Shree Hindu Temple

Shree Hindu Temple and Community Centre holds a special place in Leicester's history as the city's first Hindu temple, established in 1969 under the leadership of Shyama Devi. Originally located at 47 Cromford Street in a converted corner shop, the temple became a vital spiritual anchor for the growing Hindu community, particularly for families arriving from East Africa during the 1970s. In 1996, the temple relocated to its current premises at 34 St Barnabas Road in North Evington, a former British Telecom exchange workshop purchased for £180,000 to accommodate the expanding congregation. The temple offers daily prayer services dedicated to various deities, with a particular focus on Lord Shiva worship including the Shiva Abhishekam ceremony performed on the Shiva Lingam. Devotees gather regularly to perform aartis, offer prasad, and participate in bhajans led by musicians and congregants. The temple celebrates all major Hindu festivals and provides a welcoming space for worship, with services held every day marking celebrations of different deities throughout the Hindu calendar. As a community centre, Shree Hindu Temple serves as more than just a place of worship for Leicester's Indian expat and Hindu communities. It provides essential spiritual, cultural, and social support, helping families maintain their religious traditions while integrating into British society. The temple played a crucial role in making Leicester an attractive destination for Hindu migrants, offering them immediate connection with their faith and community upon arrival in the United Kingdom.