The Temple In a Tiny Bedroom

May 12, 2010

Author: Catrin Nye

Source: BBC News

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8668205.stm

Hindus are currently marking the holy month of Adhik Maas and for many in Britain, the seaside getaway of Clacton-on-Sea has become an unlikely focal point.

It may not quite be on the banks of the Ganges, but the beach location of the Essex town and its own tiny temple have combined to help turn it into a venue that up to 700 Hindus from the UK will flock to during the month.

Adhik Maas, also known as Purushottam Maas, runs between 15 April and 14 May. It is an extra month that occurs every three years in the traditional Hindu lunar calendar.

In India, many Hindus mark the month by taking a holy bath every day, as they believe water has cleansing and purifying properties.

However, in England, one holy bath in Clacton's sea and being blessed at its tiny nearby temple is as close as people can get without making a long-haul flight.