Our Heritage
The Bristol Hindu Temple, also known as Sanatan Deevya Mandal, serves as a vibrant centre for worship, cultural celebration, and community gathering for the Hindu faith for the devotees from across the wider region, including South Gloucestershire, Northeast and North Somerset, Bath, and surrounding areas.
Dedicated to multiple Hindu deities, the temple plays a central role in both the religious and social life of the local Hindu community.
The temple was established in 1979 by Hindu families, many of whom had migrated from East African countries such as Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania during the early 1970s. In 1981, the community acquired and renovated a former Methodist church to create the temple as it stands today. An adjoining community hall, named Gandhi Hall, provides space for social and cultural functions. The Mandir was officially opened on Sunday 26th July 1981.
Deities
Murtis of all the major deities of the Hindu pantheon are consecrated at the three sanctum sites on the upper floor of the Temple
The Main Sanctum
The main sanctum is divided into three sections. The central
section houses Shiva with his consort Parvati. Radha and
Krishna are placed to the left and Rama, Sita, Laxman and
Hanuman on the right.
The female consorts represent Shakti, the divine Universal
energy and strength, that sustains the very existence of the
Universe.
Shiva and Parvati
Shiva (aka Mahadev, Mahesh) is one of the Hindu Trinity
responsible for the Dissolution/ Renewal of the Universe. The
other two being Brahama, the Creator and Vishnu the
Maintainer/ Preserver. The Trinity is responsible for the cyclical
nature of the Universe- Creation, Maintenance and Dissolution
Parvati, also known by names such as Uma, Gauri, and Shakti, is one of the principal goddesses in Hinduism, revered as the
goddess of power, energy, nourishment, harmony, love,
beauty, devotion, and motherhood. She is the consort of Shiva
and an embodiment of the divine feminine (Shakti),
representing the life-affirming and creative force that
complements Shiva’s ascetic nature.
Gayatri Mata
Gayatri Mata is a revered Hindu goddess and the personified
form of the Gayatri Mantra, one of the most sacred hymns in
Hinduism. She is considered the Goddess of Wisdom, the
mother of the Vedas, and a divine embodiment of spiritual
light and knowledge.
Gayatri Mata is usually associated with Savitri, the consort of
Lord Brahma, the creator god in Hinduism. She is considered a
manifestation of Saraswati, Parvati, and Lakshmi – the Tridevi
(three principal goddesses).
Radha-Krishna
Krishna is the central divine personality of Mahabharat and its
component Bhagvad Gita. Radha is known as the eternal
consort of Krishna, often seen as the feminine counterpart of
Krishna. Radha and Krishna are often worshipped together as
the divine couple, symbolizing the union of the human soul
with the Supreme.
Radha is revered as Krishna’s foremost devotee and eternal
consort, while Krishna represents the Supreme Being, the
source of all existence. In many traditions, Radha-Krishna is
venerated as the combined manifestation of the masculine
and feminine aspects of divinity, embodying love, devotion,
and the soul’s yearning for union with God
Ram Darbar
Rama, along with his brother Laxman, his consort Sita and devotee Hanuman, is the central divine personality of Ramayan. Sita is the incarnation of Laxmi, the consort of Vishnu.
Rama an avatar of Vishnu is shown with a bow (symbolizing
readiness to uphold dharma) and a calm, compassionate
expression. His posture and gestures convey reassurance to
devotees.
Ganesh
The section to the right of the central section houses Ganesh
(elephant headed son of Shiva and Parvati) and Ambaji who
is an incarnation or manifestation goddess Parvati.
Ganesh removes all obstacles in our path and is the Lord of
Wisdom. Hindus pray to Lord Ganesh at the start of any puja.
Ganesh is also Shiva and Parvati’s son. Ganesh is prominently
known as the remover of obstacles. Because of this, Hindus
worship him before any major endeavour they undertake.
Durga Maa
Durga Maa (mother) is the Mother of the Universe and the
Goddess of Strength and Power. She is depicted as riding on a
lion. The lion is a symbol of uncontrolled animalistic tendencies
(such as anger, arrogance, selfishness, greed, jealousy, desire
to harm others, etc.). Her sitting on it reminds us to control
these qualities so that they do not control us.
Dattatreya and Hanuman
The section to the left of the central section houses Dattatreya
and Hanuman.
Dattatreya is an incarnation of the divine trinity, Brahama,
Vishnu and Shiva.
Some traditions view Hanuman as a manifestation of Shiva.
However, he is universally accepted as a devotee and disciple
of Rama.
Shivaling
The sanctum to the left of the entrance of the upper floor of
the temple houses Shivaling which a symbolic representation
of formless Shiva and his infinite cosmic energy. Opposite
Shivling is Nandi, bull vehicle of Shiva. Other deities around the
Shivling are Ganesh and Parvati.
Spiritual Gurus and Saints
The sanctum to the right of the entrance houses murtis of spiritual gurus and saints:
Bhagwan Swaminarayan (Apr 1781 to Jun 1830)
Jalarambapa (Nov 1799 to Feb 1881)
Saibaba of Shirdi (1838 – Dec 1918)
Contact Us
Message Only - No Phone Calls
0786 949 3855
The best place to learn about Hinduism, is of course, at the source, the Temple, where one can absorb the sounds, the sights and the sacred environment of the culture, and observe the faith in practice.
To book a visit please fill in the School Visit Form.
School Visit FormDonations
The Hindu Temple is a charitable organisation and a registered UK charity. All Temple activities are funded by donations from individuals.
You can donate by setting up a Standing Order (fixed
monthly amount) or one-off donation via direct bank
transfer to Mandir’s bank account:
Name of the Account: The Hindu Temple
Bank: NatWest
Sort Code: 56-00-40
Account No: 66533848
Please enter your name in the Reference field.
If you are a UK taxpayer, the Temple can reclaim from HMRC, 25p for every £1 you donate. We need your name, house number and postcode.
Send an email to secretary@hindutemplebristol.co.uk stating the date of your payment, your name and your home address.
