The Greenwood Park Shree Ranganathar Temple board is appealing to the community to rally behind their cause to restore and refurbish the iconic temple which has served the Hindu community of Greenwood Park and Durban North for over a century.
Kumeran Pillay, Treasurer of the Temple, said: “Our ceiling is now breaking up and has got gaps, we have trusses that have been weakened due to wood-borer infestation, asbestos roofing holding down hooks corroded away and sheeting are coming loose. We also are in dire need of painting the front end of the temple and around, the Mandabam dome and boundary.”
According to Pillay the total cost to repair and refurbish the establishment amounts to R900 000. As the Temple is a religious institution with no stream of income, the board is relying on the generosity of devotees and community members to join hands to make the initiative a success.
The Temple was established in 1903, and celebrates 120 years of establishment this September. Building a foundation of humble beginnings, the first structure was made of wood and iron which stood steadfast until 1959 when the extension of the temple took place. Since then there has been no maintenance towards the building for the past 64 years.
The chairperson of the Temple, Nadarajan (Nad) Pillay said that during major festivals, there is an influx of over 500 devotees who attend the festivities and during smaller services the establishment sees around 100 devotees each time.
“We pride ourselves and strive to work the social, educational and religious welfare of Indians and our culture, encourage and improve the study of vernacular projects and give back with outreach during Diwali and Tamil new year. Our community is honoured to have such a cultural institution with so much of heritage and we appeal to the community to assist us with sponsorship in trying to maintain and uphold our religious and cultural beliefs,” he added.
For more information on how to get involved contact srts377@gmail.com or call 031 563 3232.
