Bid to save temple
THE Shirdi Sai Baba South Africa NPC will host a clean-up campaign at the Shri Chatoorjoogi Ram Mandir temple in Sawoti, Umzinto, as part of its mission to save the 93-year-old religious site.
Rakesh Maharaj, the organisation’s chief executive, said it would take place on November 4 and 5, from 8am to 4pm.
“This clean-up is to prepare the site for restoration after many years of neglect and vandalism. The vision is to restore the temple to its former glory and revive a spiritual space for the people of the area, KZN and across the country.”
He said the project was of a spiritual nature and it would require devotion and dedication to restore the temple.
“The purpose is also to honour the vision of the Chowthee family, who built this establishment for the benefit of the community. They built the temple in 1930 for the benefit of the farm labourers.
“In 1938, they built a school with 10 classrooms on the same property also for the benefit of the local community and children of the farm labourers.
“The property boasts a 100-year-old peepal tree, which is sacred to Hindus worldwide.
“The Sawoti area had a thriving farming community in the early 1900s and many of them either worshipped at the Shri Chatoorjoogi Ram Mandir or
their children attended the school. The general public is invited to the clean-up and it is open to all, irrespective of their faith or religion.”
Maharaj explained the vision for the site: “The restoration process will be done in two phases and will require funds and expertise. We want to eventually create a spiritual retreat in the tranquil and serene setting of Sawoti.”
He said those attending should be mindful of the following:
Wear proper shoes.
Bring gloves and goggles and simple gardening equipment such as rakes, spades, slashers and snippers. Since there is no electricity on site, the team hopes to source petroloperated brush cutters, chainsaws and other cutting equipment. Lunch, water and snacks will be served.
RSVP is essential for catering and logistics.