Shree Kutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple (East London)

Overview

Shree Kutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple (East London) is a prominent Hindu community and place of worship located in the London Borough of Newham, East London. The temple is part of the Narnarayan Dev Gadi and is affiliated with Shree Swaminarayan Temple Bhuj, India. It was established by a group of devoted Swaminarayan followers from Kutch, Gujarat, who migrated to the UK.

History

The temple was formally registered as a UK charity in 1986. Initially, the community conducted house-to-house devotion, gradually expanding to larger venues for significant festivals such as Ramanavami, Janmashtami, and Diwali. The main temple building was completed in 2002, with facilities including a seminar hall, library, and separate kitchen and dining area a few doors away.

Mission and Activities

The temple's mission is dual-faceted: it aims to promote the teachings of Lord Swaminarayan as embodied in scriptures like the 'Shikshapatri' and 'Vachnamrut', and to engage in selfless service (Seva). The charity constitution outlines objectives to relieve the aged, poor, sick, and disabled among the community. The temple hosts various cultural, educational, and charitable activities through several groups:

• Gujarati School (Sahajanand School): Provides Gujarati language and cultural education.
• Youth Group (Swaminarayan Yuvak Mandal): Organizes fundraising events and promotes community service.
• Band/Lazium Team and Bhajan Team: Perform devotional music and dances during religious gatherings.

Community Engagement

The temple is a focal point for the local Hindu community, offering daily aarti and other religious services. It also hosts seminars and gatherings on the upper floor of the main temple building. The youth wing, Yuvak Mandal, plays a crucial role in organizing fundraising charity events, embodying the principle of Seva (selfless service) that is central to the temple's mission.

Affiliations and Governance

The Shree Kutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple is a registered charity (number 295655) governed by a democratically elected Trustee Board and Committee. This governance structure ensures transparency and accountability in managing temple affairs and charitable activities.