The Isipingo Dharam Mandir celebrated its 2nd Akhand Hanuman Chalisa on 25th May 2014 at the temple in Isipingo. The President of the Temple Society, Neelien Ramchand went to great lengths to explain the reason for this celebration. This event comprised of the recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa, 108 times. Various satsang groups from the Durban area were programmed to perform the Hanuman Chalisa during this marathon recital. The recitation started at 6 am and ended at 6 pm.
The day’s proceedings commenced with prayer at 4-30 am. Neelien said that the Akhand Hanuman Chalisa was a thanksgiving prayer to the Supreme Being in the form of Lord Hanuman to acknowledge our existence and give thanks to what we have in this world. Pundith Suman Singh was the officiating priest who invited Indian Times to cover this colourful event. Pundith Singh says, “We are all servants of the Lord and our existence is by the grace of the Lord”.
The origins of the temple started in 1963 when the community of Malakazi got together to start this organisation. It had very humble beginnings and has grown over the years. It currently has about 120 members of the temple society. However, during the major festivals and celebrations, hundreds of people from far and wide gather at the temple to offer prayers and pay homage to the Lord.
The growth of temple in the past few years has led to the need of a cultural centre in the community. However, like most non-governmental organisations, the temple faces financial challenges. Funds are being sought to complete the cultural centre, a project which has come to a halt pending the raising of enough funds to commence.
The estimated costs of the superstructure for the cultural centre is R150 000 – this is the minimum required to take this venture to the next level. The community has been a strong supporter of this temple. As can be seen, it is the temple building is an imposing structure. It is hoped that the cultural centre will be equally
Again, like most, the temple has been the victim of crime. Thieves have broken into the temple, stolen carpets, chairs, geysers, steel frames totalling losses of more than R50000. Whilst the temple has enjoyed the support and protection of the SAPS, the incidence of crime in the area has reached worrisome proportions.
Interested persons, residents and donors can contribute to the building of this temple by contacting the President atneelien.ramchand@alhpapharm.co.za.