish restaurant “Embrujo”, reports suggest.

Meanwhile, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, commended efforts of temple leaders and area community for efforts to realize this Hindu temple complex.

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 would help in this direction. Zed stressed that instead of running after materialism; we should focus on inner search and realization of Self and work towards achieving moksh (liberation), which was the goal of Hinduism.

Besides the sanctuary for worship, prayers and rituals; this proposed temple would also serve as meeting venue for the area Hindus; hold various functions and festivals; organize yoga and meditation classes, workshops, havans, activities for children and seniors, community events, cultural and educational activities; raise a multi-purpose library; etc.; per reports.

Vedic Cultural society of East Anglia has been formed for this purpose, which is working towards its registration as a charity. Dr. Devender Khorana is one of the leaders of this temple move. Area Hindus have been reportedly meeting at Roman Catholic Parish of St Mary in Great Yarmouth for the last about 14 years.

Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents.