History of Shree Gujarati Hindu Centre / Shree Krishna Temple

Gujaratis from the state of Gujarat in India migrated to the United Kingdom from India and East Africa during the 1960s. Many settled in Dudley and the surrounding areas of the West Midlands. As the Gujarati community in Dudley grew, there was a strong need to establish an organisation to support and promote religious, cultural, and social activities for local families.

Formation of the Gujarati Social Association (1970)

A key meeting was held on 28th June 1970 at 15 Queens Cross, Dudley, attended by 27 members of the Gujarati community. The purpose was to discuss the growing needs of the community and how best to support religious, cultural, and social life locally. From this meeting, an ad hoc committee of 11 members was formed.

A further meeting took place on 1st July 1970 at the home of Shree Harkishanbhai K Mistry, attended by 19 members. At this meeting, the organisation was formally established as the Gujarati Social Association.
The first committee was elected as follows:

• President: Shree Harkishanbhai Karsanbhai Mistry
• Secretary: Shree Govindbhai Kumbharia
• Treasurer: Shree Maganbhai Vallabhbhai Patel

Financial responsibilities were also supported by:

• Shree Kanjibhai Lallabhai Patel
• Shree Gosaibhai Unkabhai Patel

A Constitution Committee was also formed to guide the organisation.

Growing Community

As the years passed, the Association grew steadily. Committees changed over time, with several Presidents serving voluntarily and dedicating their time to the community. In the early years, the main focus was:

• Enrolling members
• Collecting fees
• Organising cultural and religious events
• Supporting community gatherings

By the late 1970s and early 1980s, many families had settled permanently in Dudley. This created a shared vision for a permanent community centre with a temple and hall facilities.

Hope Street Community Centre (1983)

After years of dedication and effort, the organisation was able to purchase a property on Hope Street, Dudley. The premises were officially taken over on 27th May 1983, and after modifications, the Opening Ceremony (Mangal Pravesh) was held on 27th September 1983. The ceremony was performed by Shree Maganbhai Premabhai Patel, with her daughter Ansuya carrying the “Kalesh” during the symbolic entry into the building.

Bhoomi Poojan Ceremony (1983)

Before establishing the temple space, a Bhoomi Poojan ceremony was performed on 27th August 1983 by:

• Priest Thakorbhai
• Shree ShivRam Shastri
• Shree Rajguru

The ceremony was sponsored by Shree Kanjibhai Lallabhai Patel and family, who also generously covered all associated costs.

Establishment of the Temple

A temporary prayer area was first created on the upper floor, which later developed into a permanent temple space.

The temple occupies part of the building, while the rest is used for:

• Cultural events
• Weddings and engagements
• Navratri, Diwali and New Year celebrations
• Youth, women and senior citizens’ activities
• Community gatherings

This made the Centre a true hub for both spiritual and social life.

Murti Pran Pratishtha (1991)

A historic milestone took place on 17th, 18th and 19th May 1991, when the Murti Pran Pratishtha ceremony was performed for:

• Shree Radha Krishna
• Gayatri Maa
• Gurudev Dattatreya Bhagwan
• Shree Ganeshji
• Shree Hanumanji

The ceremony was performed by Shree Girdharlal Acharya and Shree Jayeshbhai Joshi (Upacharya).

This was a deeply spiritual and memorable occasion for the Hindu community and the wider Dudley area, bringing people together in celebration and harmony.

Inauguration of Deities (1994)

Another important milestone took place in May 1994, when the inauguration ceremony of:

• Gau Mata
• Shiv Ling
• Shiv Parivar

was held on 22nd, 27th, 28th and 29th May 1994.

The religious ceremonies were performed by Priests Shree Ratilalbhai Pandya and Shree Girishbhai Vaidya.

Our Community Today

Today, Shree Gujarati Hindu Centre / Shree Krishna Temple continues to serve the Hindu community in Dudley and the wider West Midlands.

It provides a space not only for religious worship but also for cultural preservation, education, and community unity.

The Centre remains committed to:

• Preserving Hindu faith and Gujarati heritage
• Supporting community wellbeing
• Sharing culture with wider society
• Promoting peace, respect and inclusion for all