Ireland's 1st Hindu temple inaugurated in country's capital Dublin after decades-long wait

In a historic moment for the Hindu community living in the Republic of Ireland, the first religious temple has been officially opened in the suburb of the capital Dublin. The temple is located in Walkinstown, six kilometres south-west of Dublin city centre, and it is the first of its kind for the Hindus of Ireland. The Hindu community in the north-western European country had long wished for a communal praying centre as they had none and would often have to rely on temporary locations such as town halls and other centres to hold religious events. 

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Temple inauguration

According to reports, the temple named Sarv Sampradaya Hindu Temple and Cultural Centre was inaugurated on the auspicious day of Ganesh Chaturthi on August 22. Only a limited number of guests were allowed for the opening ceremony keeping in mind the COVID-19 restrictions. The temple has been established by the Vedic Hindu Cultural centre Ireland (VHCCI), which propagates the teachings of Sanatan Dharma in the Western country. Apart from being a place of worship for an estimated 25,000-strong Irish-Hindu community, the temple will also hold other activities such as yoga classes, language and Vedic classes, music and dance workshops, etcetera. 

“It is a proud moment for us as an Indian community that we now have a Hindu temple to perform our religious rituals in a land away from home” said Ravinandan Pratap Singh, who lives in Dublin.

Nearly after two decades, with the consistent efforts of Suddhansh Verma, Director of Vedic Hindu Cultural Centre, Ireland (VHCCI) and his team, their 'dream of having a Hindu temple in Republic of Ireland has finally turned into reality'.

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Media reports suggest that the temple, in future, will also provide free food for the poor and homeless through its kitchen in association with charities and other groups. According to reports, the temple is open for visits by the general public but for that people will have to pre-book via the web portal of VHCCI, which is part of the precautionary measures being taken due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. One of the persons behind the constructions of the first Hindu temple in Ireland, while talking to the press said that they expect 8,000-10,000 people visit the place by the end of the year. 

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(Image Credit: @IndiainIreland/Twitter)