On Sunday, 8th December, Prime Minister Boris Johnson made an impromptu visit to Bhaktivedanta Manor Krishna Temple near Watford. He was accompanied by Home Secretary Priti Patel, who herself went to school in Watford.
The Prime Minister was taken through the £10 million Sri Krishna Haveli, a multi-purpose community facility, which is nearing completion. During the ceremony, he was given a traditional welcome of Sanskrit mantra ceremony. Johnson was then led to the beautiful temple room inside the main mock-Tudor mansion building donated by the late Beatles George Harrison. After receiving a ceremonial blessing in front of the famous shrine, he said,
"I am inspired by the work of this Temple and the community here. It is not only a place of great spirituality of course, it attracts hundreds of thousands of people and the Manor brings all sorts of people together. It is wonderful to see this Haveli, which is almost complete."
The PM then vowed to return to the Temple when the centre formally opens. After the presentation of gifts and the Temple's famous sweets, the PM fed oxen from the Temple farm. Feeding cows or oxen is an auspicious activity in Hindu culture, where all animals are deeply respected.
“Bhaktivedanta Manor is place of worship and spiritual education,” explained Vinay Tanna, Head of Communications at the Temple. “Therefore is not affiliated with any particular political party. However we respect and honour all who want to visit here, at any time.”
