Temple matters need wise counsel

THE Editor’s View “Saving historic temple a wise decision” (POST, April 11-15) with regard to the historic 103-year-old Shri Luxmi Narayan Temple remaining open is great news to hear.

The temple’s premises and hall, a landmark of Mobeni Heights, will not be sold. Special thanks must go to Habi and Anil Singh, and members of the concerned persons group in saving the temple.

The temple has a lot of history. During apartheid it was forced to move and saving this temple would make our ancestors proud.

Many of our elders toiled selflessly to provide our community with places of worship and if we cannot maintain and look after what they have left us, then this is a serious indictment on us as a community.

Ashwin Trikamjee, the president of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha, and his efforts must also be mentioned and, perhaps now that they have taken this positive step, the Sabha must keep the momentum going and help many other temples in dire need of help.

In the same edition, the story “Devotees in angry temple showdown” was published about a religious institution and infighting among members at a Chatsworth temple.

The matter is now with the High Court. This is an absolute shame.

Temples today have sadly become a battleground of egos. People need to remember the temple is a public institution and humility is a core value.

It is pleasing to note that the parties have consulted with the Devasthanam Foundation and it is my prayer that an amicable solution can be reached.

If there is no solution, I suggest some of the elders in our community, the likes of Yogin Devan, Morgan Nadasen, Mickey Chetty, Bob Pillay and many others, help resolve the situation as quickly as possible

The Thirukkural very appropriately says: “Nothing is impossible to those who act after wise counsel and careful thought.”

DHAYALAN MOODLEY Mobeni Heights