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First Hindu Mandir in Britain

The Radha Krishna Temple, Leicester is the first documented place of Hindu worship in Britain.

The Leicester Mercury reported on the procession and installation of the Radha Krishna murti at the temple as follows:

“HINDUS’ RADHA KRISHNA COMES TO LEICESTER

The first time that the idol, Radha Krishna, signifying a Hindu god and goddess, has been brought out of India was celebrated yesterday in Leicester – the new home of the £200 effigy.

Five hundred Indians of the Hindu religion walked from their temple in Cromford Street through Melbourne Road, Berners Street and Chatsworth Street with the idol.

The six foot high idol, constructed of eight metals, was borne on the back of a car driven by an Indian who had flown specially from Zambia to be present.

By the side of Radha Krishna was a priestess, Shyama Mataji who accompanied Radha Krishna from India.

The procession was led by singing men, who were accompanied by drums, small bells and a highly-coloured sitar – a kind of Indian guitar.

Behind them came beautifully turned-out girls in their native saris, followed by the car carrying Radha Krishna. Behind this came the elder women, chanting a religious prayer.

Mr. K. M. Patel general secretary of the Leicester temple– Radha Krishna Bhakti Shyama Ashram — said that the cost of bringing the idol to Leicester had been borne by one man, Mr. R. L. Patel, who was anxious that Leicester Hindus should see Radha Krishna. ‘It is an integral part of our religion,’ he explained, ‘and very important to us.'”

Source: ‘Hindus’ Radha Krishna Comes to Leicester’, Leicester Mercury, 21 July 1969, p. 13

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